Global tech firm Cisco has been appointed to manage, operate, and maintain Expo 2020 Dubai’s entire IT network, representing one of the most advanced operations of its kind in the region. Part of the big project was unveiling the Cisco Grove, an immersive environment designed to demonstrate how intelligent networks can enable new possibilities for a sustainable, inclusive future.


A VISION OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Located at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Partner Hub, Cisco’s aim for its digitally powered environment took inspiration from natural groves and their intelligent underground systems. Aligned with Expo 2020’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the Cisco Grove was to illustrate how smart, intuitive networks can create greater connectivity, forge opportunity and power an inclusive future for all.
Cisco wanted a design that shares the vision of Expo 2020 Dubai to deliver the most digitally connected and immersive event in World Expo history and showcases power digital experiences spread throughout the Expo site. With close collaboration with Spencer interiors, our team was more than ready to surpass the client’s expectations.


CREATING A WORLD OF POTENTIAL

After weeks of brainstorming and joint efforts, we were able to bring up a state-of-the-art projection and hologram-based experience, allowing visitors to select one of three interactive experiences and engage with the network to learn more about ‘The City of Tomorrow’, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning’, or ‘The Multicloud Universe’.

As Expo’s Premier Digital Network Partner, Cisco is now fostering human and digital interactions every day, showcasing the incredible opportunities technology presents and helping to shape how we connect, communicate and collaborate. To make a project of this great scale to work, several challenges were faced by our team, like dealing with new set of regulations underplayed for Expo 2020 and abiding various new processes to obtain different approvals. But thanks to our great teamwork, as these were sorted out smoothly.

Alongside the ‘Universe of Data’ experience, several meeting spaces in form of booths were put up to meet with Cisco’s experts to discuss the latest digitization trends and to join in the company’s green efforts. Touch down tables and even swings were also added to be enjoyed by visitors.


MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE

With Expo 2020’s doors now open to the public, visitors can now experience first-hand the capabilities of secure, immersive, digital connectivity. They can easily share their expo adventures on social media ensuring fast and secure wireless connections throughout the 4.38 square kilometre site or engage with over 190 country pavilions through QR scanning, augmented and virtual reality, all made possible by CISCO.