Celebrate Bhutan's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai and immerse yourself in the nation's incredible culture.

Bhutan National Day Ceremony

Bhutan

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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

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

His Excellency Chitem Tenzin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Arab Emirates takes part in the Bhutan National Day Parade m24231

Bhutanese cultural performers perform during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24199

Bhutanese cultural performers perform during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24192

Bhutanese cultural performers perform during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24188

Bhutanese cultural performers perform during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24174

Bhutanese cultural performers perform during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24173

Bhutanese cultural performers during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24196

Bhutanese cultural performers during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24194

Bhutanese cultural performers during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24193

Bhutanese cultural performer performs during the Bhutan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24202

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

Bhutan - Copie

In Bhutan, a rich traditional culture thrives alongside innovative modern ideas such as Gross National Happiness, created by this Himalayan nation to prioritise people’s well-being over economic production. The Bhutan Pavilion at Expo 2020 offers visitors a wide-ranging tour of this diverse nation, from its beautiful snow-covered peaks to its artisanal treasures. Experience a traditional Bhutanese mask dance, explore the 13 varieties of handicrafts that have moulded the nation’s identity, and catch digital video features on Bhutan’s culture and sand mandalas.


Bhutan Pavilion

Bhutan National Day

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stamp Bhutan

Bhutan logo

Bhutan 2

Bhutan National Day Ceremony 

Physical and digital connectivity not only brings us all closer together, but are also the bedrock of healthy and empowered societies. Under this Theme Week, Expo will explore the ways in which technology is being harnessed to better fields of mobility, health, travel and much more. Smart and sustainable mobility, AI (artificial intelligence) for good, virtual learning, remote work, and data privacy are among the myriad issues that will be addressed. 


Navigating a Changing World

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How will we balance the impact of digital expansion with our physical reality?

Travel & Connectivity Week

From farm to plate, the food value chain is an integral part of society, providing income and livelihoods for billions. The ways in which we currently cultivate food by means of deforestation and food waste however, are all contributing adversely to climate change. Expo will serve as a platform to bring together all stakeholders in various value chains to spotlight localized solutions to food, nutrition and farming challenges. The programme will explore food sustainably, climate-friendly agriculture and other practices that work in harmony with the environment. 


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How do we sustainably grow food to meet future demand?

Food, Agriculture & Livelihoods Week

Inside Expo: The Future is Well

The global pandemic has tested our interconnected world. Expo presents an important opportunity for all stakeholders in the health sector to design an inclusive, crisis-proof global health system that is fit for the future. The very latest health and medical technology will also be on display, including systems that are transforming how communities access healthcare and fight disease outbreaks. The programme will highlight how innovation and investment in health and wellness can contribute to a healthier, happier global community. 

health and wellness week

 How can we create a healthy, happy world?

Bhutan National Day Ceremony

Bhutan National Day Ceremony

Participants

Image Gallery

Bhutan National Day.