Originally, the Al Azi acted as a celebration of victory on the field of battle. Today it is a celebration of pride, praising the traditional Arab values of unity, solidarity and courage. Stylistically, it consists of traditional Arabic poetry, with a poet leading and a chorus behind him that ‘answers’ his call. Chorus members hold mock rifles, while the lead poet carries a sword.

In honour of UAE National Day, Expo 2020 Dubai will host the Al Azi performance, with a special adaption fit for the moment. Emirati people will be able to celebrate their culture, while expats will have an opportunity to learn more about the heritage of the UAE.

Our story told through poetry

Al Azi Cultural Performance

A stylistic celebration of traditional Arab values of unity, solidarity and courage, led by Emirati poet AlWasmy.

Inside Expo_New

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Exhibitor logo

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Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl 

Notice the Expo logo at the centre of Al Wasl Plaza's oculus.

Al Wasl Dome 3

Experience a towering structure under which the Leaning Tower of Pisa could fit.

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Al Wasl Plaza Images

The Opening Ceremony: A Story of Hope

Expo 2020 Dubai, the first Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region in the 170 years of World Expo history, opened with a celebration of global togetherness and optimism. Spectacular storytelling, performances, fireworks, and immersive projections on the dome of Al Wasl, the heart of Expo 2020, all told a story of collaboration and hope for the future, echoing Expo 2020 Dubai's theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". Global artists joining in the celebration included Andrea Bocelli, Ellie Goulding, Lang Lang and Mohammed Abdu.

Description 

General view of Al Wasl Plaza 

The first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 opened with a celebration of global connection and hope for the future.

Jaw-dropping immersive projections beginning with the fiery birth of our planet.

A celebration of the majesty of nature, both underwater and on land.

Incredible local and international performers.

Image Gallery

Expo 2020 Dubai Opening Ceremony

Long ago, travellers referred to Dubai as Al Wasl, or “the connection” – a name that reflects the area’s heritage as a meeting point. This spirit of coming together takes shape in Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020’s spectacular centrepiece and gathering ground for celebration and wonder. 

Situated at the meeting point of Expo’s three thematic districts, Al Wasl Plaza's dome is tall enough to fit the Leaning Tower of Pisa beneath it. By night, she transforms into a 360-degree projection screen, blanketed by more than 250 state-of-the-art projectors. Al Wasl Plaza is a hub for visitors and the vibrant heart of our Expo.

UAE flag

Daily performances, national day ceremonies and more

Al Wasl Dome Projections

Immersive 360-degree domed projection screen

Al Wasl exterior

Lush garden spaces for relaxation and connection

Al Wasl features

Al Wasl Logo-01

Al Wasl Plaza 360

Al Wasl Plaza is 130 metres in diameter and more than 67 metres tall. Delicate-looking despite its titanic scale, her pattern is inspired by our Expo's logo, which is fully visible at the oculus.

and magical

Extraordinary

The life force of the Expo 2020 site, Al Wasl Plaza proudly carries the old name of Dubai.

The beating heart of Expo 2020

A series of immersive 360° videos of Al Wasl's projection shows that put you centre stage for each stunning performance. 

DUBAI, 12 October 2021. Underwater Harmony performance at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Christopher Pike/Expo 2020 Dubai)


Underwater Harmony performance at Al Wasl

Al Wasl Plaza 360° Immersive Experiences

The Beating Heart of Expo 2020

The Beating Heart of Expo

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Join us in celebrating the UAE 50th National Day at Expo 2020

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

Open-heartedness and ambition are values captured by the UAE Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The remarkable building is reminiscent of a falcon in flight, inspired by our national bird. Once inside, go on a multisensory journey that chronicles the rise of a nation of “dreamers who do”. Traverse a dreamlike landscape filled with dunes of real sand to learn about our nation’s founding father Sheikh Zayed, the natural wonders of the Emirates and their rapid modernisation. Be inspired by stories of the UAE dreamers building an inclusive future as the desert sun filters through the pavilion’s oculus. 

