Every morning of the academic calendar, students from schools all across the UAE will gather in Al Wasl Plaza as part of the Expo Young Stars Programme.

Together, they will sing and dance on the stage of stars at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai. This is where they will share their story - written, choreographed and directed by students, made for the world. A moment for friends, family and students to always cherish.

American School of Creative Science, Sharjah

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A unique opportunity for UAE students to perform in Al Wasl Plaza.


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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.

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

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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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Expo Young Stars: American School of Creative Science, Sharjah - Show 1

Expo young stars 

UAE school students perform on the stage of stars at Al Wasl Plaza, the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Expo 2020 Young Stars

A mesmerising show of Colombian dance, music and theatre featuring stunning choreography and traditional sounds. Renowned for its rich, vibrant culture, this show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre showcases Colombia's incredible art, dance, and music scenes. 

Travesia Colombia

Take in a mesmerising show of Colombian dance, music and theatre.

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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Colombia Pavilion

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Colombia Carousel

From the streets of Bogotá and beyond, the entire world dances to the beats of Colombian music stars like Shakira and J Balvin. At the lively Colombia Pavilion, you’ll see — and most importantly, hear — how this infectious rhythm connects the nation to a thriving future of culture, innovation and urban growth.

The pavilion’s airy, free-ranging design represents Colombia itself, open and unbounded. In and around its four light-filled floors, an abundance of rhythmic attractions awaits: interactive instruments that let you play along with the music, a giant digital jukebox, holographic light shows and more.


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The Colombia pavilion’s airy, playful design looks more like a three-dimensional checkerboard than a traditional building. The structure trades typical walls for a rectangular grid of colossal white metal beams and transparent panels and floors, which meet at varying levels to create a four-story tower of platforms, open air plazas, and spacious rooms that peek out in unexpected directions. 


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that connects us to the future

The rhythm 

Colombia: Travesia Colombia

Kaoruko is a celebrated floral artist, whose work captures the culture and spirituality of Japan. This impressive flower show aims to promote a deeper understanding of the country, as well as friendship between nations.

Modern Japanese Flower Arrangement

Modern Japanese flower arrangement

Watch performance artist Kaoruko as she takes to the stage to create a piece that expresses the culture and spirituality of Japan.

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stamp EXPO2020 japan stamp

Four years from now, the next World Expo will kick off in Osaka, Japan and the event’s upcoming hosts are marking this exciting transition in style. From its beautiful design to its eco-features, the Japan Pavilion offers an elegant fusion of Arabic and Far Eastern traditions that celebrates the long history of cultural convergence between Japan and the Middle East. Inside, join a journey of sustainability and innovation, take in dynamic projection shows and experience a dazzling finale where you’ll make your first connection with Expo 2025 Osaka.

Japan logo

An elegant fusion of Asian and Arabian designs, the Japan Pavilion is enclosed within a rectangular façade that resembles folded white origami. This textured, three-dimensional shade structure is made of a paper-like membrane, and draws inspiration from both Japanese Asanoha hemp leaf patterns and Islamic geometric designs.

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Asia and the Middle East 

Fusing design from 

Japan Pavilion

Japan: Modern Japanese Flower Arrangement

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

Watch and enjoy the thrill and passion of tango!

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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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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.


American School of Creative Science, Sharjah

Image Gallery

Expo 2020 Young Stars.