Enjoy a spectacular projection show at "the beating heart of Expo", Al Wasl Plaza, in celebration of Vietnam's National Day.

Celebrating Vietnam

Al Wasl Projection (general)

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

Join us in celebrating Vietnam's National Day at Expo 2020

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The fog-wreathed mountains and vibrant green rice paddies of Vietnam are places of deep tradition, housing ancient temples, centuries-old villages and a wealth of unique cultural history. The Vietnam Pavilion aims to reintroduce visitors to the nation’s rich heritage and highlight its investment potential. Explore traditional folk-art performances, bamboo flute concerts and delightful water-puppet shows, take a 3D digital tour of Vietnam’s vibrant tourism destinations and discover a bounty of culture and cuisine at the pavilion’s handicraft shop and restaurant.


Vietnam Pavilion

Vietnam National Day

Celebrating Vietnam: Al Wasl Plaza

With our planet today home to 7.8 billion people, we put the spotlight on co-existence, understanding different faiths, creating inclusive dialogue, and so much more. During this Theme Week, Expo will provide a platform for diverse voices from all corners of the world to reimagine how spaces, environments and storytelling can become more inclusive by focusing on multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence.

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How can we foster a greater common understanding to enable more tolerant and inclusive societies?

Tolerance & Inclusivity 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?

Food, Agriculture & Livelihoods Week

Join us in celebrating OIC's Honour Day at Expo 2020

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stamp Mibility-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

OIC Image Gallery

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a 57-nation international body that works to spread knowledge and promote global peace on behalf of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. Its pavilion captures this harmonious spirit with a journey from the darkness of ignorance to the vibrant colour of understanding.

Take a voyage of cultural learning, through bold questions and thought-provoking facts to address misconceptions about Islam. Begin at the “Iqra!” (Arabic for “Read ”) pillar and watch your understanding grow as you make your way to the multicoloured “Ummah” (or “community”) installation on great achievements in the Muslim world.


Celebrating Vietnam

Vietnam National Day.