A modular cultural environment brought gahwa, palm heritage, traditional medicine, hunting and marine crafts into an interactive COP28 visitor journey.

From 30 November to 12 December 2023, the UAE Pavilion at Expo City Dubai offered COP28 visitors an interactive cultural experience celebrating the traditional crafts, knowledge and heritage of the UAE.


Evolution collaborated with the National Projects Office to create a space in which sustainability was communicated through lived cultural practice rather than abstract messaging alone. Traditional making, resource use and relationships with the natural environment became the central visitor content.


The experience connected modular scenic design, live artisans, ambassador-led interpretation and day-to-night technical support. Guests could watch, ask questions and participate, turning heritage into an active encounter rather than a static display.

The Challenge


The pavilion needed to present several cultural subjects within one coherent environment: gahwa preparation, date palms, traditional medicine, hunting traditions and marine crafts. Each required enough context to be understood while maintaining an intuitive route through the wider space.


The installation also had to align with COP28 sustainability objectives and operate continuously across the conference period. Modular elements, live demonstrations, lighting, audio and host activity therefore needed to remain adaptable, durable and consistent from daytime operation into evening.

Evolution Scenic built sustainable pavilion structure using locally sourced eco-friendly materials

The Solution


Evolution developed a modular display solution that blended with the surrounding pavilion environment and supported reuse and efficient installation. The design created distinct cultural stations within one connected experience, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of Emirati heritage without the space feeling fragmented.


Guests encountered gahwa prepared over an open fire, the importance of date palms, traditional medicine and the UAE’s historic relationships with hunting and marine life. Live artisans demonstrated traditional crafts in front of visitors, keeping the skills, materials and techniques behind each practice visible and creating opportunities for direct interaction.


Ayallah performances introduced a collective cultural rhythm, while ambassadors guided visitors through the experience and provided deeper context around each cultural practice. This helped connect individual demonstrations into a wider narrative of Emirati heritage.


Lighting and audio solutions supported the environment as conditions shifted from day to night. Evolution coordinated artisans, installations, hosts and visitor engagement as one cohesive cultural experience throughout the UAE Pavilion.

Delivery Highlights


  • Cultural guest experience operating throughout COP28 at the UAE Pavilion.
  • Modular display solution aligned with the pavilion’s sustainability objectives.
  • Live gahwa preparation over an open fire.
  • Content exploring date palms, traditional medicine, hunting and marine crafts.
  • Artisan demonstrations allowing visitors to observe traditional making processes.
  • Ayallah performances and ambassador-led guided tours.
  • Lighting and audio solutions supporting smooth day-to-night operation.
  • Integrated artisan, host, installation and guest-engagement management.
Maritime heritage display featuring palm frond boats, fishing nets, and historical photos at COP28 UAE Pavilion

Outcome


The UAE Pavilion gave visitors a cultural journey grounded in practice. Heritage was encountered through fire, materials, movement, sound and conversation, making traditional knowledge tangible within a global climate forum.


The modular environment and live programme created a connection between heritage and contemporary relevance. Rather than presenting traditions as static displays, the experience showed how knowledge, skills and practices continue to shape the UAE’s cultural identity today.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

National Projects Office


Evolution Events: Led cultural experience planning, artisan and ambassador management, Ayallah programming, guest engagement, stakeholder coordination and live operation.


Evolution Scenic: Designed and produced the modular displays and physical cultural-activation environments.


Evolution Technical: Delivered the lighting and audio systems supporting the experience across daytime and evening operation.


Additional Project Support:

Evolution Furniture