In celebration of Botswana's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, enjoy a fusion of jazz and cultural music at Al Wasl Gardens.

Music in the Garden

Botswana Musical Ensemble

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.

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

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

botwana

The African nation of Botswana shines with promise. At the Botswana Pavilion, you can follow the country’s impressive journey through the creative, colourful analogy of a plant’s growth, from the diamond mining and cattle industries that planted its seeds to the technological innovation and cultural cross-pollination that are helping the nation branch out. Explore Botswana’s vibrant fashion and art scene. Revel in the nation’s near mystical connection to the natural world, then meet the citizens that continue to keep Botswana in bloom. 


Botswana Pavilion

Botswana National Day

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stamp Botswana

Botswana flag

Botswana: Music in the Garden

Maria Ana Bobone started singing Fado at age 16. Her debut album entitled "Alma Nova", was the beginning of a brilliant career. Since then, Maria Ana Bobone has recorded two albums, “Luz Destino” and “Senhora da Lapa”, revealing a refined musical taste and where she introduces new instruments to her fado - harpsichord and saxophone - in addition to the usual presence of the Portuguese guitar. Having performed around the world at renowned festivals and concert halls, Maria Ana Babone brings her incredible show to Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Music in the Garden - Maria Ana Bobone

Maria Ana Bobone

Enjoy the music of Maria Ana Bobone, delivering a unique take on Fado, Portugal's most traditional sound. 

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Portugal Pavilion

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Portugal Carousel

For centuries, Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed the world, creating new connections with Africa, India and beyond. Now at Expo 2020, the country is honouring its heritage of multiculturalism at the Portugal Pavilion, a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

The pavilion’s theme is “A World in One Country”, and you’ll see this idea reflected in its exhibits, including the dynamic digital faces that welcome you and a garden area that showcases Portugal’s biodiversity. Other attractions include tours of the country’s aerospace industry and “blue” ocean economy, as well as the best of Portuguese cuisine.


Authentic Portuguese cuisine at the pavilion’s restaurant

Interactive library featuring graphic panels and interactive projections 

Wide-ranging celebration of Portugal’s diversity

Portugal Features 

Portugal logo

With tall sail-shaped façades that rise high into the air, the Portugal Pavilion recalls a white sailing ship cruising through Expo 2020, much as Portuguese explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, featured within, once sailed across the globe. 

The pavilion’s bottom level is open in the centre, with sturdy grey structures to either side. Resting upon these is the broad main exhibit hall, a squared-off take on the caravel, a 15th century Portuguese boat design renowned for its speed. Its four rectangular sails stand tall at various heights. 


Portugal Intro image 

through Expo 2020 

Cruising 

Portugal: Music in the Garden

In celebration of Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, enjoy a night of Saudi music with legendary singer Mohammed Abdo. Credited for preserving classical Arabic music styles, Mohammed Abdo is famous across the Arab world for hits Masa’ Al Khair and Al Amakin. Expect an evening of soulful Khaleeji music from this Saudi legend when he takes to the stage. 


 A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Mohammed Abo

Mohamad Abdo

Enjoy a night of Saudi music in celebration of the Kingdom's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring renowned Saudi singer "Fannan Al Arab" Mohammed Abdo. 


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Flags

Join us in celebrating Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020

KSA Flags

Saudi Arabia National Day

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stamp SaudiArabia

KSA carousel

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens itself to the world, its contribution to Expo 2020 mirrors the nation’s grand ambitions. Boasting a vast façade that covers the area of two football pitches, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion takes the form of an opening window that soars into the sky bearing messages of inspiration.

Your Saudi experience begins in the open plaza under the pavilion, where the giant screen above and LEDs below combine to create a dazzling light show. Next, the “Heritage Path” escalator will transport you to immersive exhibits – and you can end your journey with refreshments and shopping in the pavilion’s scenic palm garden.


Spectacular mirrored architectural design, dazzlingly lit on all sides

Immersive exhibition space highlighted by a multicoloured floating sphere

Palm garden featuring dining and retail options

Saudi A Features

KSA logo

The monumental Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is a mirrored slab that extends up diagonally from the ground, resembling a giant window opening toward the sky. The immense structure soars six storeys into the air and covers more than 13,000 square metres, or the area of two football pitches. The sides of the pavilion feature a decorative motif of grey horizontal lines like layered metal, while its vast underbelly — which shades an enormous plaza — is mirrored and smooth. 


Saudi intro image 

to the sky

A window 

Saudi Arabia Pavilion 

Saudi Arabia: A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Mohammed Abdo

Explore Tango's journey from its origins to the present day! Starring the Argentine National Tango Orchestra in quintet format, accompanied with three of our most talented and best-known dance partnerships. Come and enjoy the thrill and passion of tango!

Creating Tango

Argentina: Creating Tango

Come and enjoy the thrill and passion of tango!

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Argentina logo

stamp Argentina

From the stunning subtropical Iguazú Falls in the north to icy Tierra del Fuego in the south, from giant sizzling steaks to tasty mate tea, from tango dances to gaucho cowboys, Argentina excels in natural wonders, food, culture and so much more. The Argentina Pavilion at Expo 2020 offers the full panorama of what this South American gem has to offer. Tour the pavilion’s immersive space to take in the vibrant sights and distinctive sounds of Argentina’s landscapes and culture, then be sure to taste a sample of authentic Argentine cuisine and produce.


Botswana: Music in the Garden

Music in the Garden

Participants

Image Gallery

Botswana National Day.