House music lovers can ring in 2022 with rhythmic tunes from one of Germany's leading DJs, Topic. Catch him spinning his set as part of Expo 2020's New Year's Eve energetic music lineup. Live from Al Wasl Plaza.

DJ Topic

Rhythmic tunes from one of Germany's leading DJs, Topic. Catch him spinning his set as part of Expo 2020's New Year's Eve music lineup. 

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.

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

DJ Topic performs during the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Al Wasl m29268

DJ Topic performs during the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Al Wasl m29287

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome in 2022 alongside 192 countries at Expo 2020 Dubai! Experience a unique New Year’s Eve with curated programming and special events, including an impressive drone countdown, two spectacular firework shows and an eclectic events calendar filled with immersive and musical performances. 

New Year's Eve @ Expo

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Ring in the new year with special events and performances at Expo 2020 Dubai.

New Year's Eve @ Expo 

A spectacular fireworks display in celebration of Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Fireworks Display

Fireworks Display during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16009

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's National Day Fireworks Display

Upcoming Bollywood action drama movie RRR is set to take the box offices by storm. See cast members Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt and SS Rajamouli live on the Jubilee Stage at Expo 2020 Dubai and find out more about this upcoming hit! 

RRR Cast Special Appearance 

RRR Cast Appearance

See the stars of upcoming action drama movie RRR in person on the Jubilee Stage! 

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With a striking design inspired by fossilised sand dunes, Jubilee Stage is an open-air festival stage. Located in Jubilee Park, it hosts performances and large concerts.

Jubilee Stage

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The cast of RRR appear at Jubilee Stage m65028

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RRR Cast Special Appearance

Join us in this epic celebration of the Independence Day of Kazakhstan. The concert will include the Kazakh folk instruments orchestra of the Kazakh National University of Arts, with a star line-up of world-class virtuoso solo singers and musicians, including Maira Mukhammedkyzy, IL Canto, Zarina Altynbayeva, and Aiman Mussakhajaeva.

The Independence Day

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A concert in celebration of the Independence Day of Kazakhstan, including the Kazakh folk instruments orchestra, with a star line-up of world-class virtuoso solo singers and musicians.

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Kazakhstan Image Gallery

Kazakhstan arrives at Expo 2020 with dramatic swooping architecture and a warm “Salamatsyz ba!” – or “Hello!” At the Kazakhstan Pavilion, you’ll undertake a journey through grassy steppes and technological achievements as you learn about the sense of shared destiny the Kazakhs call Mangilik El – or the “Eternal Nation”. Inside are countless wonders to explore, from a visually impressive pre-show featuring floating digital strands of DNA, to immersive exhibits on Kazakhstan’s mineral wealth. If you’re wondering why the pavilion uses the spelling “Qazaqstan”, it’s because the nation plans to officially change its entire alphabet in 2025!


Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan Pavilion consists of a detached rectangular shell with archways that reveal a golden core building beneath. Inspired by the latticework of traditional Kazakh circular tents, or yurts, the pavilion’s white outer façade is perforated with algorithmically arranged holes that allow the building to breathe and, after dark, create a starry light display.

DJ Topic

Image Gallery

New Year's Eve @ Expo .