The design of the UAE Pavilion evokes a falcon in flight; referencing the Emirates’ traditional art of falconry. The main building resembles a titanic oval, with a grand, four storey entrance set into the tip. More than 25 feather-like panels are arranged at the dome of the pavilion, each curving down toward the entry of the structure. 

and powerful

Graceful

UAE Pavilion

UAE 50th National Day

Al Azi Cultural Performance, led by Al Wasmy

Expo 2020 coincides with the United Arab Emirates' biggest national celebration yet – the UAE's UAE 50th National Day. To commemorate this historic event, Expo 2020 Dubai will celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years, while also looking towards the next 50. It will share with every visitor the joy and pride that Emiratis have for their nation and their ambitious and inclusive vision for a global future.

Description

Golden Jubilee

Celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years as well as the next 50.

Expo 2020 Dubai UAE Golden Jubilee Attractions

UAE Golden Jubilee

MENASA is an Emirati Design Platform curated by Samer Yamani, to celebrate Emirati artisanal work and to identify, curate, promote and present Emirati design and crafts through exclusive design collections and content.

In this event, an exciting line up of distinguished panelists in the field of design from around the world discuss unique perspectives of design storytelling, and how they have been able to break out of the expected and present the extraordinary.

The Power of Storytelling in Design

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MENASA’s third panel discussion, featuring distinguished panelists from around the world to discuss unique perspectives of design storytelling, and how they enable moving from the expected to the extraordinary.

MENASA – Emirati Design Platform - Audio Guide

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Menasa Image Gallery

MENASA - Emirati Design Platform offers visitors an overview of the UAE’s vibrant artisan culture. Its bespoke collections are created with top local and international designers and explore seven Emirati “Craft Stories”: safeefa, clay, talli, sadu, coffee making, Gargour making and pearl diving. Each story leads you through the processes involved in crafting the design collections. The programme’s space hosts design collections to stimulate and inspire. Many of the one-of-a-kind pieces on display are also available to take home, with each purchase helping to sustain the local design ecosystem.

Aiming to identify, curate, promote and present Emirati design and crafts through exclusive design collections and curated content, MENASA provides a unique opportunity to explore traditional Emirati crafts through contemporary design, innovative materials and advanced processes. The platform features exciting design collaborations between over 40 local and international designers from 11 countries.

8000 Waves Design

Crafts and Design

Exploring Emirati

MENASA – Emirati Design Platform

MENASA: The Power of Storytelling in Design

Enjoy this vibrant performance of traditional Jamaican music genres in celebration of the country's national day, at Expo 2020 Dubai. The music of Jamaica includes many popular genres, such as mento, rocksteady, reggae, dub music, dancehall, and other related styles. Reggae is especially popular through the international fame of the legendary Bob Marley.

Jamaica: National Day Celebration

16782. Jamaica National Day Celebration.

Enjoy this vibrant performance of traditional Jamaican music genres in celebration of the country's national day, at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

The Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre is a performance space hosting cultural performances and live music for seated crowds, located in Al Forsan Park. The venue’s design features a model of two Ghaf trees that intertwine above the centre of the stage. 

Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre

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Join us in celebrating Jamaica's National Day at Expo 2020

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Jamaica National Day

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In Jamaica, it’s not only the country’s legendary reggae beats that get things moving: the country’s bustling ports shift plenty of global cargo as well. The Jamaica Pavilion brings you the best of both, throwing a musical street party amid colourful shipping containers to tell the story of how the island nation’s rhythms connect and move the world.

You’ll feel island vibes as soon as you enter the pavilion, thanks to its lively sound system and vivid graffiti art – but there’s plenty to learn here as well. Explore Jamaican history and culture, be inspired by its accomplishments in sport and take in views of the island’s gorgeous beaches.


Jamaica

Jamaica Pavilion

Bringing the sounds of India to Expo through the colours of Sarod and Tabla.

Indian Colours

Indian colours

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With a striking design inspired by fossilised sand dunes, Jubilee Stage is an open-air festival stage. Located in Jubilee Park, it hosts performances and large concerts.

Our story told through poetry

Image Gallery

UAE 50th National Day.

This event is part of theUAE Golden Jubilee.

This event is part of the
UAE Golden Jubilee.