An abstract performance representing the fascinating journey of the Philippines, from the geo-history of its lands to its cultural development, and the beliefs, traditions and aspirations of its people.

Tides of Our Soul

Tides Of Our Soul (Philippines National Day Gala Performance)

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With a striking design inspired by fossilised sand dunes, Jubilee Stage is an open-air festival stage. Located in Jubilee Park, it hosts performances and large concerts.

Jubilee Stage

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

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Philippines Image gallery

Beautiful, sustainable wire-mesh design inspired by coral reefs 

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Dazzling large-scale installations from leading Filipino artists 

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Delicious Filipino cuisine at the Mangrove Café

Philippines P Featrs

Philippines Logo

Image Gallery

interior 

Philippines: The National Day Gala Performance "Tides of Our Soul"

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. 

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl 

Al Wasl Plaza Images

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 

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.

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.

Daily performances, national day ceremonies and more

Immersive 360-degree domed projection screen

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. 

Al Wasl Plaza 360° Immersive Experiences

The Beating Heart of Expo 2020

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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. 


Portugal Intro image 

through Expo 2020 

Cruising 

Portugal: Music in the Garden

MENASA is an Emirati Design Platform curated by Samer Yamani, to celebrate Emirati artisanal work and to identify, curate, promote and present Emirati design and crafts through exclusive design collections and content.

In this event, an exciting line up of distinguished panelists in the field of design from around the world discuss unique perspectives of design storytelling, and how they have been able to break out of the expected and present the extraordinary.

The Power of Storytelling in Design

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MENASA’s third panel discussion, featuring distinguished panelists from around the world to discuss unique perspectives of design storytelling, and how they enable moving from the expected to the extraordinary.

MENASA – Emirati Design Platform - Audio Guide

MENASA 1

Menasa Image Gallery

MENASA - Emirati Design Platform offers visitors an overview of the UAE’s vibrant artisan culture. Its bespoke collections are created with top local and international designers and explore seven Emirati “Craft Stories”: safeefa, clay, talli, sadu, coffee making, Gargour making and pearl diving. Each story leads you through the processes involved in crafting the design collections. The programme’s space hosts design collections to stimulate and inspire. Many of the one-of-a-kind pieces on display are also available to take home, with each purchase helping to sustain the local design ecosystem.

Aiming to identify, curate, promote and present Emirati design and crafts through exclusive design collections and curated content, MENASA provides a unique opportunity to explore traditional Emirati crafts through contemporary design, innovative materials and advanced processes. The platform features exciting design collaborations between over 40 local and international designers from 11 countries.

8000 Waves Design

Crafts and Design

Exploring Emirati

MENASA – Emirati Design Platform

MENASA: The Power of Storytelling in Design

Watch the incredible Shilpakala Adacemy perform a group dance piece that highlights the culture and heritage of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is the principal state-sponsored national cultural center of Bangladesh. It is the national academy of fine and performing arts. The academy was established through an act of Parliament in 1974 as a statutory organization under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. 


Shilpakala Academy Performance

Bangladesh: Shilpakala Academy Performance

Watch the incredible Shilpakala Adacemy perform a group dance piece that highlights the culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

The Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre is a performance space hosting cultural performances and live music for seated crowds, located in Al Forsan Park. The venue’s design features a model of two Ghaf trees that intertwine above the centre of the stage. 

Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre

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Bangladesh 1

stamp Bangladesh

Once a farming economy, Bangladesh is rapidly becoming a mighty innovation and manufacturing hub – a leading exporter of clothing and consumer goods. The Bangladesh Pavilion at Expo 2020 offers a wide-ranging tour of what the emerging nation has to offer, from scientific advancements to handcrafted treasures. Learn about Bangladeshi culture and industry, explore its mangrove forests and sandy beaches and much more.

Philippines: The National Day Gala Performance "Tides of Our Soul"

Tides of Our Soul

Participants

Philippines National Day.