the saudi arabia pavilion image by remko tanis

there’s just 1 day left to go until the official opening of the shanghai world expo 2010.

here are some images of the saudi arabia pavilion which has been a collaboration between chinese and saudi architects –  consisting of a ‘silk road treasure boat’ situated in a ‘happy desert’. 

covering a total area of 6,000 square meters, the saudi arabia pavilion features a fine centerpiece: a huge hanging boat shaped like a half moon. many trees are planted on the top deck of the boat, creating a hanging garden, and thus epitomizing the oasis in the desert. the pavilion also boasts a 3D IMAX theater that is larger than any other such theater in the world. ‘tents’ are put up under the date trees for visitors to experience the feeling of ‘living in a tent’. the top deck is also a good spot for a nice riverside view.

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010 a bird’s eye view, image by meiguoxing

named ‘the arabian city’ and with the theme of ‘vitality for life’, the saudi arabia pavilion showcases the arabian wisdom in creating wonderful city life in spite of the severe natural environment without rivers or lakes. highlights of its exhibition include four types of cities: the city of energy, the city of oasis, the ancient city with rich cultural heritage, and the city of fast-growth economy.

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010 view from above photo AFP

the first floor of the pavilion is a garden with both chinese and saudi trees growing, a symbol of the friendship between the two nations. saudi arabia, the homeland of the date palm tree, has reproduced the scene of an oasis in the desert by replanting palm trees on both the rooftop garden and the friendship garden at the ground level.

the pavilion features a 2,000-square-meter cultural plaza where traditional cultural activities will take place. dancers from all over saudi arabia will participate in dances and other activities within the plaza on a daily basis. the main entrance and exit of the pavilion form part of the pavilion hall, which features an enormous atrium with walls and fountains with rich arabic geometrical latticework. visitors have the chance to explore the historical silk road route as well as traditional crafts and special collections.

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010 rendering of the saudi arabia pavilion saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010 rendering of the saudi arabia pavilion

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010

saudi arabia pavilion at shanghai world expo 2010 the pavilion at night