A Revolutionary Leap in Aviation

The transformation of the Emirates Pavilion from Expo 2020 Dubai into the cutting-edge Ebdaa Innovation Hub has officially positioned itself as the Corporate Project of the Year at the AV Awards 2024. The project, which commenced in September 2020, reflects a commitment to creativity, as "Ebdaa" translates to "creativity" in Arabic. This innovative hub leverages robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality technologies to redefine the work experience for employees and visitors alike.

By harnessing the expertise of AVI-SPL’s experience technology group alongside the creative agency Purple, the Emirates Group now boasts an advanced workspace. They've curated a forward-thinking aviation journey that employs immersive visualization and detailed planning as key components of this revolutionary project.

One of the standout features of the new hub is its state-of-the-art 55-seat extended reality (XR) theatre. This impressive space integrates LED-powered staging with XR capabilities, all enhanced by camera tracking and real-time 3D rendering. Presenters are now able to connect with their audiences in breathtaking simulated environments, creating a level of engagement that was previously unattainable.

Another notable upgrade is the AI-powered executive boardroom, specifically designed as a hybrid meeting space. This room enables executives to collaborate seamlessly with global teams and audiences. Equipped with an ultra-wide 21:9 LCD display, it provides a Microsoft Teams Front Row experience that operates through multi-camera tracking and directed audio pickup—perfect for high-stakes meetings.

The hub also features the circular IX studio, a space dedicated to product design sessions and tailored guest experiences. The studio utilizes immersive hi-fi video, audio, and presentation technology, enhanced by the incorporation of repurposed projectors, servers, and a comprehensive audio control system—all enriched with advanced acoustic treatments.

An “Innovation Heritage Insights” wall captures attention with its captivating LED display. This existing wall was ingeniously reconfigured with additional hardware, integrating creative storytelling and interactive tabletop displays that breathe life into the Emirates Group's commitment to innovation.

Since its launch, the Emirates Innovation team has utilized this new space for office use at least three times a week. It has also been made available for customer experiences, showcasing the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Notably, the Emirates HR and Pilot teams recorded a groundbreaking LiveStream session for aspiring pilots that featured a sophisticated Tricaster setup—far surpassing the traditional webcam and PowerPoint approach. Captains expressed their excitement over the stunning visual experience and the lively engagement it allowed.

Originally built for Expo 2020, the Emirates Pavilion is rooted in sustainable design and modern fabrication techniques. The facility's architectural choices align with sustainability principles, favoring reusable and recyclable materials while significantly reducing energy and water consumption. Under the Ebdaa branding, the commitment to sustainability continues robustly. AVI-SPL’s smart collaboration room exemplifies this ethos, equipped with the latest technology to manage content, lighting, privacy, and climate instantly at the touch of a button.

AVI-SPL’s focus on sustainability has led them to identify multiple opportunities to repurpose existing technologies, thus minimizing environmental impact while maximizing project value. The launch of the Ebdaa Innovation Hub marks a pivotal moment not just for Emirates but for the entire aviation industry, as it sets new standards for what corporate innovation spaces can achieve.