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

Japan National Day Ceremony

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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

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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Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21047

Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21065

Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21068

Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21051

Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21052

Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21072

Cultural Performance during Japan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m21075

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

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Four years from now, the next World Expo will kick off in Osaka, Japan and the event’s upcoming hosts are marking this exciting transition in style. From its beautiful design to its eco-features, the Japan Pavilion offers an elegant fusion of Arabic and Far Eastern traditions that celebrates the long history of cultural convergence between Japan and the Middle East. Inside, join a journey of sustainability and innovation, take in dynamic projection shows and experience a dazzling finale where you’ll make your first connection with Expo 2025 Osaka.

An elegant fusion of Asian and Arabian designs, the Japan Pavilion is enclosed within a rectangular façade that resembles folded white origami. This textured, three-dimensional shade structure is made of a paper-like membrane, and draws inspiration from both Japanese Asanoha hemp leaf patterns and Islamic geometric designs.

Asia and the Middle East 

Fusing design from 

Japan Pavilion