The beautiful city of Dubai already has a cabinet full of Guinness World Records for being the ultimate destination of the World’s Tallest Landmark, Burj Khalifa, the World’s Largest Mall, the Dubai Mall, the World’s deepest swimming pool, Deep Dive Dubai, and many more.

And now one more tile has been added with the Al Wasl Plaza, the expo City’s dome has won the title of the world’s largest interactive immersive dome, spanning over 24,038 square meters on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

With the added Guinness World Record title, the Expo City Dubai has disclosed a new season of impressive entertainment and a list of events, which includes cultural events, hi-tech expertise, a large number of sports and wellness sessions, and a new dining availability.

“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. Its recognition in Guinness World Records underscores the commitment of Expo 2020, and the subsequent Expo City Dubai, to innovation and excellence,” the Official Adjudicator at Guinness World Records, Alwaleed Osman said.

The heart of the Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza is over 67 meters tall, and 130 meters diagonally, which is huge enough to fit Leaning Tower of Pisa inside it. An immersive and interactive dome means the Al Wasl Plaza can be interacted with by visitors through their mobile phones, and other smart devices involving AR technology or Augmented Reality. One of those interactive facilities includes engaging a smart device within a computer-generated flock of birds and the 360-degree projection. The projection of laser light and computer-generated inputs brings multiple sensory encounters like audio and visual.

A number of 252 projectors are being used to showcase images on the surface of the architecture, which can be seen from both inside and outside.

The dome of Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza designed by Adrian Smith, along with the architect Gordon Gill has been built with some unique materials, that can ensure that it can be functional throughout the year. The semi-outdoor area of the dome has a unique trill artwork made of steel. The design is inspired by the Expo 2020 exhibition logo. Interesting fact, that logo is visible fully at the peak of the dome.

Bringing Humans Together

The new title of Guinness World Record title is not only taking the development of Expo City Dubai one step further but it is also an important incident to bring people stronger together. The executive creative director, of events and entertainment,  Amna Abulhoul said, “Al Wasl, which means ‘connection’ in Arabic, continues to bring people together, and we are thrilled to share details of our new experiences at the same time as our iconic interactive dome has received this prestigious recognition.”

“From interactive augmented reality and a tribute to legendary explorer Ibn Battuta to the launch of a sustainable café 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 further added.

Food and Beverages with Creativity

The Al Wasl Plaza Café, a own created brand of Expo City Dubai launched on Thursday, 5th October. The café will further take collaborative steps with Emirati chefs to recreate some signature food and beverages to offer the visitors and represent Expo City as a hub of innovation and creativity.

The reason Al Wasl Plaza Café is unique for diners is because of the ambiance and decoration inside the garden with the 32,000 floral lights. The Diners can enjoy good food and witness the greatest ambiance at the same time.

“The café is one of many new F&B outlets setting up in the city, from plant-based cuisine to high-class dining, and including brand new concepts as well as the return of some Expo 2020 Dubai favourites,” said Amna Abulhoul.

Upcoming Attractions

Expo City Dubai is going to be to destination for the coming 28th meeting of UNFCCC, the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or the Cop28, which will take place on November 30, 2023, and will end by December 12, 2022.

The other interesting events are going to take place right before COP28, including -22.7°C, an artistic musical experience by Molécule that highlights one important global issue, Greenland’s rapidly melting ice. The event is going to take the stage on October 27, 2023.

According to the sources, there are also some changes going to take place at Expo City Dubai due to the initial preparation of COP28. There are six pavilions and attractions, Alif, Vision, Terra, Stories of Nations, Latifa’s Adventures, and Women’s Pavilions, which are going to remain closed temporarily for 12 days starting from November 18 until November 29 for some coordinational changes to host COP28.

 

Dome of the Artist

For some artistic chase, The Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, the very first series of a collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority going to start from October 21 until October 28, 2023. The Japanese VR/NFT artist Aimi Sekiguchi and the Emirati Partner, sculptor, and photographer Mattar Bin Lahej’s collaborative presentation can not be missed. Aimi Sekiguchi is going to paint on the air, and her creativity will be showcased instantly at Al Wasl Dome.

 

Art, Fitness, and Music

Many more events are lined up in Expo City Dubai, including the inauguration of the Artificial Intelligence Film Festival, AIFF is going to happen from December 8, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

In the coming year, Expo City will host Break the Block, a music, arts, and food fest, as well as the Middle East, the debut of an electronic dance and music festival.

Expo City Dubai is equally eager to promote sports, and other activities related to fitness, including Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on February 24, and February 25, 2023, and Dubai Half Marathon on February 4, 2023.

To showcase a true holy spirit during the Holy month, Hai Ramadan is going to return to Expo City for the second continuous year, starting from March 11, 2024, to April 10, 2024.