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.

Inside Expo_New

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Exhibitor logo

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

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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.

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

A moment of reflection during UAE Commemoration Day also known as Martyrs’ Day at the Martyrs’ Sculpture Peace Memorial Web Image m14947

Flowers laid on the ground during UAE Commemoration Day, also known as Martyrs’ Day at the Martyrs’ Sculpture Peace Memorial m14912

Falah S Al Ghaithi during the one minute silence to honour UAE Commemoration Day, also known as Martyrs’ Day at the Martyr-s Sculpture Peace Memorial outside the UAE Pavilion m14993

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

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

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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

UAE 50th National Day

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed show

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed remembered on Al Wasl Plaza’s dome m2919

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed remembered on Al Wasl Plaza’s dome m2920

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed remembered on Al Wasl Plaza’s dome m2921

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed remembered on Al Wasl Plaza’s dome m2922

Immersive Show in Honor of HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 

Tumble into the world of a 12-year-old girl's dream, a place where the moon speaks and the threads of destiny are woven. A look into the fantastic mind of a child born without speech, whose words would one day capture the heart of a nation. For the first time ever, the story of Ousha's dream will be told to the world by Expo 2020 through a show that re-imagines the dream that set her life in motion.

Description

Ousha and the Moon

Find yourself into the world of 12-year-old Ousha's dream, where the moon speaks and the threads of destiny are woven.