Celebrate Central African Republic's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai and immerse yourself in the nation's incredible culture.

Central African Republic National 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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Cultural Performance during Central Africa Republic National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m22152

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Cultural Performance during Central Africa Republic National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl m22158

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Join us in celebrating Central African Republic National Day

CAR - Copie

A land of rich natural beauty and resilient people, the Central African Republic (CAR) shares a message of perseverance and cooperation at its pavilion, which focuses on the country’s enthusiastic efforts to combat deforestation and safeguard traditional farming practices. 
Explore the pavilion, designed to evoke the unique homes of forest-dwelling tribes, then learn about CAR’s sustainable initiatives, from understanding the lifecycle of the forest to designing improved wood cook stoves and ambitious plans for a new solar energy plant. 

Central African Republic Pavilion

Central African Republic National Day

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CAR Carousel

Central Africa logo (Flag)

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Central African Republic National Day Ceremony 

The road to river blindness elimination in Niger has been half a century long. Just ten years ago, this momentous occasion was considered impossible in Africa. Thankfully, science is not stagnant: it evolves at pace with our collective ingenuity and collaboration. Innovation and technology are a central component of the support of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund and they have played a critical role in achieving, and then proving, that a Niger free from onchocerciasis is possible. The last mile of disease elimination is the most challenging phase. Proving that decades of treatment and vector control have been effective, and thus ending needless expenditure of resources on a public threat that no longer exists, poses an incredible technical challenge. Today, Niger is finalizing the dossier for the WHO’s verification of elimination of transmission, becoming the first country in Africa to ever reach this point. This event will feature the perspectives of the public health leaders that have made this achievement possible and the ecosystem of partners that have supported Niger in this monumental effort. 

The END of River Blindness

River Blindness - Mali

Exploring how Niger achieved what was once thought impossible, and what it means for the world.

Shining a Light on the END of Preventable Blindness

As part of the International Day of La Francophonie at Expo 2020 Dubai, the OIF (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie) is organizing a series of four conferences in "Ted Talks" format to promote innovations and young talents in the Francophonie of the future. This second meeting focuses on the theme: "the African continent, a space of opportunity and creativity". Keynote speakers include the Nigerien drone designer and manufacturer Aziz Kountche alongside Astria Fataki from the French Democratic Republic of Congo, who is a social entrepreneur, Founder of Energy Generation, and Founder of the Business & Energy School.


The African Continent, a Space of Opportunity and Creativity

International Francophonie Day

A conference in "TEDx" format to promote innovations and young talents from the Francophonie of the future. In this second meeting, the talk discusses the theme 'Africa, a space of opportunity and creativity'.

Inside Expo: Sustainability I: The World’s Oldest Innovator

Inside Expo: Sustainability II: Harnessing the Sun

The Powerhouse Pavilions

Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion - Audio Guide

Terra

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Terra - Carousel

At Expo 2020, sustainability is an urgent, attainable reality, and Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion is the proof. Both immersive exhibition space and exemplar of environmental self-sufficiency, Terra is a pioneering piece of architecture that pushes the limits of renewable design.

The pavilion’s 130-metre-wide solar canopy – so vast that you could park 10 city buses head-to-tail atop it – converts sunshine into electricity for the exhibits below. Artfully funnelled natural light and local plant species, together with technologies that can reduce water consumption by 75 per cent, show the way to a sustainable future.


Inspiring experiential journey through our shared sustainable future

Two immersive paths to choose from: beneath a forest and beneath an ocean

LEED Platinum environmental features, including solar power and water recycling

Terra 

terra

Videos

Terra is a super-sized marvel of forward-thinking design. The pavilion’s technology generates enough energy in a year to power a Nissan Leaf to drive halfway to Mars, while another system captures moisture from the air you breathe and turns it into drinkable water. Enter and take a fantastical journey through the wonders of nature, humanity’s challenges and the promise of our shared future. 


terra 

of harmonious living

A model

The Sustainability Pavilion

Terra is home to five thought-provoking art installations from artists around the world, with each piece demonstrating a response to the issue of sustainability.

Terra Art Installations

Young visitors can explore a fantastical world inspired by Terra's very own octopus, Octavia.

Octavia's Playground

Timelapse of Terra 

Co-curated by Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates International Francophonie Day by promoting the beauty of culture and language, uniting people from across the world, and creating an environment of solidarity that encourages further global development.

The French language, Connecting for Action

International Francophonie Day 2022

International Organisation of la Francophonie (OIF): Francophone Inspirations - Day 2

Join three female trailblazers, who have shattered the glass ceiling in the Middle East and Africa’s film industry, for a panel discussion on the footprint of women in filmmaking. Led by Canon MEA, the panel will discuss filmmaking in a male-dominated landscape, as well as why gender equality matters in the industry. It will celebrate the creative efforts of women filmmakers whose contributions have enriched the industry, and also debate how filmmaking should re-invent itself to further support gender equality. After the discussion, there will be a screening of ‘Shadow’, a film by Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female Director.  

To attend the event in person, register here: https://events.canon-europe.com/expo-2020-dubai/women-filmmaking/NewRegister/PersonDetails

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Women in filmmaking speakers

A panel discussion celebrating the creative efforts of women in the film industry, followed by a movie screening from the UAE’s first female Director. 

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 

Women in Filmmaking: In the spotlight, studying landscape of Cinema and Media today in ME and Africa

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.

Women's Pavilion

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

Central African Republic National Day Ceremony

Central African Republic National Day Ceremony

Participants

Image Gallery

Central African Republic National Day.