Welcome to an ‘Opera Extravaganza’ as the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale dei Conservatori Italiani, pays homage to some of Italy’s great composers. The programme includes the work of Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Vincenzo Bellini and Giacomo Puccini.

Italian Conservatory Orchestra

Welcome to an ‘Opera Extravaganza’ as the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale dei Conservatori Italiani, pays homage to some of Italy’s great composers.

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.

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.

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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.

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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Explore the pavilion's materials which begin with the concept of circularity.

Italy Pavilion

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Italy Image Gallery

Italy’s voyage to Expo 2020 began long before opening day, when three custom-crafted boats set sail from Venice, Genoa and Naples. Nearly 10,000 kilometres later, the vessels arrived in Dubai and were hoisted up on steel pillars to form the roof of the Italy Pavilion, a striking showcase of culture, science and the nautical arts.

Inside the pavilion, beyond a dramatic veil of LED strands, stylish exhibits await. See a five-metre-tall 3D-printed replica of Michelangelo’s legendary David statue, learn about algae at a cluster of naturally multicoloured pools or gaze up and contemplate the fanciful hanging gardens embedded in the boats’ hulls.


Italy logo

The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 is a dramatic, open structure reminiscent of a giant carnival tent, with a swooping canopy and a layer of 20-metre-tall white strands surrounding its interior like a veil. A set of high steel pillars support its imaginative roof, which is formed from the hulls of three boats.  

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tent

A carnival 

Italy: Italian Conservatory Orchestra

A traditional Emirati group performing folkloric dance and music representing the culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Mazyoud Harbiya Band

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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

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UAE Image Gallery

Open-heartedness and ambition are values captured by the UAE Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The remarkable building is reminiscent of a falcon in flight, inspired by our national bird. Once inside, go on a multisensory journey that chronicles the rise of a nation of “dreamers who do”. Traverse a dreamlike landscape filled with dunes of real sand to learn about our nation’s founding father Sheikh Zayed, the natural wonders of the Emirates and their rapid modernisation. Be inspired by stories of the UAE dreamers building an inclusive future as the desert sun filters through the pavilion’s oculus. 

The design of the UAE Pavilion evokes a falcon in flight; referencing the Emirates’ traditional art of falconry. The main building resembles a titanic oval, with a grand, four storey entrance set into the tip. More than 25 feather-like panels are arranged at the dome of the pavilion, each curving down toward the entry of the structure. 

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and powerful

Graceful

UAE Pavilion

Al Mazyoud Al-Harbiya Band (Part 2)

In celebration of Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, enjoy a night of Saudi Music featuring talented young singer Aedh Yousef, live from the Jubilee stage. Aedh is known best for his collaborative use of instruments, sounds, genres and vocals. His unique style is heavily influenced by his wide-ranging musical palette and interest in exploring different cultures. A night not to be missed. 

A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Aedh Yousef

Ayed Yousef

Enjoy a night of Saudi Music in celebration of the Kingdom's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring the talented Saudi singer Aedh Yousef. 


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Join us in celebrating Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020

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Saudi Arabia National Day

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As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens itself to the world, its contribution to Expo 2020 mirrors the nation’s grand ambitions. Boasting a vast façade that covers the area of two football pitches, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion takes the form of an opening window that soars into the sky bearing messages of inspiration.

Your Saudi experience begins in the open plaza under the pavilion, where the giant screen above and LEDs below combine to create a dazzling light show. Next, the “Heritage Path” escalator will transport you to immersive exhibits – and you can end your journey with refreshments and shopping in the pavilion’s scenic palm garden.


Spectacular mirrored architectural design, dazzlingly lit on all sides

Immersive exhibition space highlighted by a multicoloured floating sphere

Palm garden featuring dining and retail options

Saudi A Features

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The monumental Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is a mirrored slab that extends up diagonally from the ground, resembling a giant window opening toward the sky. The immense structure soars six storeys into the air and covers more than 13,000 square metres, or the area of two football pitches. The sides of the pavilion feature a decorative motif of grey horizontal lines like layered metal, while its vast underbelly — which shades an enormous plaza — is mirrored and smooth. 


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to the sky

A window 

Saudi Arabia Pavilion 

Saudi Arabia: A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Aedh Yousef

Explore the epic range of experiences on offer at Expo with a dive into the unique worlds of an island archipelago, a hub of ancient knowledge, and a hike through a modernist indoor rainforest. Earn points and top the leaderboard, win badges and reveal treasures. Your points convert to Seeds of Change which you can pledge to the cause of your choice. Enjoy watching the show and chat on Facebook, YouTube or Twitch account to earn points! Photosensitivity warning: some locations in Live@Expo broadcasts may feature bright flashing lights that may affect photosensitive viewers.

Ep 44: Comoros and Yemen Pavilions

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Explore the epic range of experiences on offer at Expo with a dive into the unique worlds of an island archipelago, of ancient knowledge, and a hike through a modernist indoor rainforest. 

Use your Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok or Twitch account to join the chat and earn points!

Interactive, chat-driven tour co-curated by you, the audience.

Earn badges, go on treasure hunts and top the leaderboard!

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The archipelago of Comoros, off Africa’s east coast, is known for its spices and aromas: vanilla, clove, and ylang-ylang. At the Comoros Pavilion, you’ll get a fragrant tour of the islands’ “garden of marvels”, with an emphasis on sustainability.

According to Comorian legend, Mount Karthala erupted up from the ocean floor when King Solomon’s courier accidentally dropped the Queen of Sheba’s ring into the sea. As you begin your journey through the Comoros Pavilion, you’ll receive your own recycled-plastic ring that you can later toss into the Karthala crater as a symbol of your commitment to sustainability.


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Comoros Pavilion 

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Yemen Image Gallery

As one of the oldest centres of civilisation on Earth, Yemen is a treasured archive of ancient knowledge and timeless wisdom. The Yemen Pavilion celebrates the ingenuity of the Yemeni mind with a millennia-spanning showcase exploring the infinite power of knowledge to advance human development. Read handwritten manuscripts in augmented reality, peruse the libraries of the future and cap it all off with a mind-stimulating cup of authentic Yemeni coffee.


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Yemen Pavilion

Live@Expo Ep 44: Comoros and Yemen Pavilions

Welcome to an interactive live tour where you and a community of virtual visitors from around the world control where the guide goes and what you see! Earn points and top the leaderboard, win badges and reveal treasures. Your points convert to Seeds of Change which you can pledge to the cause of your choice.

Live@Expo

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Join a new virtual tour of the Expo! You control where the guide goes as they explore Expo 2020.

Italian Conservatory Orchestra

Participants

Image Gallery