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

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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.

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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.

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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 Botswana's National Day at Expo 2020

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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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Botswana: Music in the Garden

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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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.


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Argentina Pavilion

Founded by Indian singer and composer Kailash Kher, fusion band Kailasa bring their Sufi and folk influenced music to the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. Kher received the Indian government’s Padma Shri award in 2017, was nominated for several awards and won two Filmfare Awards for best playback singer, amongst others. To celebrate the Holi festival, the Indian Pavilion brings Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa to Expo 2020 Dubai.

Kailash Kher and Kailasa Live

Padmashri-Kailash-Kher

To celebrate the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, the Indian Pavilion brings fusion band Kailasa, founded by Kailash Kher, to 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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India Image gallery


With its enormous population and diversity of ancient traditions, India is a place of incredible richness and complexity. The India Pavilion offers a new take on the country that goes beyond its famed culture and stunning landscapes to show a rising economic power that is very much open for business. The pavilion focuses on “New India”, an emerging global hub for innovation, inspiration and investment. Its wide variety of exhibits feature not just the food, tea and Bollywood entertainment that so many know and love, but also the country’s modern-day advancements in technology, aerospace, manufacturing and more.


India flag

The India pavilion is a four-level rectangular structure, covered on its upper three floors with rotating tiles in hues of red, orange, and white. 

This kinetic exterior surface also serves as a screen for projected images, such as the face of Mahatma Gandhi. The bottom level features a plate-glass façade. 

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India Pavilion

India: Padmashri Kailash Kher and Kailasa

Enjoy a concert that showcases the oldest and most important traditional Andalusian and Gharnati Arabic music, with performances from both the Orchestra of Fez and Nabyla Maan. The evening culminates with both acts performing together.

Voices of Andalusian Gardens

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Enjoy a concert that showcases the oldest and most important traditional Andalusian and Gharnati Arabic music, with performances from both the Orchestra of Fez and Nabyla Maan.

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Orchestra of Fez and Nabyla Maan perform ‘Voices of the Andalusian Gardens’ at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m69121

Morocco Pavilion

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For thousands of years, Morocco’s Berber people have built their traditional squared homes and villages out of mud brick, producing structures that have stood for centuries. The Morocco Pavilion at Expo 2020 advances this form in dazzling style, combining modern design and rich heritage to create a uniquely vertical journey through Morocco.

As you ascend the ramp through the pavilion, you’ll experience ancient streetscapes and cutting-edge innovations: everything from traditional Moroccan gardens to one of the world’s largest solar-energy plants, Noor-Ouarzazate. It all ends with a stunning panoramic view from the pavilion’s rooftop area.


Morocco

Traditional vertical mud-brick villages get a modernist makeover at the Morocco Pavilion. Over a dozen giant blocks formed from hundreds of earthen cubes are stacked in a loose, offset pattern to create a lively, four-storey tower that faintly glows with rusty orange warmth. 

Botswana: Music in the Garden

Music in the Garden

Participants

Image Gallery

Botswana National Day.