ISLAMABAD – Like other countries Pakistan is enthusiastically participating in the first mega Middle East, Dubai Expo 2020, which inaugurated on October 1 with a lavish ceremony of fireworks, music and messaging about the power of global collaboration for a more sustainable future. The expo has a “unique” Pakistani pavilion of ministries of commerce and information technology besides more than 1200 Pakistani companies and individuals are participating. Likewise, thousands of Pakistanis are travelling to participate in the Dubai Expo which has turned into a world scale festival. Pakistan has set up its pavilion under the theme, Pakistan: The Hidden Treasure, to promote tourism, commerce and investment. Constructed at the cost of $28.72 million, the pavilion was officially handed over to the Pakistani authorities on March 14. It occupies a large piece of land that is about 35,000 square feet and is located in the Opportunity District.Throughout the six months, countries will arrange cultural events and business seminars at the expo to entertain people and highlight opportunities for trade and commerce. The expo originally planned to take place between October 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021 was postponed because of coronavirus pandemic, will continue until April 10, 2022. In addition, Pakistan has also set up a “unique” Pakistani pavilion of ministries of commerce and information technology. There are 200 countries and exhibitors participating in the expo. Dubai, the region’s tourism, trade and business hub, is hoping to boost its economy by attracting 25 million business and tourist visits to the world fair which has been built from scratch on 4.3 sq km (1.7 sq mile) of desert. The Gulf state has relaxed most coronavirus restrictions but the Expo requires face masks to be worn and for visitors over 18 to be vaccinated against, or test negative for, COVID-19. Before the pandemic, the consultancy EY forecast that the Expo would over the course of its six months contribute 1.5% of the UAE’s gross domestic product.