Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman’s strategic presence at Expo 2020 is helping the visitors to get a glimpse of what this gateway to the Arabian Peninsula has to offer to the world.
As the Expo received over four million visitors (as per ticket sales) by the end of November, it gave an opportunity for the Sultanate of Oman to focus on its unique features – friendly and welcoming people, simple tourist visa regime, a home away from home for many nationalities and its specially gifted natural beauty.
As per official estimates, 518, 312 people have visited the Sultanate of Oman’s Pavillion as of December 4.
Representatives from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Ministry of Commerce and Industry manning the Oman Pavillion, told the Observer, “The response has been great and people do come with curiosities and questions about the Sultanate of Oman. As the country is just next door from the Expo venue, I am sure a sizeable number of people will make a point to visit the Sultanate of Oman in these months.”
The Ministry of Tourism, in association with Oman Air, has been offering tourism packages and promotions for visitors of all ages and nationalities.
A South Korean visitor at the venue said, “I am told that the Sultanate of Oman can be easily accessed by road with visa on arrival options. I will surely make a point to visit the country if time and the situation permits,”
Located in the Mobility District, on the occasion of the 51st National Day, the Oman Pavilion paid tribute to its ‘gift’ to the world – frankincense.
The Pavillion structure resembles the tree that produces the precious resin, while the interior has five zones detailing how frankincense has benefited the country, including its uses in medicine, food, and cosmetics. The pavilion is both mystical and futuristic, taking visitors on a journey connecting people and minds across time and place.
The Omani Pavilion design is an abstracted representation of the Frankincense Tree and according to officials for the first time, the Conceptual design was developed by young Omani architects – Alya al Battashi and Rihab al Zakwani.
Going by the mood of the visitors, Pavillion has been successful in telling the story of the Sultanate of Oman, rooted in a respect for the richness of the past, inspired by the innovation of the present, and confidence in the future.
As part of the National Day celebrations at Al Wasl Plaza, investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman were introduced to business leaders and investors from around the world, especially in construction, industry, transport, aviation, and free zones – sectors that are experiencing continued growth.
According to organizers, visitors have been taking advantage of the weekday Pass, while the Expo School Programme has been welcoming 200,000 pupils from private and public schools across the UAE.
Several high-profile world delegates, including heads of various states, have been visiting the expo on various occasions.
Expo 2020 also joined forces with UNICEF and the UAE Ministry of Community Development to celebrate World Children’s Day with a slate of youth-led festivities that culminated in a spectacular concert at Al Wasl Plaza, which included Lebanese singer Yara, UNICEF Regional Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa.
