Celebrate the International Organisation of la Francophonie's Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai and immerse yourself in the nation's incredible culture.

International Organisation of la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony

Inside Expo_New

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.

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

Cultural performance during the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m66032

Cultural performance during the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m66037

Cultural performance during the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m66039

Cultural performance during the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m66040

Cultural performance during the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m66041

Join us in celebrating OIF's Honour Day at Expo 2020

International Organisation of la Francophonie Honour Day

In celebraion of the International Organisation of la Francophonie Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, watch Canadian singer Marie-Mai light up the Jubilee Stage. With four platinum-selling albums to her name, as well as multiple awards and accolades, Marie-Mai's career began when she qualified as a finalist on TV talent show Star Académie. She's since performed to audiences around the world and sung with a host of stars - including a virtual duet with the King of Rock'n'Roll himself, Elvis Presley.

Marie-Mai

In celebration of the International la Francophonie Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, an incredible lineup of artists perform and entertain the audience, including Canadian megastar Marie-Mai.

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

Francophonie Day Marie-Mai performs at Jubilee Stage m66210

Francophonie Day Marie-Mai performs at Jubilee Stage m66208

Francophonie Day Marie-Mai performs at Jubilee Stage m66212

Francophonie Day Marie-Mai performs at Jubilee Stage m66218

Co-curated by Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates International Francophonie Day by promoting the beauty of culture and language, uniting people from across the world, and creating an environment of solidarity that encourages further global development.

International Francophonie Day

The French language, Connecting for Action

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International Organisation of la Francophonie: Marie-Mai

In celebraion of the International Organisation of la Francophonie Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, watch globally-renowned Belgian-Congolese choreographer and dancer, Jeny BSG, present a breathtaking piece on the Jubilee Stage. Jeny's unique moves and viral dance routines led to her performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Jeny BSG

In celebration of the International la Francophonie Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, an incredible lineup of artists perform and entertain the audience, including Belgian-Congolese dancer and choreographer Jeny BSG.

International Organisation of la Francophonie Honour Day Ceremony

Image Gallery

International Organisation of la Francophonie Honour Day.