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

Philippines National Day Ceremony

Philippenes

Inside Expo_New

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Exhibitor logo

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

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

A Filipino Parade on Ghaf Avenue during the Philippines National Day m46782

Cultural performance during the Philippines National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46865

Cultural performance during the Philippines National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46867

Cultural performance during the Philippines National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46881

Cultural performance during the Philippines National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46883

Cultural performance during the Philippines National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46895

Cultural performers during the Philippines National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46893

Join us in celebrating Philippines' National Day at Expo

Philippines 2

The many islands of the Philippines are a coral lover’s paradise, home to 26,000 square kilometres of biodiverse reefs. Now, you can take your own “dive” through the nation’s aquatic wonderlands at the Philippines Pavilion, an imaginative coral village packed with artistic wonders and a powerful message about safeguarding marine life.

The pavilion’s bold, free-flowing design simulates the coral ecosystem, while light filtering and other effects lend it all a magically oceanic feel.

Taking inspiration from the island nation’s pristine coral reefs, the Philippines Pavilion is a multi-level collection of stacked, open-air mesh structures that curve around palm trees, tropical gardens and small exhibit areas. The pavilion’s many coral-like formations, which resemble huge, rounded, open-topped containers, are made from a lattice of grey graphite wire. The structures layer on top of each other in irregular shapes, creating a free-flowing space full of shaded passages, projected digital exhibitions and gardens to explore. 

large-scale installations

Dazzling 

Philippines Pavilion

Philippines National Day

4250

4264

stamp DP Philippines copy

Philippines Image gallery

Beautiful, sustainable wire-mesh design inspired by coral reefs 

4263 

Dazzling large-scale installations from leading Filipino artists 

4260

Delicious Filipino cuisine at the Mangrove Café

Philippines P Featrs

Philippines Logo

interior 

Inside Expo: The Next Great Frontier 

Space travel and exploration has captured imaginations for generations and the dream of space tourism is now closer to being a reality than ever. At the same time, with outer space remaining one of our few truly shared resources, peacefully managing this distant realm remains crucial. During this fascinating week, we highlight the latest innovations in space research and travel, while also providing a platform to discuss critical issues.

Untitled design-5

How do we safely and productively explore new frontiers?

Learnings and insights from the World Majlis conversations on Space

Insight Report from Space Week

Spaceweek 1

Space Week

Space Theme Week Video

Space hero

Access to safe and affordable living conditions is a fundamental right. More than 70 per cent of the world’s population is forecasted to live in cities by 2050 and over one billion are already living in informal communities. As the demand for both cities and communities escalate, Expo will bring together experts, citizens, and governments to re-think the way in which habitats are designed and managed. From innovative transport, sustainable housing and green public spaces to renewable energy and circular economies, living spaces of the future will be imagined as resilient, sustainable and inclusive.  

urban-and-rural-development-1920x1080

 How do we live and grow in harmony with our planet?

Learnings and insights from the World Majlis conversations on Urban and Rural Development

Insight Report from Urban and Rural Development Week

Learnings and insights from the World Majlis conversations on Urban and Rural Development


Insight Report from Urban & Rural Development Week

Siemens-Virtual-Expo Partner-image-2

Creating a blueprint for future smart cities

Siemens Website

Siemens is a global technology powerhouse that unites the digital and 
physical worlds to benefit society through its focus on smart infrastructure, digital industries, and intelligent mobility solutions. As Expo 2020 Dubai’s Premier Partner for Infrastructure Digitalisation, Siemens is reshaping the future of urban living by creating a blueprint for the smart cities of the future. By integrating its technology, the company is helping to create history’s most digitalised, sustainable and secure Expo. Siemens is also an anchor tenant at District 2020, the future city that will live on as a legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Creating a blueprint for smarter cities

Siemens-Virtual-Expo Partner-Logo-2b

Siemens 

UNHABITAT-English blu

UN Habitat

AKDN Logo

Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

Urban & Rural Development Week

Opportunity I: The Global Goals and Expo 2020

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our global blueprint for a better world, a collective ambition for equal opportunities for all. During the week, Expo will showcase not just how far we have come, but also how we can join forces and unite to achieve this international roadmap. In addition, the Global Goals Week will shed light on best practices in last-mile delivery, livelihood and the women and girls agenda. 

A Global Stage for the SDGs

global-goals-theme-week-800x450n

What do we need to do together today for a better world in 2030?

Philippines National Day Ceremony

Philippines National Day Ceremony

Participants

Image Gallery

Philippines National Day.