![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KO7QCNYJOWTKD4CWR3PNOOQEO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=7e6fc0412c844bbbe5bf04508223767021cfdeb6af329c343a5f78a753ad7318&width=400&height=225)
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
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A view of Al Wasl dome after midnight at Expo 2020 Dubai when the site shuts down to visitors. Pawan Singh / The National
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Visitors watch an immersive show at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
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People leave Expo 2020 Dubai after watching the final audiovisual shows at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
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When the Expo site closes to visitors, rehearsals begin under Al Wasl dome, also called the Expo's crown jewel. Pawan Singh / The National
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Crews prepare for the next day show during the night shift at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VRLQFODD7JBR7AEF5QFUHFQCT4.jpg?smart=true&auth=e35f563548a7dd2147887779f8d5c10c7fffdc44a1acb11c3b21f126af82c692&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RB3RGU3S6JCQ3HBM2APYYC3JIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=6ffc81c00f6bd5c12ecba45f0b0ea56657d996226f628dc97884c58cabf397a2&width=400&height=225)
The view from one of two control rooms that manage the content beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
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Inside the main control room, programmers work through the night to check audio and light effects for Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NEKXHNIV2NHRHD3APKLEQ75K64.jpg?smart=true&auth=c4c801390c667157330f0296896d6c32e7c833c05e133e44b0624855a84fc553&width=400&height=225)
The technical crew work with the spotlights during night rehearsals at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
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A view of the control room that oversees the stunning effects beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
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The revolving stage inside Al Wasl dome is being readied at night ahead of a musical performance the next day. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BLGUUI2IGJES3KDBWIKI667ASE.jpg?smart=true&auth=37036533a06944a5efefafa5276a97e34f647c3305398c2248d86c4174616681&width=400&height=225)
Content is curated in virtual reality and in audio studios that overlook Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3CZDIRN7JCZHKAJHSHAHGJEAA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a32d626671879772d68ca05879328c3ede2171912d482e46522f44d61223afc&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SZS4EHZLQFHYRNQOX6L3ZAAUEE.jpg?smart=true&auth=01615f2c906938ed0fe34d8c96a74636e8bac91d3515be82eff6907bfe07cb2a&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ED6ND7MGVFDHRJTVVLNF5CHMWA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ead3476789cd4d35e4eda9dcea5524d373e59e82b33de77b5cad46330bd24222&width=400&height=225)
Al Wasl dome is quiet minutes before night rehearsals make it come alive. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O3ODMSKESNHKZNHNA7MPFBYH3U.jpg?smart=true&auth=8b696d6dccb4e8a68ea307664b8a102c56869a8552b9f9f4b6c135131d269e64&width=400&height=225)
Coldplay perform beneath Al Wasl dome to a packed crowd. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
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Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DRXNRLQIBBA27PPSDWNLGP5XEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c5513724224b6881d15fd845d02cf315652ed231d932f62507ff14eb0dc9dd01&width=400&height=225)
Alicia Keys commands the stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
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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
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Singer Alicia Keys performs at Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai. AP
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The Black Eyed Peas perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KO7QCNYJOWTKD4CWR3PNOOQEO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=7e6fc0412c844bbbe5bf04508223767021cfdeb6af329c343a5f78a753ad7318&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BWROQXQCOFH35AQJNVW3ZTETOI.jpg?smart=true&auth=1b7738d3b3c5f902935219aa1188d8b5ee954c5897fabd606ccf05f60392d214&width=400&height=225)
A view of Al Wasl dome after midnight at Expo 2020 Dubai when the site shuts down to visitors. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HRNHMNJXEJBLDPTFF7H3KHQOH4.jpg?smart=true&auth=672abd95c283ca50af5ec672ecd3366ca82c39a7ad228fb8c15f79b37f6d823e&width=400&height=225)
