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

South Sudan National Day Ceremony

South Sudan

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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.

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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.

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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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Cultural performance during the South Sudan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m52109

Cultural performance during the South Sudan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m52115

Cultural performance during the South Sudan National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m52117

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Join us in celebrating South Sudan's National Day at Expo 2020

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South Sudan is the world's youngest sovereign nation, having gained independence in 2011 – and it’s come to Expo ready for its close-up, figuratively and literally. The South Sudan Pavilion offers visitors a unique photographic showcase, employing digital wizardry and archival portraits to reveal new perspectives on the country’s captivating landscapes, rich culture and vibrant people. You’ll journey through three exhibition spaces where augmented reality activations summon striking images to life and opportunities await in every corner.

South Sudan Pavilion

South Sudan National Day

Water fuels our sustenance but also moves money, goods and people around the world, provides a valuable source of renewable energy, and enables the world’s food to grow. This week will help us understand how to preserve and sustainably manage this precious finite resource for infinite uses. The programme will highlight the true value of water, as well as progress and best practice in ensuring clean and adequate water for people, industry and the planet.

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 How will we protect our most precious resource today, for tomorrow?

Water Week 

With our planet today home to 7.8 billion people, we put the spotlight on co-existence, understanding different faiths, creating inclusive dialogue, and so much more. During this Theme Week, Expo will provide a platform for diverse voices from all corners of the world to reimagine how spaces, environments and storytelling can become more inclusive by focusing on multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence.

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How can we foster a greater common understanding to enable more tolerant and inclusive societies?

Tolerance & Inclusivity Week

The official ceremony of Mali's National Day takes place at the Stage of Nations, in Al Wasl Plaza. The ceremony includes raising the country's flag, standing for the national anthem, official delegates' speeches and a cultural performance showcasing Mali's rich traditions and heritage. Celebrations continue throughout the day across the Expo site with a special concert at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.

Join us in celebrating Mali's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

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Mali Image Gallery

Ever since word first spread centuries ago about the vast wealth in mysterious Timbuktu, West African nation Mali has been a place of global intrigue and rich legend. The Mali Pavilion beckons visitors to explore a “River of Gold” on the hunt for the country’s ancestral treasures, surveying Mali’s fascinating history and burgeoning economy along the way. You’ll turn the digitised pages of Timbuktu’s ancient handwritten manuscripts, learn about Malian aquaculture and hydroelectric power, and more.


South Sudan National Day Ceremony

Image Gallery

South Sudan National Day.