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

United Nations Honour Day Ceremony 

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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.

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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

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

Join Canon, the United Nations (UN) and Dignified Storytelling, to learn about the human value of storytelling and how female storytellers connect us to the world. The event hosts three Canon Ambassadors, who share their personal experiences and give the audience first-hand lessons on how to be empowered to tell their stories.

Canon Inc. is a global supporter of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its Miraisha Programme and the Young People Programme, Canon aims to enable young people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa to tell the stories that matter to them, empowering storytelling and driving gender equality for the next generation.

Empowering Female Storytellers

Join Canon, the UN and Dignified Storytelling, to learn about the human value of storytelling and how female storytellers connect us to the world. This event consists of two panel discussions and a workshop.

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Dubai Cares Image Gallery

Dubai values education as the key to helping its youngest citizens take charge of the future. Expo 2020’s host city extends that mission across the globe with Dubai Cares, a dynamic philanthropic organisation that helps children in developing countries access quality learning opportunities. At the Dubai Cares Pavilion, learn about the transformative power of education and the unique challenges facing future generations through a series of playful, immersive activities designed to engage the whole family. Sit in a futuristic learning pod, take photos in a comics-inspired exhibit and find out how you can help grow the Dubai Cares movement.

Dubai Cares

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Dubai Cares Pavilion

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Canon Website

Canon is the exclusive Official Printing and Imaging Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, showcasing its pioneering, innovative and game-changing imaging products and high-speed printing expertise to ensure a unique visitor experience. From printing services, professional print displays including galleries, souvenir printing and onsite registration printing, as well as Canon Professional Services (CPS) including equipment loans and technical support, the services Canon offers are second to none.

A picture-perfect partnership

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Canon

Empowering Female Storytellers - session 1

Addressing the world’s greatest challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to gender inequality, requires action from all sectors and all individuals. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are humanity’s blueprint to tackle these challenges – in many ways they are the world’s ‘to do’ list – but progress towards them needs to rapidly accelerate. As expert storytellers, the creative industry has a pivotal role in inspiring action to achieve the SDGs by 2030: this is the world’s most important creative brief.

Bringing together creatives and changemakers, this event will explore opportunities to uplift stories of progress and uphold human dignity. Stories can be a powerful tool to bring people together in our shared humanity, amplify voices and foster agency for marginalised identities as well as influence positive social change. Through a masterclass with industry leaders and a collaborative design sprint, discover ways to use your creative talents to tell stories that empower, inspire and help to achieve the global goals.

Saving our Planet, One Story at a Time

Storytelling Lab

Discover ways to use your creative talents to tell stories that empower, inspire and help to achieve the global goals.

Rashed Al Falahi (L), Chief Storytelling Officer, UAE and Selin Ozunaldim (R), Founder of Girl Up Istanbul during the SDG Storytelling Lab - Live in Balance - Sustainability Track at the Business Connect Centre m34642

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 m34632

Rashed Al Falahi, Chief Storytelling Officer, UAE speaks during the SDG Storytelling Lab - Live in Balance - Sustainability Track at the Business Connect Centre m34628

Workshop during the SDG Storytelling Lab - Live in Balance - Sustainability Track at the Business Connect Centre m34646

Workshop during the SDG Storytelling Lab - Live in Balance - Sustainability Track at the Business Connect Centre m34649

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

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Melissa Fleming

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Philip Thomas

Yousuf Omar

Yusuf Omar

Inna Modja

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Selin Ozunaldim

Sustainable Development Goals Storytelling Lab

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

Image Gallery

United Nations Honour Day .