Casa Ecuador at Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A Unique Cultural Showcase of Ecuador

Published on December 10, 2025

In a groundbreaking moment for cultural diplomacy, Casa Ecuador – The Embassy of Nature, has made its successful debut at the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As the first-ever national pavilion to be featured at an F1 Grand Prix, the event marked a major milestone for Ecuador’s global cultural, environmental, and diplomatic presence.

From December 5-8, 2025, Casa Ecuador attracted around 60,000 visitors per day, strategically positioned behind the F1 paddock at Yas Marina Circuit. This immersive pavilion, hosted by the Ecuadorian NGO Fundación Identidad Nacional, offered visitors an engaging journey into Ecuador’s rich cultural, gastronomic, and environmental heritage. The activation brought a unique blend of digital innovation, natural installations, and sensory storytelling, making it one of the most impactful cultural activations at this year’s F1 calendar.

A Multisensory Cultural Experience

Casa Ecuador’s pavilion showcased Ecuador’s world-renowned biodiversity and celebrated its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture. A major highlight was the Cacao Journey, an immersive experience that illustrated Ecuador’s biodiversity, particularly its role as the global leader in cacao production. Visitors had the chance to learn about Ecuador’s cocoa cultivation process and how it contributes to the global chocolate industry.

One of the central features of the activation was a spectacular floral installation of over 100,000 Ecuadorian roses, sourced from Sunrite Farms. These roses, celebrated for their exceptional size and vibrant colors, became one of the most photographed elements of the weekend. The installation symbolized Ecuador’s strong connection to nature and its prominence in global agricultural exports to the UAE.

Guests also enjoyed a dynamic 360-degree projection experience, accompanied by natural soundscapes and curated gastronomy tastings that highlighted Ecuador’s four distinct regions: the Coast, Andes, Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands. This rich cultural journey provided a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse ecosystems, local food traditions, and its commitment to sustainability.

A Key Moment for Ecuador’s Global Presence

The success of Casa Ecuador at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix reflects the growing global interest in Ecuador’s culture, sustainable initiatives, and natural heritage. With the UAE being a key market for Ecuador’s tourism and cultural exports, the event was an ideal opportunity to forge stronger ties and showcase the country’s offerings to a highly influential international audience.

The UAE, known for its forward-thinking approach to sustainable innovation, was a fitting backdrop for Casa Ecuador’s message of environmental stewardship and cultural celebration. The experience also highlighted Ecuador’s expanding role in global sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on responsible travel, community empowerment, and the preservation of biodiversity.

Exclusive Experiences Beyond the Pavilion

Casa Ecuador’s presence at the Grand Prix extended beyond the main pavilion with an exclusive terrace experience hosted at the W Abu Dhabi. This terrace overlooked the Yas Marina Circuit, adorned with thousands of Ecuadorian roses, offering a visually stunning and unique vantage point during the race weekend. The luxury experience created a standout visual feature and allowed visitors to further connect with Ecuador’s rich natural heritage.

A Gala to Celebrate Ecuadorian Excellence

On December 6, 2025, Casa Ecuador hosted a high-profile gala at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, attended by Ecuadorian officials, international business leaders, and cultural icons. The exclusive event featured a 24-karat edible gold menu and a live performance by Oscar-winning musician Nicolas Becker, offering a taste of Ecuador’s vibrant culture and luxury offerings. The gala also honored several individuals who are advancing sustainability, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation, with Casa Ecuador Recognitions awarded to global leaders in responsible leadership and tourism.

The Embassy of Nature: A Vision for the Future

The Embassy of Nature, the brainchild of Luis Felipe Fernández-Salvador y Campodonico, was introduced in 2024 at the United Nations as a supranational initiative aimed at integrating the world’s natural systems into the global economy. By leveraging AI, blockchain, and advanced verification systems, the Embassy of Nature aims to create ecological instruments, such as tokenized carbon units and biodiversity assets, while promoting sustainable employment and fostering cross-border cooperation.

The success of Casa Ecuador at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks just the beginning of the Embassy of Nature’s global journey. The initiative will continue its expansion in 2026, with upcoming showcases in New York City during the FIFA World Cup and further editions planned in Miami and Madrid. This international expansion reinforces Ecuador’s growing cultural, environmental, and diplomatic influence worldwide.

Casa Ecuador Shines at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The debut of Casa Ecuador at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix represents a major milestone in Ecuador’s cultural diplomacy. With its immersive cultural experiences, stunning floral installations, and focus on sustainability, Casa Ecuador showcased the best of Ecuadorian heritage and innovation. As the first-ever national pavilion at an F1 event, this activation underscores the importance of cultural exchange and global cooperation in advancing sustainability and heritage preservation.