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.

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

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

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

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. 

and powerful

Graceful

UAE Pavilion

UAE: 50th National Day Ceremony

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

As part of the UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations at Expo 2020, take in an unforgettable live show from popular Emirati singer, Eida Al Menhali. 

Eida Al Menhali

Celebrate the UAE’s 50th National Day with an incredible performance from Emirati artist Eida Al Menhali. 

Eidah Al Menhali performs at Jubilee Stage during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16095

Eidah Al Menhali performs at Jubilee Stage during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16104

Eidah Al Menhali performs at Jubilee Stage during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16105

Eidah Al Menhali performs at Jubilee Stage during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16108

Eidah Al Menhali performs at Jubilee Stage during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16110

Eidah Al Menhali performs at Jubilee Stage during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebrations m16113

Image gallery

Eidha Al Menhali @ Expo

Come and enjoy the music of Waleed Al Shami, a renowned Iraqi singer who is a regular feature on Arabic TV and radio music shows around the region and is famous for his chart-topping tracks including ‘Sadmah’, ‘Ahebah Kolesh’ and ‘Nar Helwa’.

Waleed Al Shami

EXPO Waleed-Al-Shami ENG 1200x627

Don't miss the music of Iraqi star Waleed Al Shami. 

Jubilee Park Web Image m5473 (1)

With a striking design inspired by fossilised sand dunes, Jubilee Stage is an open-air festival stage. Located in Jubilee Park, it hosts performances and large concerts.

Jubilee Stage

Waleed Al Shami performs at Jubilee Stage m23112

Waleed Al Shami performs at Jubilee Stage m23113

Waleed Al Shami performs at Jubilee Stage m23114

Waleed Al Shami performs at Jubilee Stage m23116

Waleed Al Shami performs at Jubilee Stage m23121

Experience one of the most famous Romanian chamber ensembles to emerge in recent years. Founded by the reputed cellist Marin Cazacu, along with his students, he has created a new way of promoting chamber music and young virtuoso Romanian musicians.

Violoncellissimo and Marin Cazacu

Romania: Violoncellissimo and Marin Cazacu

Experience one of the most famous Romanian virtuoso musical ensembles to emerge in recent years.

Violoncellissimo and Marin Cazacu perform at Jubilee Stage m25980

Violoncellissimo and Marin Cazacu perform at Jubilee Stage m25982

Violoncellissimo and Marin Cazacu perform at Jubilee Stage m25983

Violoncellissimo and Marin Cazacu perform at Jubilee Stage m25984

Romania

stamp Romania

The Romania Pavilion uses immersive exhibits and art installations to explore humankind’s connection with nature, inspiring visitors to seek a new balance with our fragile planet.

As befits the country that is home to 60 per cent of Europe’s mineral water, conservation of water resources is the pavilion’s focus. A “H2RO” exhibit offers a variety of perspectives on the all-important liquid, while the pavilion’s Water Bar lets you taste Romania’s diverse mineral waters. Don’t miss the myriad video installations and artistic staged performances, which point the way to the sustainable future that the pavilion’s creators call the “New Nature”.


UAE 50th National Day

UAE 50th National Day.

This event is part of theUAE Golden Jubilee.

This event is part of the
UAE Golden Jubilee.