UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Francis Maude, visited the UAE Pavilion at Milan Expo yesterday, 17th June.

The British Minister was welcomed by Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Manager of the UAE Pavilion, and Omar Shehadeh, SVP international Affairs & Engagement, Dubai Expo 2020, who took him on a tour of the pavilion during which he learnt about the challenges the UAE faced during the early stages of its establishment and then watched a short film, ‘Family Tree', which follows a young girl, Sara, as she learns that the values and experiences of past generations can help in the quest for a sustainable future. The mini-drama highlights the scarcity of water and celebrates the role of the date palm in sustaining life in the Emirates during difficult times. The Minister was also introduced to the city of Dubai, and EXPO 2020, which will be held there. A professionally produced film explains the history and success of Dubai, and what visitors can expect from EXPO 2020 Dubai.

During his tour of the UAE pavilion, which was designed by UK architects Foster + Partners, the Minister saw several exhibitors at the pavilion including Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, and Etisalat.

The central theme of the UAE pavilion is "Food for Thought", encouraging visitors to reflect and address the challenges of sustainability in water, food and energy. Foster + Partners took their inspiration for the pavilion's design from the evocative landscape and sustainable, traditional architecture of the UAE. The visitor experience was designed by UK creative design consultancy, Land Design Studio.

Speaking after the tour, the Minister of State said, "The UAE pavilion is breathtaking. I am proud that UK companies played a part in the creation of this innovative masterpiece. If the pavilion is anything to go by, the world should be very excited about what Dubai 2020 will bring."

Last week, UK Trade and Investment hosted a "Grown in Britain" event in Dubai to promote the UK's work at the Milan Expo and to showcase UK expertise in green-housing, waste water/energy management and other areas in the sustainability field.