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

Netherlands National Day Ceremony 

Netherlands flag 

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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.

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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.

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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

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands speaks during the Netherlands National Day Ceremony in Al Wasl Plaza m8191

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Netherlands National Day Parade on Ghaf Avenue m8065

Join us in celebrating Netherlands' National Day at Expo

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The Netherlands Pavilion’s eco-friendly exterior of reclaimed iron might remind you of the past, but this place belongs to the sustainable future. In the middle of the arid Dubai desert, the pavilion uses innovative engineering to create a “closed-loop” biotope, producing its own energy, water and even food. A towering 17-metre-tall central cone provides an impressive focal point, upon which edible greens such as cress and sprouts are grown. Within the pavilion is a unique multi-sensory show that highlights the closed-loop farm’s wonders, from the water harvested from thin air to the mushrooms grown on the walls.

Innovative and sustainable, the Netherlands Pavilion not only sourced its construction materials locally in the UAE, but functions as a “closed-loop” biotope that produces its own energy, water, and even food. 

Shaped like an enormous theatre stage, the sides and back of the pavilion are built from orange-red reclaimed metal beams that form a wavy accordion-like pattern inside and out. The roof is constructed from huge metal tubes bound together into panels. 


of sustainability 

A closed loop 

Netherlands Pavilion 

Netherlands National Day 

Netherlands National Day Ceremony

With our planet today home to 7.8 billion people, we put the spotlight on co-existence, understanding different faiths, creating inclusive dialogue, and so much more. During this Theme Week, Expo will provide a platform for diverse voices from all corners of the world to reimagine how spaces, environments and storytelling can become more inclusive by focusing on multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence.

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How can we foster a greater common understanding to enable more tolerant and inclusive societies?

Tolerance & Inclusivity Week

Physical and digital connectivity not only brings us all closer together, but are also the bedrock of healthy and empowered societies. Under this Theme Week, Expo will explore the ways in which technology is being harnessed to better fields of mobility, health, travel and much more. Smart and sustainable mobility, AI (artificial intelligence) for good, virtual learning, remote work, and data privacy are among the myriad issues that will be addressed. 


Navigating a Changing World

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How will we balance the impact of digital expansion with our physical reality?

Travel & Connectivity Week

Join us in celebrating El Salvador's National Day at Expo

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Long known around the globe for the bold flavour and aroma of its shade-grown coffees, El Salvador is perking up the world in a new way these days: as a prime surfing destination. Experience a taste of both at El Salvador’s Expo 2020 pavilion, where visitors can explore the nation’s culture, wildlife and industry while sipping a fresh cup at the surf-themed coffee bar. Other attractions include an immersive 360-degree 3D show and a fully functioning radio station connecting Dubai with El Salvador.


Netherlands National Day Ceremony

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Netherlands National Day .