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

Senegal National Day Ceremony

Senegal

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Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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Join us in celebrating Senegal National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Join us in celebrating Senegal National Day at Expo 2020.

Senegal 

Located at the western edge of Africa, Senegal is a heady mix of colourful architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse landscapes, and a deep, rich culture. The Senegal Pavilion showcases the country’s history and traditions and a dynamic multilingual population that’s driving the country forward. Learn about Senegal’s place in Africa, its ambitious future plans, and how it has become one of the continent’s most innovative places.


Senegal Pavilion

Senegal National Day

The traditional folkloric and percussive Senegalese dance troupe Bakalama will get you out of your seat, and onto your feet! Join in with their traditional African songs and performances that celebrate the joyful and richly diverse culture of Africa.

Bakalama Performance

The traditional folkloric and percussive Senegalese dance troupe Bakalama will have you out of your seat! Join for traditional African songs and a celebration of the joyful and diverse culture of Africa.

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Bakalama perform at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre Web Image m3943

Bakalama perform at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre Web Image m3944

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Bakalama Performance (Oct 13th)

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Bakalama Performance (Oct 12th)

This multicultural musical medley of Berber and Arabic music mixed with African rhythms is guaranteed to leave audiences captivated. Mbokka Project comprises seven musicians from four countries - Morocco, Mali, Senegal and Ivory Coast - with Mbokka meaning 'link' or 'kinship' in the Wolof language.

A Moment of Gathering

A multicultural musical performance featuring artists from Morocco, Mali, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

Morocco Pavilion

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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. 

Senegal National Day Ceremony

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Senegal National Day.