A fascinating projection show in the heart of Expo 2020, in tribute of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.

Sheikh Zayed Projection Tribute

Sheikh Zayed Projection Tribute: Al Wasl Plaza

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

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan remembered in Al Wasl m7949

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan remembered in Al Wasl m7951

Expo 2020 coincides with the United Arab Emirates' biggest national celebration yet – the UAE's UAE 50th National Day. To commemorate this historic event, Expo 2020 Dubai will celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years, while also looking towards the next 50. It will share with every visitor the joy and pride that Emiratis have for their nation and their ambitious and inclusive vision for a global future.

Description

Golden Jubilee

Celebrate the UAE’s extraordinary journey over the last 50 years as well as the next 50.

Expo 2020 Dubai UAE Golden Jubilee Attractions

UAE Golden Jubilee

On the 2nd of December, for the UAE National Day, we invite you to take part in this moment of great national pride as we stand together and witness the raising of the UAE flag and welcome the next 50 years of this nation's history.

UAE 50th National Day

UAE National Day Ceremony

Join us in celebrating the UAE's 50th National Day, and be part of this moment of great national pride.

Join us in celebrating the UAE 50th National Day at Expo 2020

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

UAE: 50th National Day Ceremony

Enjoy a 10-minute snippet of Bollywood megastar Neha Kakkar's dazzling performance at Expo 2020 Dubai!

Neha Kakkar

EXPO-NEHA-KAKKAR-1080x1080

Enjoy a glimpse of Bollywood superstar Neha Kakkar's dazzling performance at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22130

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22124

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22113

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22112

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22106

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22105

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22104

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22094

Neha Kakkar performs at Jubilee Stage m22090

Neha Kakkar (L) and her husband Rohanpreet Singh (R) perform at Jubilee Stage m22127

We are witness to a pivot point in many of the trends that have defined the last 50 years of progress. Ideas that we saw as separate now seem more and more connected. 
We have learnt that industrial progress also changes our climate. We are reminded  
that advanced technologies will not be successful without the creative human who can put them to good use. It is very clear today that our wellbeing is affected by our environment, not just individual health.  
But there is still huge uncertainty about how these trends will combine, and how they  will respond to events over the next 50 years. Preparing for the future means being ready  to make the best of whichever scenario plays out. 
By imagining potential future worlds, we can develop concrete plans for how to respond  to changes around us. We can encourage investment in long term goals rather than short term gains.  

Charting the Next 50 Years of Human Progress

Al Wasl dome

A special World Majlis session examining the new trends and unique challenges that will impact the way we all live, work and play over the next 50 years.

Session programme - Looking Ahead to 2071

How do we ensure we control technology, and not the other way round?

How do we keep 9 billion people healthy and happy?

What are the best ways to help the next generation become ambitious, innovative leaders? 

How do we balance ambitious visions for the future with the need to adapt to change? 

World Majlis | Looking Ahead to 2071: Preparing for the Next 50 Years

Explore a series of exciting conversations inspired by the theme of Expo 2020 Dubai. The World Majlis is a vibrant forum where diverse points of views are shared on important topics of our time. Each conversation brings together globally recognised thought-leaders who are invited for their exceptional contributions to the theme and their unique perspective on the topic. In each Majlis, students and members of the public are also welcome to contribute and engage.

World Majlis

Conversations on complex issues that bring together thought leaders, visionaries and changemakers.

Sheikh Zayed Projection Tribute

Image Gallery

UAE Golden Jubilee.