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.

Al Wasl 4

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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In celebration of International Women's Day, Australia Pavilion presents this keynote speech by the globally recognized diversity and inclusion expert Stephen Frost, CEO and Founder of 'Included'.

From 2007-2012 Stephen designed, led and implemented the inclusion programs for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games as Head of Diversity and Inclusion for the London Organizing Committee. He was elected recipient of the 2010 Peter Robertson Award for Equality and Diversity Champions. Stephen teaches Inclusive Leadership at Harvard University Business School in the US, Singapore Management University, and Paris Institute of Political Studies in France.

A World Where Everyone is Included Through Sport

In celebration of International Women's Day, Australia Pavilion presents this keynote speech by the globally recognized diversity and inclusion expert Stephen Frost, CEO and Founder of 'Included'.

Co-curated with Cartier, the International Women's Day sheds light on women leadership by tackling the issues of harmful stereotypes and negative social norms that prevent women from reaching their potential in myriad sectors and industries. Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates this special day organising a forum hosting high-calibre leaders, public figures, gender advocates and youth leaders. Governments, Corporations and changemakers deliberate on silent or invisible gender-based discrimination in professional settings, with the aim of inspiring stakeholders to commit to adopting practices and policies dedicated to gender equality and women's leadership.

International Women's Day

Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow

International Women's Day 2022

Australia: Keynote Speech by Stephen Frost, CEO and Founder of 'Included'

Delivered by Australian organisation, Indigital, this workshop focuses on teaching digital skills through a cultural lens. It equips teachers to merge digital and cultural training for increased levels of student engagement and better learning outcomes.

Teaching Digital Skills Through a Cultural Lens

Indigital Schools Workshop

This workshop focuses on teaching digital skills through a cultural lens. It equips teachers to merge digital and cultural training for increased levels of student engagement and better learning outcomes.

Inside Expo: Sustainability I: The World’s Oldest Innovator

Inside Expo: Sustainability II: Harnessing the Sun

The Powerhouse Pavilions

Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion - Audio Guide

Terra

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Terra - Carousel

At Expo 2020, sustainability is an urgent, attainable reality, and Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion is the proof. Both immersive exhibition space and exemplar of environmental self-sufficiency, Terra is a pioneering piece of architecture that pushes the limits of renewable design.

The pavilion’s 130-metre-wide solar canopy – so vast that you could park 10 city buses head-to-tail atop it – converts sunshine into electricity for the exhibits below. Artfully funnelled natural light and local plant species, together with technologies that can reduce water consumption by 75 per cent, show the way to a sustainable future.


Inspiring experiential journey through our shared sustainable future

Two immersive paths to choose from: beneath a forest and beneath an ocean

LEED Platinum environmental features, including solar power and water recycling

Terra 

terra

Videos

Terra is a super-sized marvel of forward-thinking design. The pavilion’s technology generates enough energy in a year to power a Nissan Leaf to drive halfway to Mars, while another system captures moisture from the air you breathe and turns it into drinkable water. Enter and take a fantastical journey through the wonders of nature, humanity’s challenges and the promise of our shared future. 


terra 

of harmonious living

A model

The Sustainability Pavilion

Terra is home to five thought-provoking art installations from artists around the world, with each piece demonstrating a response to the issue of sustainability.

Terra Art Installations

Young visitors can explore a fantastical world inspired by Terra's very own octopus, Octavia.

Octavia's Playground

Timelapse of Terra 

Indigital Schools Workshop: teaching digital skills through a cultural lens

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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Natalie Cook, Queensland Government speaks during the Women in Sport Forum at Nexus m59866

Stephanie Brantz, Australia’s Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council speaks during the Women in Sport Forum at Nexus m59861

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

Women's 

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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.

Australia: Bespoke Show

Australia: Bespoke Show

Participants

Image Gallery

Australia National Day.