Al Wasl Plaza at the Expo 2020 Dubai was inaugurated on January 29 by HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Once completed, Al Wasl Plaza will become the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface, and is set to be Dubai’s next iconic building. The pavilion’s dome has been fitted with 252 translucent projectors that form an immersive 360-degree projection surface which will be viewable to visitors inside and outside the pavilion.
During the Expo 2020 Dubai site-tour, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “We will celebrate the accomplishments of the last 50 years. Thanks to the efforts of UAE citizens and residents, as well as all those who have contributed to its success and prosperity, Expo 2020 will mark the start of new 50-year phase of leadership and achievements.”
“We are working to implement our vision as part of our comprehensive development plan, whose key objective is the happiness of people. Our efforts are backed by initiatives and projects aimed at maximising the energy and talent of our people and creating new opportunities for them. We work with all countries and governments keen to promote the prosperity and wellbeing of humanity.”
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, added: “In a few months, the world will gather in this place to celebrate the cultures of various nations across the world and humankind’s best innovations. Expo 2020 will offer new hope for creating a better tomorrow both for the region and the world.”
UAE rulers and other dignitaries and senior officials accompanying them on the visit were briefed on the various phases of the Expo site, including major construction projects developed under the three sub-themes – sustainability, mobility and opportunity.
Commenting on the World Expo, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “Through Expo 2020, we will show the world how our union was the starting point for our development journey, and how our founding fathers established the robust foundations necessary for sustainable development and progress. We will also have an opportunity to demonstrate how the spirit of collaboration is embedded deep in our national ethos and serves as a means for progress and development.”
“The world will also be able to better understand the achievements we have accomplished in the short period since our nation’s foundation, and will learn about our traditions and heritage, our diversity and our experience of peaceful coexistence,” he concluded.