As the days pass by, the excitement for Dubai Expo 2020 heightens. As it gets closer, the global event has been launching exciting platforms to keep the visitors curious.

With less than a month left for the mega event, Dubai’s Design and Crafts Programme has launched a design platform to present more than 40 local and international designers who showcase stories from the UAE through exclusive curated collections.

Running from October 1 to March 31, 2022, MENASA will be located next to Al Wasl Plaza, at the heart of the event.

The platform, called MENASA will allow visitors to explore and experience Emirati crafts and traditions through a contemporary lens.

MENASA, which translates to ‘platform’ in the Arabic language, will feature seven design collaborations between local and international artisans and designers under the title ‘Craft Stories.’ It will also showcase 24 designers and organisations from across the country that will highlight its contemporary design scene, under the ‘Designer of the Week’ title.

“The content that we are bringing to Expo through MENASA is innovative, intriguing and will surely capture the hearts and imaginations of our visitors,” said Dr. Hayat Shamsuddin, Senior Vice President, arts and culture Expo 2020 Dubai, in a released statement, adding, “By bringing together artisans and designers from the UAE and around the world, we are nurturing a rich cultural and creative dialogue that will contribute to a meaningful legacy after Expo 2020 closes its doors.”

Through the MENASA platform, series of diverse collections like Safeefa (palm frond weaving), Talli (embroidery), Sadu (bedouin weaving), Gargour making (wire-crafted fish traps), pearl diving, clay, and coffee making will be presented at the event.

These works will be shown alongside a series of documentaries, shot on location around the UAE, that will explore the work of the artisans and the crafts highlighted within each collaboration.