Join us in celebrating Holy See's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Holy See National Day Ceremony

Holy see

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin (R1), Secretary of State of His Holiness during the Holy See National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m65310

His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin (R), Secretary of State of His Holiness hands shake with His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan (L), UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai during the

Cultural performance during the Holy See National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m65337

Join us in celebrating Holy See's National Day at Expo 2020

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While it’s famously the world’s smallest sovereign state, the Holy See (or Vatican City) has a big impact on the world: seeking to build bridges of peace and cultural harmony that underpin the universal values of tolerance and coexistence. The Holy See Pavilion celebrates open communication between interreligious and diplomatic groups to break down walls that separate us. Discover a showcase of vividly illustrated illuminated manuscripts and, if you look up, a beautiful recreation of one of the Holy See’s most iconic treasures: Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling fresco inside St Peter’s Basilica.

Holy See Pavilion

Holy See National Day

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Holy See

Discover a recreation of one of the Holy See's treasures: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel’s ceiling fresco.

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Inside Expo: The Future is Well

The global pandemic has tested our interconnected world. Expo presents an important opportunity for all stakeholders in the health sector to design an inclusive, crisis-proof global health system that is fit for the future. The very latest health and medical technology will also be on display, including systems that are transforming how communities access healthcare and fight disease outbreaks. The programme will highlight how innovation and investment in health and wellness can contribute to a healthier, happier global community. 

health and wellness week

 How can we create a healthy, happy world?

Health & Wellness Week

Physical and digital connectivity not only brings us all closer together, but are also the bedrock of healthy and empowered societies. Under this Theme Week, Expo will explore the ways in which technology is being harnessed to better fields of mobility, health, travel and much more. Smart and sustainable mobility, AI (artificial intelligence) for good, virtual learning, remote work, and data privacy are among the myriad issues that will be addressed. 


Navigating a Changing World

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How will we balance the impact of digital expansion with our physical reality?

Travel & Connectivity Week

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

Nigeria

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Nigeria Image Gallery

Boasting 200 million people – including 20 million in Lagos alone – Nigeria has earned the nickname “Giant of Africa” for its booming population and large, expanding economy. The Nigeria Pavilion showcases the nation’s impressive growth with a uniquely urban experience: a lively Nigerian streetscape, rich with exhibits on the nation’s values. Check out video installations on the country’s economic sectors, gaze up at the Tower of Opportunities and learn about Nigerian culture along Enterprising Avenue.


Holy See National Day Ceremony

Holy See National Day Ceremony

Participants

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Holy See National Day.