McLaren Construction and Pico have agreed a deal to build the UK Pavilion at an upcoming World Expo in Dubai.

Themed "Innovating for a Shared Future" and located in the 'Opportunity' district, the pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will showcase the UK as a global hub of innovation providing solutions for the future. It will enable people worldwide to contribute a word to a collective global message, which will appear on the front façade, generated by artificial intelligence and visitors' contributions.

The centrepiece of the UK Pavilion is a 20-metre-high, cone-shaped structure made up of rows of protruding slats that extend outwards from one central point to form a circular facade. The building will feature cross-laminated timber on a concrete structure, with much of the Pavilion manufactured and assembled off site in order to maximise quality and safety standards.

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During construction, the project will support the Expo 2020 Dubai objectives to create a low-carbon economy, using local suppliers and materials wherever possible and employing sustainable construction methods.

The design for the pavilion was conceived by UK artist and designer, Es Devlin OBE and will be produced by global brand experience agency, Avantgarde.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "As the first major international moment after we leave the EU, Expo 2020 Dubai will mark the UK becoming a truly independent trading nation.


"The Expo provides a global platform to showcase our ambition for the future, and our participation provides excellent opportunities for UK businesses that have already won major contracts.


"I am delighted that our newly appointed construction partners Pico and McLaren will be working with our design team to bring the best of British creativity, innovation and expertise to the world."

(CM/MH)