Muscat: Omani youth, whose talents helped create the nation’s pavilion at Expo 2020, as well as the experiences available to visitors, are to be thanked for the country winning the gold award at the event.
Mohsin bin Khamis Al Balushi, the commissioner general of the Oman pavilion at Expo 2020, said while receiving the award: “We are proud of what has been achieved while participating at the expo, and today we reap the result of the efforts of the Omani youth who participated in creating the pavilion’s concept and content with creativity and professionalism.”
Oman won the gold award for theme interpretation at Expo 2020, which was held in Dubai in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Oman’s pavilion
The country’s pavilion was built in the shape of a burner of frankincense, a resin found almost exclusively in Oman that was shipped all over the ancient world and immensely shaped its history and culture. The pavilion also showcased future investment, diversification and business opportunities available, encouraging those from other countries to set up operations in Oman.
Reasons why Oman won
There were eight reasons Oman won the theme interpretation award, according to the national Government Communications Centre.
One of Oman’s themes – connecting minds through space and time – resonated really well with audiences, as did a 3D hologram of a frankincense tree that people could explore to get a better understanding of Omani culture. People were also able to take a virtual tour of frankincense groves, helping them understand the connection the country has with its natural wonders.
To add to the frankincense experience, the Oman pavilion also featured a tale that told the role it played over the centuries in shaping the country. People could also feel and smell the various strains of frankincense grown in Oman, and understand the role this resin continues to play in daily Omani life.
The Oman pavilion also showcased other projects that are dear to the country: The Arabian leopard conservation project that aims to improve the population of the rare jungle cat, and the Million Date Palms project, which was founded to provide Oman with food security, while also providing green cover and shade to the country’s cities, and improving the aesthetic appearance of urban areas.
Another aspect of Oman’s bond with nature that was featured at Expo 2020 was how the country has become a haven for migratory birds, which flock to many parts of the country and are a welcome sight for nature lovers.
When it came to focusing on the future, Oman displayed a number of key projects to visitors, including the creation of a model city, electricity generation through renewable sources and transitioning to a knowledge-based economy while also showcasing the ambitions of the nation.
Organisers also paid tribute to the guides at the pavilion, who over the last six months had shown more than a million visitors around.
“To be part of such a mega event and represent our country with pride and enthusiasm while our hearts are filled with joy and passion…it was worth every second we spent in this place,” said the organisers. “We got to interact with a lot of mindsets and cultures, seniors and children from all over the world.
“Now, it is time to say goodbye,” they added. “We do not want to think that all this will end, but to be part of the world’s greatest show is our gain. Thank you from the Sultanate of Oman pavilion.”
