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

Ireland National Day Ceremony

Ireland

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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.

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.

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

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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

Cultural performance during the Ireland National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m64281

Cultural performance during the Ireland National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m64284

Cultural performance during the Ireland National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m64288

Cultural performance during the Ireland National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m64301

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

Ireland 2

Newgrange monument in Ireland is a staggering feat of Stone Age engineering, allowing sunlight into its inner chamber only once each year: at sunrise on the winter solstice. The Ireland Pavilion highlights more than 5,000 years of Irish heritage and know-how with a design inspired by this cultural treasure. Curated around the theme of “Thinking Ireland”, the pavilion’s exhibits trace the long lineage of Irish innovation, from ancient stone-working feats to modern-day advancements in science and technology. Don’t miss the exhibition’s innovative light-filtering cone, built in homage to its 5,200-year-old ancestor at Newgrange.

Blending neo-classical architecture with ancient themes, the Ireland Pavilion consists of two single-story buildings surrounded by a screen of white columns and topped by a massive ridged funnel structure. The bronze-coloured main building, called the Oculus, is rectangular in form and features inscribed Celtic designs.

ancient heritage

Inspired by

Ireland Pavilion

Ireland National Day

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Ireland Flag

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

Space hero

Water fuels our sustenance but also moves money, goods and people around the world, provides a valuable source of renewable energy, and enables the world’s food to grow. This week will help us understand how to preserve and sustainably manage this precious finite resource for infinite uses. The programme will highlight the true value of water, as well as progress and best practice in ensuring clean and adequate water for people, industry and the planet.

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 How will we protect our most precious resource today, for tomorrow?

Water Week 

Knowledge drives our global community to innovate for a better future, be it advances in medicine, sustainability, technology and more. Our planet’s rich diversity brings forward the importance of creating, storing and transferring knowledge which spans across geographies, cultures and generations. 
During this Theme Week, Expo will present and celebrate the knowledge, culture and heritage of all our participating nations, bringing them together under the UAE’s Golden Jubilee theme of Human Solidarity. Topics of discussion will include intangible and tangible heritage, creative industries, and knowledge economies, among other things. 


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How do we harness and challenge our knowledge today to prepare for the future?

Skills Development and Vocational Training

Informal and Traditional Knowledge Systems

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Dubai Cares Image Gallery

Dubai values education as the key to helping its youngest citizens take charge of the future. Expo 2020’s host city extends that mission across the globe with Dubai Cares, a dynamic philanthropic organisation that helps children in developing countries access quality learning opportunities. At the Dubai Cares Pavilion, learn about the transformative power of education and the unique challenges facing future generations through a series of playful, immersive activities designed to engage the whole family. Sit in a futuristic learning pod, take photos in a comics-inspired exhibit and find out how you can help grow the Dubai Cares movement.

Ireland National Day Ceremony

Ireland National Day Ceremony

Participants

Image Gallery

Ireland National Day.