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

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

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Branch

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Campus, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars on Al Wasl Stage m56707

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


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

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Campus, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars on Al Wasl Stage m56698

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Campus, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars on Al Wasl Stage m56701

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Campus, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars on Al Wasl Stage m56702

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Campus, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars on Al Wasl Stage m56703

Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Campus, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars on Al Wasl Stage m56705

Expo Young Stars: Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Branch

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

An showcase of the most charming traditional Vietnamese arts and culture, with beautiful performances from the country’s most famous folk artists.

Charming Vietnam

Charming Vietnam Art Show

An unique showcase of the most charming traditional Vietnamese arts and culture, with beautiful performances from the country’s most famous artists.

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17340

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17341

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17343

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17346

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17347

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17349

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17350

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17352

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17354

Charming Viet Nam Art Show at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre m17356

Vietnam 1

stamp vietnam pavilion 2021 stamp chon

Vietnam Image Gallery

The fog-wreathed mountains and vibrant green rice paddies of Vietnam are places of deep tradition, housing ancient temples, centuries-old villages and a wealth of unique cultural history. The Vietnam Pavilion aims to reintroduce visitors to the nation’s rich heritage and highlight its investment potential. Explore traditional folk-art performances, bamboo flute concerts and delightful water-puppet shows, take a 3D digital tour of Vietnam’s vibrant tourism destinations and discover a bounty of culture and cuisine at the pavilion’s handicraft shop and restaurant.


Vietnam

Interior of the Vietnam Pavilion Web Image m12377

Vietnam Pavilion

Vietnam: Charming Viet Nam

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.

Japan 1

Exterior of the Japan Pavilion Web Image m39279

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.

Visitors at the Japan Pavilion Web Image m13712

Asia and the Middle East 

Fusing design from 

Japan Pavilion

Japan: Modern Japanese Flower Arrangement

Wontanara is an African word meaning 'we are friends'. Through this event, Guinean performers aim to promote tolerance and multiculturalism, as well as diversity and global education. With dance, circus and traditional percussion performers, this cultural tour of Guinea will bring the spirit of wontanara to Expo 2020 Dubai! 

Wontanara: A Mixed Cultural Tour of Guinea

Wontanara

Take in an incredible performance comprising music, dance and circus acts, in celebration of Guinea's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

Jubilee Park Web Image m5473 (1)

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

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48746

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48749

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48750

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48754

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48755

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48757

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48759

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48760

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48762

Wontanara A Mixed Cultural tour of Guinea at Jubilee Stage m48763

Image Gallery 

Join us in celebrating Guinea's National Day at Expo 2020

Guinea 2

Guinea National Day

Guinea 1

stamp GUINEA LOGO LOCKUPS

Guinea Image Gallery

With a gushing 4,000-plus millimetres of annual rainfall in some areas, it’s no wonder that Guinea calls itself the “water tower of West Africa”. At the Guinea Pavilion, the country invites you to tap into its water flow as you explore its natural wonders.

Your journey through the pavilion will cover Guinea’s rich history and promising future through the lens of water, from ancient tribal empires to modern hydroelectric opportunities. Hear Guinea’s sonic landscape at the sound panel, learn about its biodiversity and cultural traditions and discover the striking Lady of Mali rock formation through an interactive waterfall projection.


Far Eastern Private School, Halwan Branch

Image Gallery

Expo 2020 Young Stars.