Moderated by Dr. Lamees Hamdan, Abu Dhabi Art presents a discussion between some of the key people involved in the United Arab Emirates Pavilion in Venice, including featured artist Reem Al Ghaith; Head of Arts & Culture at the Emirates Foundation and architect of the Venice internship programme, Salwa Mikdadi; and a participant in this distinguished programme and a Research Coordinator for TDIC Cultural Department, Afra Al Kaabi. This panel will examine how the UAE Venice Pavilion came together, from the commissioning of the pavilion to the selected artworks, to the successful UAE internship programme that saw 22 Emiratis participate. This panel will also reflect on the exhibition in the context of the wider biennale, and open up a discussion of international biennials in general and the importance of national participation.