Take a journey through the Vision Pavilion, inspired by the book of “My Story”. A living tribute to the life of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting his wise leadership, determination, patience, wisdom and hard work to revolutionise the city of Dubai through challenges and fascinating achievements.

The Vision Pavilion

Vision Pavilion with Text

Journey through the Vision Pavilion, a tribute to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting his leadership, determination, patience, wisdom and hard work to revolutionise Dubai.

A Space Like No Other: The Vision Pavilion

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

Vision Pavilion - Audio Guide

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Vision Image Gallery

Not long ago, the majority of what is now modern Dubai was desert. Today, that land is home to a global capital of skyscrapers and world-class sustainable infrastructure. What caused this transformation? The powerful vision to see a thriving multicultural hub.

The Vision Pavilion at Expo 2020 celebrates the insight, values, and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. Across three galleries filled with captivating exhibits, the pavilion explores His Highness’s personal story and celebrates the Emirati people and culture of Dubai.


Vision

The Vision Pavilion’s dramatic exterior features a mosaic façade that displays an artistic decorative pattern of sandstone and panels of foamed and flat aluminium, reminiscent of the UAE coastline, as well as the intersection of desert, sea and creeks.

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Visionary

Vision Pavilion

The Vision Pavilion: A Living Tribute

The Ministry of Defence proudly presents the "Union Fortress 8" military show, at South Expo 2020 Dubai. The goal of this military demonstration is to highlight the advanced capabilities of the UAE's armed forces by showcasing the dedication and technical skill of its courageous men and women, both on the field and in making use of modern equipment and technologies. Entry to the event is free and open to all, including action-packed events for the public at the Family Zone, between 10:30 am and 10:00 pm. Celebrate the spirit of love, peace and tolerance with the Union Fortress.

Union Fortress 8

Union Fortress Parade

The Ministry of Defence proudly presents the "Union Fortress 8", a multi-force military demonstration, which highlights the role of the UAE's armed forces in securing the nation and its people.

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Image Gallery

UAE Ministry of Defence: The "Union Fortress 8"  Military Show - Day 1

Every year on November 30, the community comes together in observing the one-minute silence as a mark of respect for the brave sons of the UAE who gave their lives in the service of the nation.

Commemoration Day: a moment of silence..

UAE Commemoration Day

Honour Emirati martyrs with a 1-minute silent prayer from 11:30 to 11:31.

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl 

Al Wasl Plaza Images

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 

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.

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.

Daily performances, national day ceremonies and more

Immersive 360-degree domed projection screen

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. 

Al Wasl Plaza 360° Immersive Experiences

The Beating Heart of Expo 2020

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His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan (C), Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy (R), UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director Gen

UAE Commemoration Day: a moment of silence

The GCC Pavilion, in collaboration with aerobatics teams, the UAE's Al Fursan and the Saudi Hawks, will hold spectacular shows in the skies over Expo 2020 Dubai. Al Fursan are the UAE's Air Force aerobatic display team. The Saudi Hawks are the Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic display team.

GCC Air Show

The GCC Pavilion, in collaboration with aerobatics teams, the UAE's Al Fursan and the Saudi Hawks, will hold spectacular shows in the skies over Expo 2020 Dubai.

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Founded in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is an economic and political union that works to unlock the potential of the Arabian Gulf region through cooperation and innovation. The Gulf Cooperation Council Pavilion at Expo 2020 offers a spin on this theme of unity, braiding the GCC’s thousands of stories into a golden centrepiece.

Inside, follow six groups of threads (symbolising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the GCC’s six member states) on a tour of the region’s topography, history and intertwined cultures. In the pavilion’s grand central cube, these threads weave and twist into a magnificent golden knot.


GCC logo

Symphonically weaving lines and shapes, the GCC Pavilion is an abstract collection of modernist white structures with a giant cube standing at its centre. On the building’s right, several dune-like façades evoke a feeling of desert and sand. To the left, a low rectangular building welcomes visitors through large doors. 

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Elegantly 

Gulf Cooperation Council Pavilion

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UAE Image Gallery

Open-heartedness and ambition are values captured by the UAE Pavilion, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The remarkable building is reminiscent of a falcon in flight, inspired by our national bird. Once inside, go on a multisensory journey that chronicles the rise of a nation of “dreamers who do”. Traverse a dreamlike landscape filled with dunes of real sand to learn about our nation’s founding father Sheikh Zayed, the natural wonders of the Emirates and their rapid modernisation. Be inspired by stories of the UAE dreamers building an inclusive future as the desert sun filters through the pavilion’s oculus. 

The design of the UAE Pavilion evokes a falcon in flight; referencing the Emirates’ traditional art of falconry. The main building resembles a titanic oval, with a grand, four storey entrance set into the tip. More than 25 feather-like panels are arranged at the dome of the pavilion, each curving down toward the entry of the structure. 

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and powerful

Graceful

UAE Pavilion

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As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens itself to the world, its contribution to Expo 2020 mirrors the nation’s grand ambitions. Boasting a vast façade that covers the area of two football pitches, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion takes the form of an opening window that soars into the sky bearing messages of inspiration.

Your Saudi experience begins in the open plaza under the pavilion, where the giant screen above and LEDs below combine to create a dazzling light show. Next, the “Heritage Path” escalator will transport you to immersive exhibits – and you can end your journey with refreshments and shopping in the pavilion’s scenic palm garden.


Spectacular mirrored architectural design, dazzlingly lit on all sides

Immersive exhibition space highlighted by a multicoloured floating sphere

Palm garden featuring dining and retail options

Saudi A Features

KSA logo

The monumental Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion is a mirrored slab that extends up diagonally from the ground, resembling a giant window opening toward the sky. The immense structure soars six storeys into the air and covers more than 13,000 square metres, or the area of two football pitches. The sides of the pavilion feature a decorative motif of grey horizontal lines like layered metal, while its vast underbelly — which shades an enormous plaza — is mirrored and smooth. 


The Vision Pavilion

Participants