A minimal majlis design for the EXPO 2020 Special Guest Area within the Santiago Calatrava designed UAE pavilion where guests are immersed in calm tranquility reflecting traditional UAE values of Humility, Community, Equality, Hospitality, Respect and Unity. 

The concept was to move away from lavish and extravagant majlis designs typically seen by offering an alternative more grounded, locally inspired concept that speaks to traditional UAE socio-religious and human-centric values. 

The aim was for guests to feel relaxed within a communal setting in tune with themselves and their senses while enjoying a contemporary majlis with meaning and value

The scale and proportion of the EXPO 2020 Special Guest Area establishes a relationship between guests and encourages informal interactions and inclusivity. 

An aspiration within the design is the establishment of a new standard for Emirati hosting and protocol experience which better reflects the national values of community and friendship.