Under the dome of Al Wasl you will be immersed in traditional UAE melodies from Emirati singer Fatma Zahrat Al Ain, in celebration of the UAE's 50th National Day.

Music In the Garden

Fatma Zahrat Al Ain

Emirati singer Fatma Zahrat Al Ain performs live at Al Wasl gardens in celebration of the UAE's 50th National Day.

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.

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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Music in the Garden – Fatima Zahrat Al Ain performs at Al Wasl Stage m15803

Crowds watch Music in the Garden – Fatima Zahrat Al Ain performance at Al Wasl Stage m15782

Join us in celebrating the UAE 50th National Day at Expo 2020

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

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. 

and powerful

Graceful

UAE Pavilion

UAE 50th National Day

UAE: Music In the Garden, ft. Fatma Zahrat Al Ain

Expo 2020 coincides with the United Arab Emirates' biggest national celebration yet – the UAE's UAE 50th National Day. To commemorate this historic event, Expo 2020 Dubai will celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years, while also looking towards the next 50. It will share with every visitor the joy and pride that Emiratis have for their nation and their ambitious and inclusive vision for a global future.

Description

Golden Jubilee

Celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years as well as the next 50.

Expo 2020 Dubai UAE Golden Jubilee Attractions

UAE Golden Jubilee

MENASA, an Emirati Design Platform presented by Expo 2020 Dubai, aims to spark a new appreciation for Emirati crafts as contemporary and living expressions of Emirati cultural identity. By merging artisanal skills with innovation and technology, MENASA aims to cultivate a creative dialogue between designers and artisans from the UAE and around the world. Craft Stories is a series of seven unique curated design collaborations telling stories of today's UAE through a selection of its crafts and traditions. Merging the skills and rich heritage of Emirati artisans together with contemporary creativity and innovation in techniques and materials, each story is a multi-layered journey that reflects many facets of the UAE, its landscape, people, traditions, values and identity. Technology and Crafts: Interpretation of Crafts Through Technology will introduce one of the main craft story collections showcased at MENASA, the TEN to ONE capsule collection by Iwan Maktabi, Edouard Cabay and House of Artisans: a bespoke rug collection made from a sustainable material that is painted by Robot through AI.

Technology and Crafts: Interpretation of Crafts Through Technology

Menasa

A panel discussion organised by the Emirati design platform MENASA, in which distinguished designers from around the world contribute to engaging dialogue around the craft stories showcased at MENASA.

Carmelo Zappulla (C), Founder and Executive Director External Reference, Edouard Cabay (R), Architect and Founder and Principal of Appareil and Salama Al Shamsi (L), Director of Qasr Al Hosn during the Technology and Crafts Interpretation o

Mohamed Maktabi (L2), Co-founder and CEO of Iwan Maktabi, Carmelo Zappulla (R2), Founder and Executive Director External Reference, Edouard Cabay (R1), Architect and Founder and Principal of Appareil and Salama Al Shamsi (R3), Director of Qa (1)

Mohamed Maktabi (L2), Co-founder and CEO of Iwan Maktabi, Carmelo Zappulla (R2), Founder and Executive Director External Reference, Edouard Cabay (R1), Architect and Founder and Principal of Appareil and Salama Al Shamsi (R3), Director of Qa

Mohamed Maktabi, Co-founder and CEO of Iwan Maktabi during the Technology and Crafts Interpretation of Crafts through Technology at 2020 Club by Emaar m41102

Salama Al Shamsi, Director of Qasr Al Hosn during the Technology and Crafts Interpretation of Crafts through Technology at 2020 Club by Emaar m41099

MENASA | Technology and Crafts: Interpretation of Crafts Through Technology

This enjoyable and informative craft-oriented performance is intended to offer a new perspective on Emirati handicrafts. Musically and artistically driven, it explores and explains the UAE’s craft story in a compelling piece of live entertainment.

Journey of the Thread

An enjoyable and informative craft-oriented performance to offer a new perspective on Emirati handicrafts. 

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Al Meghzal: Journey of a Thread

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Journey of the Thread (Nov 3rd)

Maria Ana Bobone started singing Fado at age 16. Her debut album entitled "Alma Nova", was the beginning of a brilliant career. Since then, Maria Ana Bobone has recorded two albums, “Luz Destino” and “Senhora da Lapa”, revealing a refined musical taste and where she introduces new instruments to her fado - harpsichord and saxophone - in addition to the usual presence of the Portuguese guitar. Having performed around the world at renowned festivals and concert halls, Maria Ana Babone brings her incredible show to Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Music in the Garden - Maria Ana Bobone

Maria Ana Bobone

Enjoy the music of Maria Ana Bobone, delivering a unique take on Fado, Portugal's most traditional sound. 

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Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52225

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52227

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Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52239

Portugal Pavilion

stamp Portugal

Portugal Carousel

For centuries, Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed the world, creating new connections with Africa, India and beyond. Now at Expo 2020, the country is honouring its heritage of multiculturalism at the Portugal Pavilion, a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

The pavilion’s theme is “A World in One Country”, and you’ll see this idea reflected in its exhibits, including the dynamic digital faces that welcome you and a garden area that showcases Portugal’s biodiversity. Other attractions include tours of the country’s aerospace industry and “blue” ocean economy, as well as the best of Portuguese cuisine.


Authentic Portuguese cuisine at the pavilion’s restaurant

Interactive library featuring graphic panels and interactive projections 

Wide-ranging celebration of Portugal’s diversity

Portugal Features 

Portugal logo

With tall sail-shaped façades that rise high into the air, the Portugal Pavilion recalls a white sailing ship cruising through Expo 2020, much as Portuguese explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, featured within, once sailed across the globe. 

The pavilion’s bottom level is open in the centre, with sturdy grey structures to either side. Resting upon these is the broad main exhibit hall, a squared-off take on the caravel, a 15th century Portuguese boat design renowned for its speed. Its four rectangular sails stand tall at various heights. 


Music In the Garden

Image Gallery

UAE 50th National Day.

This event is part of theUAE Golden Jubilee.

This event is part of the
UAE Golden Jubilee.