On the edge of the Empty Quarter, hidden and forgotten for thousands of years, lie the remains of an ancient trading post – a city that traded with the ancient kingdoms of Egypt, Mesopotamia and India, with foundries producing exquisitely designed ornaments and weaponry. A thriving oasis in the desert. A meeting place of cultures and ideas.

This documentary unveils the story of how the historical site was discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and how the ring became the origin of the Expo 2020 Dubai logo.

Saruq Al Hadid: Dubai's Iron Age

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A documentary on the ancient international trade centre where the ring that inspired the Expo 2020 logo was found.

When many of us think of ancient civilizations our minds may venture to Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia or India. But it turns out that there was a centre of trade right in the middle of the desert just south of Dubai that connects with each of these ancient civilizations called Saruq Al-Hadid, and it’s believed to have existed as far back as the Iron Age 4,000 years ago.

Of all the many artefacts found at Saruq Al-Hadid a tiny golden ring stood out. This golden  ring, now a symbol of Emirati heritage and pride, inspired Expo 2020’s logo, and even Al Wasl Plaza, the centrepiece of the site. In this episode, we’ll tell the story of the  communities that lived in Saruq Al-Hadid and how they helped create a ring that came to represent Expo 2020 Dubai.  

This podcast is by Expo 2020 Dubai and produced by Kerning Cultures Network.

Description

Inside Expo_New

Of all the many artefacts found at Saruq Al-Hadid a tiny golden ring stood out. This golden  ring, now a symbol of Emirati heritage and pride, inspired Expo 2020’s logo, and even Al Wasl Plaza, the centrepiece of the site.

Now is your chance to witness history in the making at Expo 2020 Dubai. Journey with us through nearly 200 years of captivating history that's been made at Expos throughout the world, and learn more about the new horizons being explored at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

This podcast is by Expo 2020 Dubai, produced by Kerning Cultures Network. 

A chance to witness history in the making at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Inside Expo

Saruq Al-Hadid and Dubai’s Golden Ring

Experience sheer foot-stomping, hand-clapping exuberance from the phenomenal flamenco singer, Rosario La Tremendita. ‘Delirium Tremens’ is her provocative latest album, where she takes traditional Flamenco to unexplored, vibrant and harmonic heights.

Flamenco: Rosario La Tremendita, Delirium Tremens 2.0

ROSARIO LA TREMENDITA. Delirium Tremens 2.0

Foot-tapping, hand-clapping exuberance from the phenomenal flamenco singer Rosario La Tremendita. ‘Delirium Tremens’ is her new album, where she takes traditional flamenco to unexplored, vibrant heights.

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Rosario La Tremendita Tremens performs at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre m6337

Rosario La Tremendita Tremens performs at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre m6338

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Image Gallery

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Image Gallery 

The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 is an open, eco-friendly exhibition that seamlessly blends ancient heritage and cutting-edge innovation.

An airy ground floor features several small, naturally cooled plazas that are ideal for relaxing or snacking on tapas. Venture underground into aroomy basement, and you’ll explore a “forest of the future” filled with thought-provoking exhibits on Spain’s contributions to global sustainability.


Spain logo

Inspired by Spain’s age-old links to the Arab world, the Spain Pavilion takes the shape of a lively field of sheer, conical towers in hues of brick, orange, and saffron yellow. Visitors venture under this vast canopy of peaks, built from reusable materials including wood, iron and fabric, to explore a series of breezy plazas. The underside of each airy dome is decorated with unique textures that reflect their exhibits: swirls of woven straw, a green canopy of plants, falls of digital water, and more. One dome also shelters a tasty tapas restaurant.

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Breezy 

Spain Pavilion 

Immerse yourself in the exotic music from the southern desert regions of Morocco, blending modern and ancestral sounds. A medley of performances by the group Mnat Aïchata, soloist Oum and a collaborative performance with these two icons of Moroccan music. A show not to be missed.

Desert Blues of Morocco

Immerse yourself in the exotic music from the southern desert regions of Morocco. A medley of performances by the group Mnat Aïchata, and soloist Oum.

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Morocco Pavilion

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Gallery

For thousands of years, Morocco’s Berber people have built their traditional squared homes and villages out of mud brick, producing structures that have stood for centuries. The Morocco Pavilion at Expo 2020 advances this form in dazzling style, combining modern design and rich heritage to create a uniquely vertical journey through Morocco.

As you ascend the ramp through the pavilion, you’ll experience ancient streetscapes and cutting-edge innovations: everything from traditional Moroccan gardens to one of the world’s largest solar-energy plants, Noor-Ouarzazate. It all ends with a stunning panoramic view from the pavilion’s rooftop area.


Morocco

Traditional vertical mud-brick villages get a modernist makeover at the Morocco Pavilion. Over a dozen giant blocks formed from hundreds of earthen cubes are stacked in a loose, offset pattern to create a lively, four-storey tower that faintly glows with rusty orange warmth. 

Saruq Al Hadid: Dubai's Iron Age