Celebrate a joint ceremony under the theme ‘Graduation of the Fiftieth’, as over 700 cadets from three police academies across the UAE will graduate at Expo 2020 Dubai, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The ceremony will include a military parade featuring police cadets, musical bands, police horses and K-9 units. 

Dubai Police Graduation Ceremony 

Dubai Police

Witness a spectacular ceremony at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, as over 700 cadets from three police academies across the UAE will graduate. 

Inside Expo_New

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Exhibitor logo

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

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 Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (R), Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (L), Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executiv

Graduation of the Fiftieth - Dubai Police Cadets Graduation Ceremony at Al Wasl m45787

Graduation of the Fiftieth - Dubai Police Cadets Graduation Ceremony at Al Wasl m45788

Graduation of the Fiftieth - Dubai Police Cadets Graduation Ceremony at Al Wasl m45795

Graduation of the Fiftieth - Dubai Police Cadets Graduation Ceremony at Al Wasl m45798

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Graduation of the Fiftieth - Dubai Police Cadets Graduation Ceremony at Al Wasl m45859

Turn your gaze towards the sky! This dazzling drone show runs for 15 minutes and will be sure to blow you away. 

Expo Partner Drone Show. 

Screenshot (30)

Turn your gaze to the sky for this dazzling drone show! Designed specially for the UAE's 50th National Day.

Join us in celebrating the UAE 50th National Day at Expo 2020

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

UAE 50th National Day

Expo Partner Drone Show

Expo 2020 coincides with the United Arab Emirates' biggest national celebration yet – the UAE's UAE 50th National Day. To commemorate this historic event, Expo 2020 Dubai will celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years, while also looking towards the next 50. It will share with every visitor the joy and pride that Emiratis have for their nation and their ambitious and inclusive vision for a global future.

Description

Golden Jubilee

Celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years as well as the next 50.

UAE Golden Jubilee

Take a journey through the Vision Pavilion, inspired by the book of “My Story”. A living tribute to the life of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting his wise leadership, determination, patience, wisdom and hard work to revolutionise the city of Dubai through challenges and fascinating achievements.

The Vision Pavilion

Vision Pavilion with Text

Journey through the Vision Pavilion, a tribute to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting his leadership, determination, patience, wisdom and hard work to revolutionise Dubai.

Vision Pavilion - Audio Guide

Vision 1

stamp vision

Vision Image Gallery

Not long ago, the majority of what is now modern Dubai was desert. Today, that land is home to a global capital of skyscrapers and world-class sustainable infrastructure. What caused this transformation? The powerful vision to see a thriving multicultural hub.

The Vision Pavilion at Expo 2020 celebrates the insight, values, and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. Across three galleries filled with captivating exhibits, the pavilion explores His Highness’s personal story and celebrates the Emirati people and culture of Dubai.


Vision

The Vision Pavilion’s dramatic exterior features a mosaic façade that displays an artistic decorative pattern of sandstone and panels of foamed and flat aluminium, reminiscent of the UAE coastline, as well as the intersection of desert, sea and creeks.