Chinese chatter for children on the 2010 Expo website

ABU DHABI // Children in the UAE and China will be able to chat about the future of Abu Dhabi on a new website set up ahead of the 2010 Expo in Shanghai. The website outlines the UAE's plans for its pavilion at the six-month-long Expo, whose theme is "Better city, Better life". The event aims to highlight examples of energy efficient cities around the world.

The UAE's pavilion, designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster and Partners, will cover 6,000 square metres. One scheme that will figure heavily in the pavilion is Vision 2030, designed for Abu Dhabi by the Canadian urban planner Larry Beasley. The plan for the capital encompasses everything from transport to building codes and pedestrian areas. The website also includes information for would-be visitors to the UAE, offering insights into the country's landscape and culture.

A children's section includes a virtual museum and an interactive presentation on the UAE's wildlife. And there are plans for a forum in which Chinese and Emirati children can discuss ways of improving their cities. Organisers claim that, with more than 100 million people having visited the main Expo 2010 website already, the UAE is well positioned to benefit from both its own site and its participation in Shanghai.

"The website provides a window into the opportunities that exist for individuals, companies and organisations to become involved in the country's development," a spokesman for the project said. Expo 2010 opens on May 1 and will include more than 200 participants. Seven million people are expected to visit. The website can be visited at www.expo2010uae.com. jhume@thenational.ae