The National

Expo 2020 Dubai: AR Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra Makes Stellar Debut

Gulf News

All-Female Firdaus Orchestra Closes Expo Space Week with AR Rahman

Khaleej Times

AR Rahman's Firdaus Orchestra Delivers Power-Packed Performance

Guided by A.R. Rrahman, the Firdaus Orchestra is joined by the one and only Anoushka Shankar. Don’t miss this wonderful performance by this all-women orchestra and inspiring artist at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Firdaus Orchestra with Anoushka Shankar

Firdaus Orchestra with Anouska Shankar

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

Firdaus Orchestra

Firdaus Orchestra with Indian film composer AR Rahman Original Image m6082

Firdaus Orchestra with Indian film composer AR Rahman Original Image m6094

Firdaus Orchestra with Indian film composer AR Rahman Original Image m6093

AR Rahman Event

In celebration of Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, enjoy a night of Saudi Music featuring talented young singer Aedh Yousef, live from the Jubilee stage. Aedh is known best for his collaborative use of instruments, sounds, genres and vocals. His unique style is heavily influenced by his wide-ranging musical palette and interest in exploring different cultures. A night not to be missed. 

A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Aedh Yousef

Ayed Yousef

Enjoy a night of Saudi Music in celebration of the Kingdom's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring the talented Saudi singer Aedh Yousef. 


Flags

Join us in celebrating Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020

KSA Flags

Saudi Arabia National Day

KSA pavilion feature image 

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: A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Aedh Yousef

Maria Ana Bobone started singing Fado at age 16. Her debut album entitled "Alma Nova", was the beginning of a brilliant career. Since then, Maria Ana Bobone has recorded two albums, “Luz Destino” and “Senhora da Lapa”, revealing a refined musical taste and where she introduces new instruments to her fado - harpsichord and saxophone - in addition to the usual presence of the Portuguese guitar. Having performed around the world at renowned festivals and concert halls, Maria Ana Babone brings her incredible show to Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Music in the Garden - Maria Ana Bobone

Maria Ana Bobone

Enjoy the music of Maria Ana Bobone, delivering a unique take on Fado, Portugal's most traditional sound. 

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl 

Al Wasl Plaza Images

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 

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.

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.

Daily performances, national day ceremonies and more

Immersive 360-degree domed projection screen

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. 

Al Wasl Plaza 360° Immersive Experiences

The Beating Heart of Expo 2020

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52224

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52225

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52227

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52229

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52239

Image Gallery

Portugal Pavilion

stamp Portugal

Portugal Carousel

For centuries, Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed the world, creating new connections with Africa, India and beyond. Now at Expo 2020, the country is honouring its heritage of multiculturalism at the Portugal Pavilion, a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

The pavilion’s theme is “A World in One Country”, and you’ll see this idea reflected in its exhibits, including the dynamic digital faces that welcome you and a garden area that showcases Portugal’s biodiversity. Other attractions include tours of the country’s aerospace industry and “blue” ocean economy, as well as the best of Portuguese cuisine.


Authentic Portuguese cuisine at the pavilion’s restaurant

Interactive library featuring graphic panels and interactive projections 

Wide-ranging celebration of Portugal’s diversity

Portugal Features 

Portugal logo

With tall sail-shaped façades that rise high into the air, the Portugal Pavilion recalls a white sailing ship cruising through Expo 2020, much as Portuguese explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, featured within, once sailed across the globe. 

The pavilion’s bottom level is open in the centre, with sturdy grey structures to either side. Resting upon these is the broad main exhibit hall, a squared-off take on the caravel, a 15th century Portuguese boat design renowned for its speed. Its four rectangular sails stand tall at various heights. 


Firdaus Orchestra with Anoushka Shankar

Firdaus Orchestra with Anoushka Shankar

AR Rahman Event

Articles & Press

News and Press

Expo 2020 Dubai: AR Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra Makes Stellar Debut

News and Press

All-Female Firdaus Orchestra Closes Expo Space Week with AR Rahman

News and Press

AR Rahman's Firdaus Orchestra Delivers Power-Packed Performance

News and Press

Expo 2020 Dubai: AR Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra Makes Stellar Debut

News and Press

All-Female Firdaus Orchestra Closes Expo Space Week with AR Rahman

News and Press

AR Rahman's Firdaus Orchestra Delivers Power-Packed Performance