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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Coldplay perform beneath Al Wasl dome to a packed crowd. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
    Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
  • Alicia Keys commands the stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    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
    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
    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 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
    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