Maria Ana Bobone started singing Fado at age 16. Her debut album entitled "Alma Nova", was the beginning of a brilliant career. Since then, Maria Ana Bobone has recorded two albums, “Luz Destino” and “Senhora da Lapa”, revealing a refined musical taste and where she introduces new instruments to her fado - harpsichord and saxophone - in addition to the usual presence of the Portuguese guitar. Having performed around the world at renowned festivals and concert halls, Maria Ana Babone brings her incredible show to Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Music in the Garden - Maria Ana Bobone

Maria Ana Bobone

Enjoy the music of Maria Ana Bobone, delivering a unique take on Fado, Portugal's most traditional sound. 

Inside Expo_New

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

Exhibitor logo

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

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.

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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

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52224

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52225

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52227

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52229

Music in the Garden, Portuguese singer Maria Ana Bobone performs at Al Wasl m52239

Portugal Pavilion

stamp Portugal

Portugal Carousel

For centuries, Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed the world, creating new connections with Africa, India and beyond. Now at Expo 2020, the country is honouring its heritage of multiculturalism at the Portugal Pavilion, a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

The pavilion’s theme is “A World in One Country”, and you’ll see this idea reflected in its exhibits, including the dynamic digital faces that welcome you and a garden area that showcases Portugal’s biodiversity. Other attractions include tours of the country’s aerospace industry and “blue” ocean economy, as well as the best of Portuguese cuisine.


Portugal feature 1

Authentic Portuguese cuisine at the pavilion’s restaurant

Portugal feature 2

Interactive library featuring graphic panels and interactive projections 

Portugal feature 3

Wide-ranging celebration of Portugal’s diversity

Portugal Features 

Portugal logo

With tall sail-shaped façades that rise high into the air, the Portugal Pavilion recalls a white sailing ship cruising through Expo 2020, much as Portuguese explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, featured within, once sailed across the globe. 

The pavilion’s bottom level is open in the centre, with sturdy grey structures to either side. Resting upon these is the broad main exhibit hall, a squared-off take on the caravel, a 15th century Portuguese boat design renowned for its speed. Its four rectangular sails stand tall at various heights. 


Portugal Intro image 

through Expo 2020 

Cruising 

Portugal: Music in the Garden

In celebration of Vietnam's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, Vietnam Pavilion will stage a grand fashion show with more than 100 Vietnamese and international models, musicians, and circus performers. Be inspired by the best of Vietnamese beauty and art at Al Wasl Plaza. The Eternal Flow show will be followed by a 3D projection show depicting the story of Âu Cơ and Lạc Long Quân and the mythical origin of the Vietnamese people. A show not to be missed.

The Eternal Flow Fashion Show

Charming Vietnam Art Show

A grand fashion show with more than a hundred Vietnamese and international models, musicians, and circus performers celebrating Vietnam's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

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

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Vietnam National Day

Vietnam 1

stamp vietnam pavilion 2021 stamp chon

Vietnam Image Gallery

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

Interior of the Vietnam Pavilion Web Image m12377

Vietnam Pavilion

Vietnam: The Eternal Flow Fashion Show

This enjoyable and informative craft-oriented performance is intended to offer a new perspective on Emirati handicrafts. Musically and artistically driven, it explores and explains the UAE’s craft story in a compelling piece of live entertainment.

Journey of the Thread

An enjoyable and informative craft-oriented performance to offer a new perspective on Emirati handicrafts. 

Music in the Garden - Maria Ana Bobone

Participants

Image Gallery