Celebrating International Women's Day, the Women’s Pavilion, in collaboration with Cartier, hosts an unmissable ceremony with special guest Rami Malik, Academy Award-winning actor, at the magnificent Al Wasl Dome. The celebration is guaranteed to leave you inspired to make the world a better place for women and humanity, because when women thrive, humanity thrives.

International Women's Day Ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza

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An unmissable ceremony on the occasion of International Women's Day with special guest Rami Malik, Academy Award-winning actor, at the magnificent Al Wasl Dome.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Co-curated with Cartier, the International Women's Day sheds light on women leadership by tackling the issues of harmful stereotypes and negative social norms that prevent women from reaching their potential in myriad sectors and industries. Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates this special day organising a forum hosting high-calibre leaders, public figures, gender advocates and youth leaders. Governments, Corporations and changemakers deliberate on silent or invisible gender-based discrimination in professional settings, with the aim of inspiring stakeholders to commit to adopting practices and policies dedicated to gender equality and women's leadership.

International Women's Day

Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow

International Women's Day 2022

International Women's Day: Al Wasl Dome Ceremony

The UAE Gender Balance Council will host the ‘Future of Women in Parliament’ session in the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to discuss future prospects for Emirati women in parliamentary work. Speakers will include H.E. Naema Al Mansouri, Member of the Federal National Council, and the session will be moderated by H.E. Shamsa Saleh, Secretary General of the UAE Gender Balance Council.

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What are the future prospects for Emirati women in parliamentary work? Find out in this session organised by the UAE Gender Balance Council, with the Federal National Council.

Inside Expo: The Brave Women

Women's Pavilion - Audio Guide

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Women's Pavilion Image gallery

Women make tremendous contributions to the world, yet many remain unknown or forgotten. The Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier at Expo 2020 challenges this imbalance by taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. Our showcase underscores the principle that “When women thrive, all of humanity thrives”.

The pavilion showcases the exceptional accomplishments of women, world-famous and unknown. Immerse yourself in the triumphs of women through history, discover the journeys women have taken to claim their equality and dive into the stories of the inspirational women shaping our future.


Globe-spanning tour of women’s achievements and ongoing challenges

Multisensory exhibition created by actor/artist Mélanie Laurent and Emirati artists

Majlis-inspired social space for live conversations and events

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Reflecting the UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, the Women’s Pavilion serves as a catalyst for social transformation, both in Dubai and far beyond. By championing exceptional women, it aims to inspire dialogue, shatter gender misconceptions, and leave a lasting legacy of positive change for women worldwide.

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inspiring change

Championing women, 

Women's Pavilion 

The Future of Women in Parliament

Under the title “New Perspectives”, the Women’s World Majlis programme invites you to recognise a fundamental principle: when women thrive, humanity thrives.

The programme highlights the impact women have made on society and shines a light on their often forgotten contributions. By shifting perspectives, we embrace the infinite approaches to a more balanced world.

A common vision for a unique collaboration; sustainable development goals and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous world cannot be achieved without gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Sharing this vision, Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier celebrate women changemakers around the globe, asserting our conviction that innovative collaboration between the private sector, civil society and committed individuals is the pathway to meaningful change.

Women's Pavilion

When women thrive, humanity thrives. A common vision for a unique collaboration.

Women’s Pavilion Majlis

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A live discussion with Hon. Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity for Mauritius. The Minister will be discussing her personal vision and career journey, as well as the Pavilion’s theme of ‘When Women Thrive, Humanity Thrives’. 

To join the session in person at the Women’s Pavilion Majlis, RSVP to  wpmajlis.guest@auditoire.com 

Vision and Journeys - Mauritius

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A discussion with Hon.Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity for Mauritius.

Interact with the Minister via https://zoom.us/j/94366211420


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Experience the cultural diversity and hospitality of the people of Mauritius.

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Mauritius Image Gallery

Despite its size and scarce natural resources, the island nation of Mauritius has emerged as one of Africa’s strongest economies, with plentiful social services and decades of constant growth. At the Mauritius Pavilion, embark on a fanciful tour of the “roots” that led to the country’s success, from tourism-friendly natural beauty to an investor-friendly business climate.

The pavilion explores Mauritian heritage, encompassing its history of sugar-cane production, its colourful tradition of “sirandane” riddles and its gorgeous landscapes. Don’t miss the virtual reality adventure across the island’s stunning beaches and mountain forests.


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Mauritius Pavilion

Hon. Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo Live From Women's Pavilion

Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum is an educationist, administrator and diplomat with leadership experience in the Nigerian public service and the United Nations. She was appointed Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on 21st August 2019. 

Ambassador Katagum is leading the promotion of the Nigerian government’s policies of Ease of Doing Business, job creation, poverty eradication and industrialisation, implementing various policies and programmes including: standardisation of bilateral trade agreements, stimulating growth of domestic Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and renewed roadmap to increase Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment.

If you would like to join this session in person at the Women's Pavilion Majlis, RSVP wpmajlis.guest@auditoire.com

Vision and Journeys

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A discussion with Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, Nigeria’s Minister for State for Industry, Trade and Investment.

Join the event, and interact with the Ambassador, via https://zoom.us/j/98804731778


Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum is an educationist, administrator and diplomat with leadership experience in the Nigerian public service and within the United Nations System.
She was appointed Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on 21st August 2019. 

Ambassador Katagum, with her counterpart, are leading the promotion of government’s policies of Ease of Doing Business, job creation, poverty eradication and industrialization, implementing various policies and programmes including: standardization of bilateral trade agreements, stimulating growth of domestic Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and renewed roadmap to increase Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment.

If you would like to join this session at the Women's Pavilion Majlis in person, RSVP to the following email: wpmajlis.guest@auditoire.com

International Women's Day Ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza

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International Women's Day 2022.