Visitors watch an immersive show at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DILRHDHWRZFHBKEZKLYSVWEAU4.jpg?smart=true&auth=f617869ba8db936bbd78330f6360bd4ea20822803fe0a3de422fa5cec71e689e&width=400&height=225)
People leave Expo 2020 Dubai after watching the final audiovisual shows at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/73PZU7CYRFC45O4OSZW2KTEFNU.jpg?smart=true&auth=8d777c79cea28ff097f55b4ba31f9f29eddef98363cda9ab5d066c13589e2c41&width=400&height=225)
When the Expo site closes to visitors, rehearsals begin under Al Wasl dome, also called the Expo's crown jewel. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TFZTHY3UBFHPPMOROIHPZSJ7EM.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a3e97616eb35bd22b86725789c2bfe81b0daa04535f78ef38e339a695c25dc7&width=400&height=225)
Crews prepare for the next day show during the night shift at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VRLQFODD7JBR7AEF5QFUHFQCT4.jpg?smart=true&auth=e35f563548a7dd2147887779f8d5c10c7fffdc44a1acb11c3b21f126af82c692&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RB3RGU3S6JCQ3HBM2APYYC3JIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=6ffc81c00f6bd5c12ecba45f0b0ea56657d996226f628dc97884c58cabf397a2&width=400&height=225)
The view from one of two control rooms that manage the content beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XYGSFWFALNAVDNXNRIHW25QX7Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=de7b942bcef1466c85cb1c8f5830697ad6e243820a367267578bf27b64ca7798&width=400&height=225)
Inside the main control room, programmers work through the night to check audio and light effects for Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NEKXHNIV2NHRHD3APKLEQ75K64.jpg?smart=true&auth=c4c801390c667157330f0296896d6c32e7c833c05e133e44b0624855a84fc553&width=400&height=225)
The technical crew work with the spotlights during night rehearsals at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E64EM7RR3ZEF7BTBQDONLX3XK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=9188dc3b668c0943ca629833cae3be17828c5b812fde7e348236941ba6a274d2&width=400&height=225)
A view of the control room that oversees the stunning effects beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IP6LHF6XZZHXFD5K2SAVRZT5NI.jpg?smart=true&auth=1327a0e04bdfb8d9b8f7eed65e9651b02877f48efe36983687209b25732614a4&width=400&height=225)
The revolving stage inside Al Wasl dome is being readied at night ahead of a musical performance the next day. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BLGUUI2IGJES3KDBWIKI667ASE.jpg?smart=true&auth=37036533a06944a5efefafa5276a97e34f647c3305398c2248d86c4174616681&width=400&height=225)
Content is curated in virtual reality and in audio studios that overlook Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3CZDIRN7JCZHKAJHSHAHGJEAA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a32d626671879772d68ca05879328c3ede2171912d482e46522f44d61223afc&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SZS4EHZLQFHYRNQOX6L3ZAAUEE.jpg?smart=true&auth=01615f2c906938ed0fe34d8c96a74636e8bac91d3515be82eff6907bfe07cb2a&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ED6ND7MGVFDHRJTVVLNF5CHMWA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ead3476789cd4d35e4eda9dcea5524d373e59e82b33de77b5cad46330bd24222&width=400&height=225)
Al Wasl dome is quiet minutes before night rehearsals make it come alive. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O3ODMSKESNHKZNHNA7MPFBYH3U.jpg?smart=true&auth=8b696d6dccb4e8a68ea307664b8a102c56869a8552b9f9f4b6c135131d269e64&width=400&height=225)
Coldplay perform beneath Al Wasl dome to a packed crowd. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JYSMOU3RQDN5QVYEP2SMGT46RE.jpg?smart=true&auth=638ee860d9a6dc9cc3114a7c5d27c9a13747ec39820381541fce8932a1cf01d7&width=400&height=225)
Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DRXNRLQIBBA27PPSDWNLGP5XEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c5513724224b6881d15fd845d02cf315652ed231d932f62507ff14eb0dc9dd01&width=400&height=225)
Alicia Keys commands the stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UXSYCUN2YNH5ZDLRCR36U57GNU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9d1cc8b2e61809a03ee1a916958da1420f9ab0e0bb7721bff4837d339709acfe&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X4OVNFDTDAQG7XPNQPQUJ7J75E.jpg?smart=true&auth=111bbc99af050923c1ade0b1518f0a391842af7a99a836fd7ae7776746b99ec2&width=400&height=225)
Singer Alicia Keys performs at Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai. AP
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The Black Eyed Peas perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KO7QCNYJOWTKD4CWR3PNOOQEO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=7e6fc0412c844bbbe5bf04508223767021cfdeb6af329c343a5f78a753ad7318&width=400&height=225)
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