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

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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.

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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.

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

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

Italy Pavilion

stamp Italy

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.  

Italy 2

tent

A carnival 

Italy: Italian Conservatory Orchestra

In celebration of Saudi Arabia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, enjoy a night of Saudi music with legendary singer Mohammed Abdo. Credited for preserving classical Arabic music styles, Mohammed Abdo is famous across the Arab world for hits Masa’ Al Khair and Al Amakin. Expect an evening of soulful Khaleeji music from this Saudi legend when he takes to the stage. 


 A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Mohammed Abo

Mohamad Abdo

Enjoy a night of Saudi music in celebration of the Kingdom's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring renowned Saudi singer "Fannan Al Arab" Mohammed Abdo. 


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Mohammed Abdo performs at Jubilee Stage during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day m30563

Flags

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

KSA Flags

Saudi Arabia National Day

KSA pavilion feature image 

stamp SaudiArabia

KSA carousel

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

KSA logo

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. 


Saudi intro image 

to the sky

A window 

Saudi Arabia Pavilion 

Saudi Arabia: A Night of Saudi Music, featuring Mohammed Abdo

Come and watch Faraj Abyad, a Syrian singer, songwriter and composer perform on the Jubilee stage. Abyad composes music to classical Arabic poetry from the past and present. His music remains true to the principles of the traditional Arabic musical system, "Tarab". A show not to be missed!

Faraj Abyad

Watch Faraj Abyad, a Syrian singer, songwriter and composer, perform on the Jubilee stage. 

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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. 


Italian Conservatory Orchestra

Participants

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