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Sami Yusuf on his Expo 2020 Dubai concert: ‘It will impress all who watch’

Gulf News

Expo 2020 Dubai: Singer Sami Yusuf, Firdaus Orchestra part of weekend of music

Sami Yusuf's performance of 'Beyond the Stars' in Al Wasl Plaza will be a spectacular international programme at Expo 2020 Dubai. The British singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer is joined by master musicians from around the world in a visionary production unlike anything done before. 

A unique, visionary production

Sami Yusuf

A spectacular performance of 'Beyond the Stars' in Al Wasl Plaza as part of Expo 2020 Dubai's international music programme.

Inside Expo_New

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Exhibitor logo

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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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Sami Yusuf Image Gallery

Sami Yusuf: Beyond the Stars

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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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

Enjoy a spectacular and colourful live performance of the traditional music and dance of Kenya. Performed by the country’s celebrated national dance company, the dance troupe will showcase the beauty and diversity of traditional Kenyan music and dance.

Kenya: Ngoma ze Kenya

Ngoma Za Kenya

In celebration of Kenya's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, enjoy a spectacular and colourful live performance featuring the traditional music and dance of Kenya.

Music in the Garden, ‘Ngoma za Kenya’ performed by Kenyan performers during Kenya National Day m49982

Music in the Garden, ‘Ngoma za Kenya’ performed by Kenyan performers during Kenya National Day m49983

Music in the Garden, ‘Ngoma za Kenya’ performed by Kenyan performers during Kenya National Day m49984

Music in the Garden, ‘Ngoma za Kenya’ performed by Kenyan performers during Kenya National Day m49985

Music in the Garden, ‘Ngoma za Kenya’ performed by Kenyan performers during Kenya National Day m49987

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Music in the Garden, ‘Ngoma za Kenya’ performed by Kenyan performers during Kenya National Day m49996

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

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Kenya National Day

Kenya 1

stamp Kenya

Kenya 3

Inspired by the spirit and creativity of the Kenyan people, the Kenya Pavilion lets you feel the nation’s unique energy as it strives toward its vision of becoming a thriving industrialised economy by 2030. With an Afrofuturistic design that focuses on energy in its various stages, the pavilion takes you on a journey from the potential energy of a Kenyan guava to the kinetic energy of the nation’s famous distance runners. Learn about the country’s 44 tribes, be gifted your own Kenyan name and much more.


Kenya

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Kenya Pavilion

Kenya: Ngoma za Kenya

Welcome to a stunning performance of the art of Azerbaijani dance. These ancient dances with fast rhythms and up-tempo drumming, are performed on holidays, weddings and other social gatherings and form part of the rich art and culture of Azerbaijan.

Dances and Rhythms

Azerbaijan: dances and rhythms

A stunning performance representing the rich art and culture of Azerbaijan through traditional dances and rhythms.

Azerbaijan feature image  

stamp Azerbaijan

With a striking design that takes inspiration from the natural world and strives to protect it as well, the Azerbaijan Pavilion invites visitors on a journey to discover how each of us can pitch in to restore balance to the planet.

Outside the pavilion, a vast leaf-shaped solar roof harnesses the sun’s rays, while the stylised wooden “tree” shelters a performance stage and authentic Azerbaijani garden below. Inside, dynamic video screens on the floor will guide your path as you plant “seeds for the future”, using a unique card chosen at the pavilion’s entrance to power a variety of interactive, thought-provoking exhibits.

Personalised, digitally enhanced sustainability experience

Advanced eco-features such as rainwater harvesting and a leaf-shaped solar roof

Authentic Azerbaijani garden area and performance space

Azerbaijan Features

Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijan Pavilion’s central column takes the shape of a stylised tree trunk, with massive wooden “branches” that extend upwards to cradle its top level, as an elevated walkway hugs its base. The pavilion is sheltered by a vast, leaf-shaped canopy. 

Sami Yusuf: Beyond the Stars

A unique, visionary production

Sami Yusuf Image Gallery

Articles & Press

News and Press

Sami Yusuf on his Expo 2020 Dubai concert: ‘It will impress all who watch’

News and Press

Expo 2020 Dubai: Singer Sami Yusuf, Firdaus Orchestra part of weekend of music

News and Press

Sami Yusuf on his Expo 2020 Dubai concert: ‘It will impress all who watch’

News and Press

Expo 2020 Dubai: Singer Sami Yusuf, Firdaus Orchestra part of weekend of music