Expo City Dubai’s stunning Al Wasl dome enters Guinness World Records

Calendar of events will celebrate the massive interactive immersive structure officially entering the global record books

Al Wasl dome in Expo City Dubai has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest interactive immersive dome. All photos: Leslie Pableo for The National

The translucent 360-degree structure was the centrepiece of Expo 2020 Dubai.

The dome continues to be a major attraction for visitors.

It remains at the heart of Expo City Dubai, the residential and commercial development that has emerged around it in the Dubai South area.

A new cafe serving Arabic fusion cuisine, cultural festivals and interactive experiences that visitors can gain access to using their mobile phones are among the offerings announced on Thursday.

Al Wasl means 'connection' in Arabic and the 67-metre-tall steel trellis has been the backdrop for captivating visual effects over the past two years.

Rows of speakers are embedded in the structure, which has a 130-metre diameter, to maximise concert sound quality.

Designed by Adrian Smith Gordon Gill Architecture, the trellis pattern of the dome was inspired by a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age ring found in the UAE.

Since the Expo ended, the dome has been open for light shows beamed on to the roof.

During the day, the shaded, landscaped interior has been used for music and theatrical performances.

The striking Al Wasl dome in Expo City Dubai has been recognised in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest interactive immersive dome.

The translucent 360-degree structure was the centrepiece of Expo 2020 Dubai.

It remains at the heart of Expo City Dubai, the residential and commercial development that has emerged around it in the Dubai South area.

Expo City Dubai on Thursday released a calendar of events to mark the dome’s entry into the world record books.

“Al Wasl Plaza stands as a testament to architectural excellence and a distinguished structure that resonates with those who have had the privilege of experiencing it,” said Alwaleed Osman, official adjudicator at Guinness World Records.

“Its recognition in Guinness World Records underscores the commitment of Expo 2020, and the subsequent Expo City Dubai, to innovation and excellence,” he added in a statement.

A new cafe serving Arabic fusion cuisine, cultural festivals, and interactive experiences with the dome that visitors can experience using their mobile phone are among the offerings announced on Thursday.

Amna Abulhoul, executive creative director, events and entertainment at Expo City Dubai, said the Al Wasl dome would continue to bring people together.

“From interactive augmented reality and a tribute to legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, to the launch of a sustainable cafe and the return of our popular Winter City and Hai Ramadan festivities, our upcoming offerings cement our city as a hub of creativity, innovation and well-being,” she said.

Calendar of events

Events include a musical performance in October to highlight Greenland’s rapidly melting ice sheets and the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, the first of a series of collaborations with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority that will feature Japanese artist Aimi Sekiguchi and Emirati painter and sculptor Mattar Bin Lahej.

Expo City Dubai will also be the venue for Cop28 in November. The dome will open to the public as part of the green zone during the two-week global climate summit.

After Cop28 ends, it will host an Artificial Intelligence Film Festival.

Al Wasl will then be the showpiece of the Winter City celebrations, opening from December 8 until January 7.

The calendar for next year is busy, with Break the Block, a music, food and arts festival in January; Untold – an electronic dance music festival from February 15 to 18; and Hai Ramadan likely to run from March 11 to April 10 to observe the spirit of the Holy Month.

Fitness will also be promoted with the Dubai Half Marathon on February 4, and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on February 24-25 which will set out from Expo City Dubai.

Crown jewel

Al Wasl means “connection” in Arabic and the 67-metre-tall steel trellis has been the backdrop for captivating visual effects over the past two years.

Called the Expo “crown jewel” by the world’s fair organisers, the glittering dome has hosted performances by Coldplay, Alicia Keys and Nancy Ajram.

Rows of speakers are embedded in the structure, which has a 130-metre diameter, to maximise the concert sound quality.

During a hugely popular concert last year, towering holograms of BTS, the biggest K-pop band, flickered across the dome as the Korean stars sang with Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Designed by Adrian Smith Gordon Gill Architecture, the trellis pattern of the dome is inspired by a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age ring found in the UAE.

Since the Expo ended, the dome has been open for light shows beamed on to the roof.

During the day, the shaded, landscaped interior has been used for music and theatrical performances.

For more information on events, visit the Expo City Dubai website.

Behind the scenes of Al Wasl Plaza – in pictures

A view of Al Wasl dome after midnight at Expo 2020 Dubai when the site shuts down to visitors. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors watch an immersive show at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

People leave Expo 2020 Dubai after watching the final audiovisual shows at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

When the Expo site closes to visitors, rehearsals begin under Al Wasl dome, also called the Expo's crown jewel. Pawan Singh / The National

Crews prepare for the next day show during the night shift at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

Technical and maintenance crews check the 30,000 lights that change colour in synch to the music in the sunken garden of Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National

The view from one of two control rooms that manage the content beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

Inside the main control room, programmers work through the night to check audio and light effects for Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National

The technical crew work with the spotlights during night rehearsals at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

A view of the control room that oversees the stunning effects beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

The revolving stage inside Al Wasl dome is being readied at night ahead of a musical performance the next day. Pawan Singh / The National

Content is curated in virtual reality and in audio studios that overlook Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

Technical teams run through the sequence of light and sound that lend an element of theatre to performances at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National

William Ainley, vice president, technical, for events and entertainment at Expo 2020 Dubai, says the night-time hours are precious for rehearsals. Pawan Singh / The National

Al Wasl dome is quiet minutes before night rehearsals make it come alive. Pawan Singh / The National

Coldplay perform beneath Al Wasl dome to a packed crowd. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters

Alicia Keys commands the stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Amna Abulhoul, creative director, ceremonies, at Expo 2020 Dubai says the immersive dome has made a lasting impression on top music groups. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Singer Alicia Keys performs at Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai. AP

The Black Eyed Peas perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters

The Black Eyed Peas perform as the circular designs within Al Wasl dome take on a life of their own at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters