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

Qatar National Day Ceremony

Qatar

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

Cultural Performers walk to the Qatar Pavilion during Qatar National Day m24826

Cultural Performers walk to the Qatar Pavilion during Qatar National Day m24827

Cultural Performance during Qatar National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24824

Cultural Performance during Qatar National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m24822

Qatar - Copie

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

A vibrant, forward-looking nation on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar has made its mark on the region with everything from world-class art museums to medical innovations. Immerse yourself in the country’s past, present and future through a host of interactive exhibits at the Qatar Pavilion, as you learn about the nation’s role as a keeper of culture, resource capital and champion of change. With a contemporary design inspired by the traditional dhow boat, palm trees and curved swords featured on the nation’s coat of arms, the pavilion perfectly captures Qatar’s culture of strength and tradition balanced with a progressive outlook. 


Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, Qatar’s contemporary structure evokes the iconic elements of the nation’s coat of arms. The large, white building is formed of two curving triangular sections, which echo the prow and billowing sail of a traditional dhow boat, ascending nearly 15 metres at its highest point. 

on a traditional dhow

A modern take

Qatar Pavilion

Qatar National Day

Qatar pavilion 1

stamp Qatar

Qatar Flag

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

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

Ethiopia flag

Ethiopia 1

stamp Ethiopia Logo Black

Ethiopia Image Gallery

More than 100,000 years ago, it’s believed that the first modern humans set out into the wider world from Ethiopia. The Ethiopia Pavilion takes you on an enthralling, aeons-spanning tour of the nation’s history and culture, from humanity’s beginnings to the vibrant modern day.

Your Ethiopian journey begins – as mankind’s did – in a dim cave. Explore prehistoric development and meet a replica of Lucy, the famed 3.2-million-year-old ape-like skeleton found in Ethiopia’s Awash Valley. Emerge into a bright modern factory to learn about the country’s manufacturing successes, before enjoying a classic Ethiopian coffee ceremony.


Ethiopia

Ethiopia 2

Ethiopia Pavilion

Ethiopia National Day

Join us in celebrating Cyprus' National Day at Expo 2020

Cyprus - Copie

cyprus 2

stamp Cyprus

With its unique geographical position between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Cyprus has been a cultural crossroads for as long as humanity has had crossroads. The Cyprus Pavilion at Expo 2020 explores this beautiful Mediterranean nation’s central location through a captivating journey that showcases its diverse peoples, cultures and values. Across six thematic areas, you’ll dive into virtual reality journeys, experience fresh Cypriot cuisine, and learn about the country’s achievements in technology, tourism and education.


Qatar National Day Ceremony

Qatar National Day Ceremony

Participants

Image Gallery

Qatar National Day.