Watch as delegates from the United Kingdom arrive at Expo 2020 Dubai to celebrate the country's National Day at Al Wasl Plaza. The ceremony includes raising the flag, singing the national anthem, and an official speech presented by the United Kingdom on this honourary occassion.

The United Kingdom's National Day Ceremony

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

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.

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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.

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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

The Coldstream Guards parade past the United Kingdom Pavilion during the United Kingdom National Day Celebrations m46314

The Coldstream Guards parade past the United Kingdom Pavilion during the United Kingdom National Day Celebrations m46316

Coldstream Guards during the United Kingdom National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46101

The Coldstream Guards parade past the United Kingdom Pavilion during the United Kingdom National Day Celebrations m46332

Coldstream Guards during the United Kingdom National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46104

Coldstream Guards during the United Kingdom National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46172

Coldstream Guards during the United Kingdom National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m46166

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

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Inspired by British physicist Stephen Hawking, who challenged humanity to ponder how we might express ourselves to alien civilisations, the UK Pavilion invites visitors to contribute to a unique linguistic experiment. While exploring this cone-shaped structure, which showcases the UK’s contributions to space science and artificial intelligence, you can add your own words to the pavilion’s neural network. A language-generating algorithm then processes these entries into an ever-changing “poem” that will be displayed on the pavilion’s LED façade, providing an inspiring collective message to Expo 2020, our planet and maybe even worlds beyond.

The awe-inspiring UK Pavilion is an epic, 20-metre-tall, cone-shaped structure compiled of rows of horizontal timber slats that stretch forward to create a circular form. The end of each slat houses a LED panel that emits phrases that link to form an ever-changing interstellar message crafted by artificial intelligence and Expo visitors. 

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A visionary

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United Kingdom National Day

The Limitless Potential of Artificial Intelligence

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UK Image Gallery

UK new

Inside Expo: The Next Great Frontier 

Space travel and exploration has captured imaginations for generations and the dream of space tourism is now closer to being a reality than ever. At the same time, with outer space remaining one of our few truly shared resources, peacefully managing this distant realm remains crucial. During this fascinating week, we highlight the latest innovations in space research and travel, while also providing a platform to discuss critical issues.

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How do we safely and productively explore new frontiers?

Learnings and insights from the World Majlis conversations on Space

Insight Report from Space Week

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Space Week

Space Theme Week Video

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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 

From farm to plate, the food value chain is an integral part of society, providing income and livelihoods for billions. The ways in which we currently cultivate food by means of deforestation and food waste however, are all contributing adversely to climate change. Expo will serve as a platform to bring together all stakeholders in various value chains to spotlight localized solutions to food, nutrition and farming challenges. The programme will explore food sustainably, climate-friendly agriculture and other practices that work in harmony with the environment. 


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How do we sustainably grow food to meet future demand?

The United Kingdom's National Day Ceremony

The United Kingdom's National Day Ceremony

Participants

Image Gallery

United Kingdom National Day.