France is to issue a commemorative stamp to mark its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.
The eye-catching memento – which features the dazzling design of the country's pavilion – will be available at post offices throughout France from June 21.
The global spectacle – the first world fair to be held in the Middle East – will begin on October 1. It was due to take place last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
France is set to make a big impression at the expo, with construction work on its pavilion nearing completion.
Drawing inspiration from the palette of Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies oil paintings, it will stand 21 metres high and boast a 1,800-square-metre facade and 1,000-square-metre forecourt. Thousands of solar tiles are also being fitted to the roof and front of the pavilion.
The budget for France’s participation at the expo is €28 million ($33.45m) – twice the amount the country spent at the 2015 Milan Expo.
Half of this amount is for the construction, design and maintenance of the pavilion. The remainder covers operating costs and the six-month programme of events.
France set to wow crowds at Expo 2020 Dubai:
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A rendering of the France Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Construction work on France Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai will be complete in April. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
The building is being clad in thousands of solar tiles, their colours inspired by Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies' paintings. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
At 21 metres tall, the France Pavilion will be the eighth tallest pavilion on the Expo site. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Astronaut Thomas Pesquet is an ambassador for the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. He is set to follow its inauguration from the International Space Station. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
The pavilion will feature an upper level that can accommodate 320 guests. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
The facade of the France Pavilion will cover 1,800 square metres, and its forecourt 1,000 square metres, making it the fifth largest pavilion on the Expo site. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
The upper floor will be used as a conference space, where companies will present events on meeting UN sustainable development goals. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Erik Linquier, commissioner general for France at Expo 2020 Dubai. He says the France Pavilion aims to showcase 'daring, optimism and collective sense'. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Earlier construction work on the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
An aerial view of the pavilion's solar tiles, inspired by French artist's Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies' paintings. Courtesy: France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai
