Join us in celebrating the United Nations Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

United Nations Honour Day Ceremony 

Inside Expo_New

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.

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

Ms Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group speaks during the United Nations Honour Day Ceremony m6137

United Nations Honour Day Parade m6157

Join us in celebrating the UN's Honour Day at Expo 2020.

UN Flag

United Nations Honour Day 

United Nations Honour Day Ceremony

With the convening power of the United Nations and the universality of its work,  UN programmes at Expo 2020 Dubai aim to highlight the ideas and experiences that unite us. These events and activities will inform, inspire and engage visitors to take impactful action towards a thriving future, reflecting the values of multilateralism and showcasing the role of international cooperation and joint action to overcome global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, as well as achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainable Development Goals - Media Zone

Mission Possible

A panel discussion organized by the United Nations (UN) to shed light on Sustainable Developement Goals (SDGs), during the Global Goals Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, live from the UN Hub.

Opportunity I: The Global Goals and Expo 2020

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our global blueprint for a better world, a collective ambition for equal opportunities for all. During the week, Expo will showcase not just how far we have come, but also how we can join forces and unite to achieve this international roadmap. In addition, the Global Goals Week will shed light on best practices in last-mile delivery, livelihood and the women and girls agenda. 

A Global Stage for the SDGs

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What do we need to do together today for a better world in 2030?

Global Goals Week

United Nations: SDGs Media Zone (Day 4) - session 1

True stories and accounts of women leading the way in sustainable development, human and social development, human dignity, and solidarity from various parts of the Arab and Islamic world. Moderated by Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications, this programme will highlight the catalytic role women in Islam have played for centuries to ensure women from across the world reach new heights.

How Islam Inspires Sustainable Development in the Region and the World

Women in Arabia & Islam Travel & Connectivity Week

True stories and accounts of women leading the way in sustainable development, human and social development, human dignity and solidarity from various parts of the Arab and Islamic world.

Dr Jemilah Mahmood (virtual), Professor and Director Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Malaysia, Maher Nasser (L), Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications and moderator, Maya (C), Managi

Huda Jawad, Feminist and Activist, Co-Director of Musawah during the Women in Arabia and Islam event - How Islam Inspires Sustainable Development at the Women’s Pavilion m35247

Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications and moderator speaks during the Women in Arabia and Islam event - How Islam Inspires Sustainable Development at the Women’s Pavilion

Maya, Managing Director and CEO of the Amanie Advisors’ Global Office, Dubai speaks during the Women in Arabia and Islam event - How Islam Inspires Sustainable Development at the Women’s Pavilion m35243

Women in Arabia and Islam | How Islam Inspires Sustainable Development in the Region and the World

World Expos have always been meeting places for people across cultures and geographies; an opportunity to come together and celebrate human ingenuity and forge meaningful human connections. As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, and with the participation of more than 192 countries, Expo 2020 Dubai looks to take this legacy even further. The Build Bridges track of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet features a tapestry of event series and experiences that celebrate our common humanity and the vital connections that can help us prosper together as a worldwide community.

United Nations Honour Day Ceremony

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United Nations Honour Day .