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

Exhibitor logo

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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

Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for UN Global Communication, and Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications, will share, discuss and promote thoughtful visions, strategies and policies for a gender equal future. The speakers will address two principal areas of focus: The transformative strategies and policies required to create a gender equal future, including best practices, lessons learnt and future aspirations; and personal journeys regarding commitments to tackle gender-related barriers.  

Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, UN

USG Fleming 

Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for UN Global Communication, and Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications, will discuss achieving a gender-equal future.

Inside Expo: The Brave Women

Women's Pavilion - Audio Guide

Women's Pavilion 1

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Women's Pavilion Image gallery

Women make tremendous contributions to the world, yet many remain unknown or forgotten. The Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier at Expo 2020 challenges this imbalance by taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. Our showcase underscores the principle that “When women thrive, all of humanity thrives”.

The pavilion showcases the exceptional accomplishments of women, world-famous and unknown. Immerse yourself in the triumphs of women through history, discover the journeys women have taken to claim their equality and dive into the stories of the inspirational women shaping our future.


Globe-spanning tour of women’s achievements and ongoing challenges

Multisensory exhibition created by actor/artist Mélanie Laurent and Emirati artists

Majlis-inspired social space for live conversations and events

Women's 

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Reflecting the UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, the Women’s Pavilion serves as a catalyst for social transformation, both in Dubai and far beyond. By championing exceptional women, it aims to inspire dialogue, shatter gender misconceptions, and leave a lasting legacy of positive change for women worldwide.

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inspiring change

Championing women, 

Women's Pavilion 

Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, United Nations speaks during the SDG Storytelling Lab - Live in Balance - Sustainability Track at the Business Connect Centre m34630

Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, United Nations speaks during the SDG Storytelling Lab - Live in Balance - Sustainability Track at the Business Connect Centre m34633

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

Under the title “New Perspectives”, the Women’s World Majlis programme invites you to recognise a fundamental principle: when women thrive, humanity thrives.

The programme highlights the impact women have made on society and shines a light on their often forgotten contributions. By shifting perspectives, we embrace the infinite approaches to a more balanced world.

A common vision for a unique collaboration; sustainable development goals and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous world cannot be achieved without gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Sharing this vision, Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier celebrate women changemakers around the globe, asserting our conviction that innovative collaboration between the private sector, civil society and committed individuals is the pathway to meaningful change.

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Women's Pavilion

When women thrive, humanity thrives. A common vision for a unique collaboration.

Women’s Pavilion Majlis

WP Logo

As part of the One Global Compact Week, this session hosts the first of its kind convening of leaders from across the organisation, to inspire leadership for important 2022 planning and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Leadership Dialogue

One Global Compact Week

UN Global Combact hosts the first of its kind convening of leaders from across the organisation, to inspire leadership for important 2022 planning and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

H&W Business Forum

Located close to the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, adjacent to Al Wasl Plaza, the Business Connect Centre is a space that International Participants can utilise for events, workshops and meetings. The BCC is also host to Chambers of Commerce and trade entities from the GCC, helping to connect businesses to their counterparts. 

United Nations Honour Day Ceremony

Image Gallery

United Nations Honour Day .