Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE – : It’s almost time to wrap up the activities for the year and start planning the upcoming holidays. For those that have pencilled in a trip to Expo 2020 Dubai in their diaries, a visit to the Mauritius Pavilion is unmissable.
Located in the Opportunity District of Expo 2020, Mauritius Pavilion is a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Al Wasl Plaza, and reflects the splendid beauty of the island of Mauritius. The pavilion is themed ‘Roots of The Future’, symbolic of the country’s achievements today and how it is intertwined with its past.
The pavilion takes visitors on an interactive journey of the tropical paradise island of Mauritius with a textured seascape wall and forest, and its floor projections. Guests can learn more about the beautiful flora and fauna on the island including the country’s national flower, the Trochetia Boutoniana, that grows on Le Morne Mountain (a world heritage site) and the different species of Ebony trees.
Visitors can spot life-size displays of endemic birds such as the Pink pigeon, the Echo parakeet, the Mauritius fody, the Mauritius kestrel, the majestic Paille-en-queue and the beloved Dodo, which was last sighted in 1662. With these features, the pavilion aims to educate visitors about the importance of environmental conservation.
The Mauritius Pavilion is divided into four zones, tied with mysteries riddles (sirandanns) that are woven across. The predominant colour of the pavilion is warm, bright, and inviting thus reflecting the Mauritian hospitality. The pavilion also highlights the emotional and historic connection that the country has with sugarcane cultivation.
Zone 1: Unlocking Access
Visitors will start their journey by experiencing the warm Mauritian culture introduced by a sirandann and a ‘welcome’ message in different languages. Visitors can unlock their access to the magical world through an interactive world map. Guests will then learn more about the exquisite landscape of Mauritius. Fun virtual reality surfing experiences are also located in this zone.
Zone 2: Reaping the Rewards
The second zone is dominated by a bright ambiance representing peace, good governance, cultural diversity, and economic prosperity. This zone is a treat for the senses with a sweet smell and sounds of the waves and birds. Visitors will discover fruits and flowers of seven colours and will be invited to “reap the rewards”. Representing the decades of hard work that has made Mauritius one of Africa’s leading countries, these fruits are individually connected to a colourful optical fibre sprawled along the ceiling. At this zone, children can also watch a video about the extinct Dodo bird, along with observing its replica.
Zone 3: The Hub
The optic fibre symbolises the progressive and futuristic economy of Mauritius and merges in a central space called The Hub. This zone connects the branches to the roots, the future to the past and Mauritius to the African continent and the rest of the world.
Through an interactive experience across seven different stations, visitors will explore Mauritius’ role as a hub for finance, education, logistics, information and communications technology (ICT) and other sectors that make Mauritius a diverse and prosperous economy.
Zone 4: The Roots of The Future
This zone is an organic art installation of sugarcane plants, depicting “roots of the future”. Each plant has a portrait of a Mauritian ancestor along with a story of their humble beginnings, stemmed in sugarcane agriculture. One of the plants carries a mirror where visitors can view their own reflection, serving a reminder that everyone is a root of the future, and is vital in creating a foundation for the next generation.
Before leaving the pavilion, guests can also enter an exciting competition to win a trip to Mauritius or buy authentic Mauritian products from the exhibition shop.