An indigenous dance troupe performance in celebration of Australia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Australia: Bespoke Show

Australia

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Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

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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

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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 Australia's National Day at Expo 2020

Capped by a digitally enhanced “cumulus cloud” that provides shade in the daytime and a canvas for dazzling light displays at night, the Australia Pavilion is a vibrant showcase for the kind of imagination Australians like to call “Blue Sky Dreaming”.

Inside and out, the focus here is on Australian innovation. From the ancient astronomy of the Aboriginal peoples, which you can learn about through an immersive projection show on the pavilion’s interior dome, to the sustainably produced timber that forms the pavilion’s hill-shaped exterior, there’s no shortage of blue-sky ideas here to explore.


With a crescent-shaped first level that resembles dusty hills and a cloud-like shade structure hanging overhead, the Australia Pavilion is designed to evoke a dramatic Outback landscape. 

Outback landscape

A dramatic

Australia Pavilion

Australia National Day

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Hosted by Australia in collaboration with the Women's Pavilion, this forum features international speakers to shed light on women in sports. Panellists discuss how women’s sport help connect the world, and highlight the benefits gained from hosting women’s sporting events. Case studies of women’s leadership in sport are also presented to promote for sports development programs that help empower women and girls in the region and around the world.

Women in Sports Forum

Co-curated by Australia and Women's Pavilion, this forum sheds light on the benefits of hosting women’s sporting events and presents case studies of women’s leadership in sport from the region and globally.

The Nexus for People and Planet

Located in the heart of the Opportunity District, the Nexus for People and Planet serves as the home for Expo 2020 Dubai's Programme for People and Planet, hosting a number of engaging events and talks that highlight some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time.

Nexus for People and Planet

Natalie Cook (L1), Queensland Government, Robyn Smith (L2), Sport Inclusion Australia, Matt Carroll (C), Australian Olympic Committee, Mark Falvo (R2), Football Australia and Stephanie Brantz (R1), Australia’s Sports Diplomacy Advisory Cou

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Women's Pavilion - Audio Guide

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Women's Pavilion Image gallery

Women make tremendous contributions to the world, yet many remain unknown or forgotten. The Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier at Expo 2020 challenges this imbalance by taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. Our showcase underscores the principle that “When women thrive, all of humanity thrives”.

The pavilion showcases the exceptional accomplishments of women, world-famous and unknown. Immerse yourself in the triumphs of women through history, discover the journeys women have taken to claim their equality and dive into the stories of the inspirational women shaping our future.


Globe-spanning tour of women’s achievements and ongoing challenges

Multisensory exhibition created by actor/artist Mélanie Laurent and Emirati artists

Majlis-inspired social space for live conversations and events

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Reflecting the UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, the Women’s Pavilion serves as a catalyst for social transformation, both in Dubai and far beyond. By championing exceptional women, it aims to inspire dialogue, shatter gender misconceptions, and leave a lasting legacy of positive change for women worldwide.

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inspiring change

Championing women, 

Women's Pavilion 

Let's take a field day and get active featuring some very special guests! Earn points and top the leaderboard, win badges and reveal treasures. Your points convert to Seeds of Change which you can pledge to the cause of your choice. Enjoy watching the show and create a Twitch account to join the chat and earn points! Photosensitivity warning: some locations in Live@Expo broadcasts may feature bright flashing lights that may affect photosensitive viewers.

Ep 14: Australia and Jamaica Pavilions and the Harlem Globetrotters

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We celebrate the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2021 (30x30) by visiting Expo 2020 locations that inspire us to get moving!

Join the Dubai Fitness Challenge and get active!

Discover Usain Bolt, Bob Marley and other sports and music stars at the Jamaica Pavilion.

Experience incredible immersive moments in the Australia Pavilion.

Use your Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok or Twitch account to join the chat and earn points!

Interactive, chat-driven tour co-curated by you, the audience.

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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.


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Jamaica Pavilion

Live@Expo Ep 14: Australia and Jamaica Pavilions, and the Harlem Globetrotters

Welcome to an interactive live tour where you and a community of virtual visitors from around the world control where the guide goes and what you see! Earn points and top the leaderboard, win badges and reveal treasures. Your points convert to Seeds of Change which you can pledge to the cause of your choice.

Live@Expo

Join a new virtual tour of the Expo! You control where the guide goes as they explore Expo 2020.

Australia: Bespoke Show

Australia: Bespoke Show

Participants

Image Gallery

Australia National Day.