Light and Enlightenment

The French pavilion for Expo 2020 Duba will embody the concept of Enlightenment, an eighteenth-century symbol of sharing and spreading knowledge. Named Light, Lights, it will express France’s vision of development and competitiveness for the common good.

Inspired by the idea of an oasis formed by a canopy of light, the designers, Atelier du Prado Architectes and Celnikier & Grabli, fused light and structure into a showcase for permanent and changing exhibitions. In accordance with France’s ecological ambition, the pavilion, which can be dismantled and reused, will embody the best of French innovations.

French Pavilion Exterior View of the Photovoltaic Tiles
Credits: Rieure de Jour

“The Expo 2020 Dubai will be a major opportunity to demonstrate that our choices in favour of ecological and inclusive transition are conducive to solutions, meaning and growth. Solutions to make daily life respectful of the planet and citizens. Meaningful and growing also for our companies, both public and private, whose innovations will delight future visitors to our Pavilion,” emphasizes Brune Poirson, Secretary of State to François de Rugy, Minister of State, Minister for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition.

The UAE is France’s second largest partner in the Gulf. Close bilateral relations already exis, as exhibited in such projects such as the Abu Dhabi Louvre or the Sorbonne. French expertise is also very present in Dubai in strategic sectors as hydrocarbons and energy, aerospace and transport, distribution, luxury, banking, tourism and services, pharmaceuticals, and arts and culture.