Celebrate Iraq's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai and immerse yourself in the nation's incredible culture.

Iraq National Day Ceremony

Iraq

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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.

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

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Cultural performance during the Iraq National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m20638

Cultural performance during the Iraq National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m20639

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Cultural performance during the Iraq National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m20649

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

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The energetic Iraq Pavilion takes the undulating form of a traditional al saliya fishing net, symbolic of wealth, wisdom and goodness in Mesopotamian culture. Step underneath the vast canopy to get caught up in a range of exciting exhibits sharing the determination and vision of this Middle Eastern nation’s newest generation of leaders, makers and artists. Immerse yourself in millennia of rich history and heritage, then meet face-to-face with proud Iraqi business owners and innovators.

A broad canopy of diamond-patterned white metal is shaped to look like a net cast from a boat into the water. The canopy forms a wavy shell that shades open air exhibits below. Each diamond is filled with yellow, orange or red panels, creating a gradient of warm hues. Once underneath the net, a wide path lined with media panels details the history and future of Iraq, ending at a large shaded stage area framed by palm trees.

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A symbolic

Iraq Pavilion

Iraq National Day

Iraq National Day Ceremony 

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

Inside Expo: The Next Great Frontier 

Space travel and exploration has captured imaginations for generations and the dream of space tourism is now closer to being a reality than ever. At the same time, with outer space remaining one of our few truly shared resources, peacefully managing this distant realm remains crucial. During this fascinating week, we highlight the latest innovations in space research and travel, while also providing a platform to discuss critical issues.

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How do we safely and productively explore new frontiers?

Learnings and insights from the World Majlis conversations on Space

Insight Report from Space Week

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Space Week

Space Theme Week Video

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To commemorate the 2022 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Expo 2020 Dubai in partnership with UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) will be hosting an event to celebrate their contributions and achievements, and to encourage the next generation of young women and girls to pursue careers in the sciences.

Iraq National Day Ceremony

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Iraq National Day.