Join us in celebrating the EU's Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

EU Honour Day Ceremony 

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

European Union Honour Day Parade m5986

European Union Honour Day Parade m5994

European Union Honour Day Parade m5992

European Union Honour Day Parade m5985

Join us in celebrating the EU's Honour Day at Expo 2020.

European Union

European Union Honour Day Ceremony

Explore the opportunities between the EU and GCC governments and private sectors. This business platform unlocks business opportunities and encourages partnership building to create a more sustainable post-Covid economy.

Unlock new business opportunities 

EU GCC business forum 

A forum for the EU and GCC governments and private sectors to discuss economic development and business opportunities.

EU and GCC Business Forum

Europe is home to some of the most varied languages and cultures on Earth. We explore what makes these nations distinct and the ways in which they work together as you, the audience, help our guide make decisions on how to move forward. Earn points and top the leaderboard, win badges and reveal treasures. Your points convert to Seeds of Change which you can pledge to the cause of your choice. Enjoy watching the show and create a Twitch account to join the chat and earn points! Photosensitivity warning: some locations in Live@Expo broadcasts may feature bright flashing lights that may affect photosensitive viewers.

Ep 11: Austria and Malta Pavilions

Deep Dives

Join us as we celebrate some of the many nations of Europe on the European Union's Honour Day.

Explore the similarities between the Arabic and Maltese languages!

Activate all five of your senses at the Austria Pavilion.

Use your Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok or Twitch account to join the chat and earn points!

Interactive, chat-driven tour co-curated by you, the audience.

Austria 1

stamp Austria

Austria Pavilion

Sometimes solutions to modern challenges come from something as old as dirt – literally. The innovative, heat-regulating Austria Pavilion is constructed entirely from humankind’s oldest building material: loam, a soil of sand and clay. The dozens of cones that make up the pavilion use thermodynamics to pull in cool air from below and push warm air out the top, providing a natural climate-control mechanism. Their elegant blend of simplicity and ingenuity makes the pavilion both a calming oasis and a perfect place to explore innovations such as the heartbeat installation, which transforms your heart pattern into a dynamic digital projection.


Austria logo

The innovative, heat-regulating Austria Pavilion is constructed entirely from humankind’s oldest building material: loam, a soil of sand and clay. 


Austria interior 

conical towers

Thirty-eight 

Malta 1

stamp DigitalPassportStamp Malta

Malta Image Gallery

The Malta Pavilion captures the rippling energy and beautiful scenery of this historic island nation and transports it to Expo 2020 Dubai. Taking inspiration from the relaxing jewel-like blues of the Mediterranean and the classical elegance of Malta’s architectural riches. The pavilion showcases the island’s beauty, culture and thriving economy through a wealth of audio-visual features. Don’t forget to browse for one-of-a-kind handmade Maltese souvenirs in the retail shop.


Malta

Be inspired by the calm blues of the Mediterranean Sea.

Malta Pavilion 1

Malta Pavilion

Live@Expo Ep 11: Austria and Malta Pavilions

Welcome to an interactive live tour where you and a community of virtual visitors from around the world control where the guide goes and what you see! Earn points and top the leaderboard, win badges and reveal treasures. Your points convert to Seeds of Change which you can pledge to the cause of your choice.

Live@Expo

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Join a new virtual tour of the Expo! You control where the guide goes as they explore Expo 2020.

L&E logo

The grand finale to European Union Honour Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring a series of breath-taking music and dance performances at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. 

A tribute to the European Union 

A series of unique perfromances to celebrate the European Union's Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

EU Honour Day Ceremony

Image Gallery

European Union.