Al Wasl Plaza is the heart of Expo City Dubai. It’s the spot where visitors gather for evening light shows, concerts, festivals and the famous 360-degree projections that light up the dome. By day, the Plaza is calm and open; by night, it turns into one of Dubai’s most impressive outdoor experiences.
- Overview of Al Wasl Plaza
- Light show timings
- Restaurants & cafés
- Shops & souvenirs
- Events & attractions
- Visitor tips
- Nearby Expo City Dubai attractions
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of Al Wasl Plaza
Al Wasl Plaza is the central hub of Expo City Dubai, connecting the Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity districts. The Plaza remains a prominent venue for community gatherings and global events, hosting a range of cultural festivals and large-scale concerts.
During the day, visitors can explore shaded gardens, fountains, and walkways; in the evenings, the plaza comes alive with its signature projection shows.
Key facts
- Location: Core of Expo City Dubai
- Dome size: 130m wide, 67m tall
- Capacity: Can host up to 10,000 visitors
- Architecture: Steel trellis dome with 360-degree projection technology
- Access: Included with Expo City Dubai general entry
Light show timings at Al Wasl Plaza
Evenings are the best time to experience Al Wasl Plaza. The dome transforms into a 360-degree canvas with immersive sound and light.
Al Wasl Plaza Typical timings
- Shows usually begin at sundown
- Special projections start from 6 pm
- Light shows repeat throughout the evening
Timing may change during festivals such as Hai Ramadan, Winter City, UAE National Day celebrations or large concerts. For exact schedules, check the official Expo City Dubai events calendar.
What to expect
- 360-degree projections visible inside and outside the dome
- Thematic storytelling and seasonal narratives
- Immersive soundscapes
- Occasional live performances, interactive AR elements, and festival-specific shows
Restaurants & cafés at Al Wasl Plaza
Dining at Al Wasl Plaza blends casual cafés with international concepts found across Expo City Dubai. Below are the four most reliable and visitor-friendly options close to the Plaza.
1. Al Wasl Café
A signature café positioned directly under the dome, ideal for coffees, teas and light bites during the light show.
Location
It’s located in Madinat Al Mataar – Expo City Dubai – Dubai
Contact Information
Instagram: @alwaslcafe
2. 7.Seven.7 Coffee & Bakery
A speciality coffee house offering fresh pastries, sandwiches, and desserts, known for its minimalist interiors and high-quality brews. Open daily and ideal for breakfast or mid-day breaks.
Location
It’s located in Cheval Maison -Expo City – Madinat Al Mataar – Expo City Dubai – Dubai
Contact Information
- Instagram: 7seven7cafe
- Phone: 052 7412824
3. The Daily
The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves international dishes, family-friendly meals, and relaxed brunch-style plates throughout the day. A convenient option for visitors exploring Expo City.
Location
It’s located in Horizon Avenue – Madinat Al Mataar – Expo City Dubai – Dubai
Contact Information
- Instagram: @rovehotels
- Phone: 048792020
Shops & souvenirs at Al Wasl Plaza
While Al Wasl Plaza itself focuses on events, you’ll find branded shops, concept stores and Expo legacy outlets around its promenades. Here are four of the best options for gifts, souvenirs and quick shopping.
1. Alif Gift Shop
The dedicated souvenir shop inside the Alif Pavilion, offering Expo legacy items, MBRSC kids’ flight suits, Alif-branded accessories, scented camel-milk soaps, tote bags, and themed collectables.
Location
It’s located in Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, Expo City Dubai
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 4 816 6139
- Instagram: @expocitydubai
2. Terra Gift Shop
The dedicated souvenir shop inside the Alif Pavilion, offering Expo legacy items, MBRSC kids’ flight suits, Alif-branded accessories, scented camel-milk soaps, tote bags, and themed collectables.
Location
It’s located in Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City Dubai
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 04 825 7619
- Instagram: @expocitydubai
3. Spinneys Expo City – Convenience & Essentials
A reliable stop for everyday essentials, snacks, fresh groceries and quick household items, located within the residential and commercial zone of Expo City Dubai.
Location
It’s located in Expo City Dubai – Expo Village
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 4 266 2387
- Instagram: @spinneysuae
Events & attractions
Al Wasl Plaza continues to be the beating heart of Expo City Dubai, serving as one of the city’s most exciting cultural hubs. The dome acts as a year-round venue for concerts, festivals, artistic showcases, and community experiences, all delivered through its world-record 360-degree projection surface.
Major events in Al Wasl Plaza
Al Wasl Plaza hosts a curated programme of cultural and entertainment events throughout the year, especially during Al Wasl Season (31 October 2025 – 2 May 2026). Visitors can expect:
- Hai Ramadan – a family-friendly celebration with live performances, food stalls, and nightly activities.
- Winter City – seasonal festivities with markets, entertainment, and themed shows across the Plaza.
- Dhai Dubai Light Festival – spectacular light art displays by regional and international artists, animated across the dome.
- Dubai Calligraphy Biennale – immersive calligraphy-led showcases and artistic projections.
In addition to festivals, the dome has hosted headline performances by global and regional stars, including Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Nancy Ajram, and Balqees.
Many evening shows feature interactive elements, including augmented-reality visuals and mobile-activated experiences designed for visitors to engage with the dome projections.
Al Wasl Plaza visitor experience & practical tips
- Evenings offer the most enjoyable experience thanks to cooler temperatures.
- Arrive just after sunset to catch the first dome projection show, which typically begins at dusk and repeats through the night.
- Access to Al Wasl Plaza is free, as it forms part of Expo City Dubai’s open public spaces.
- Individual attractions across Expo City (pavilions, paid exhibitions, or theatre shows) may require separate tickets.
- Special concerts or headline events under the dome may also have dedicated ticketing.
It is also important to note that going to and from Al Wasl Plaza will be a breeze no matter where you are, thanks to its highly accessible location;
- Connected to the Dubai Metro – Expo City Station (Red Line Route 2020).
- Direct access from all Expo City entrances.
- Multiple parking zones across the site, including drop-off areas and shaded parking.
- Approximate travel times by car:
- 35 minutes from Downtown Dubai (Dubai Mall).
- 28 minutes from Palm Jumeirah.
Nearby attractions in Expo City Dubai
All major Expo City experiences are within walking distance of Al Wasl Plaza, making the area ideal for an evening out or a full-day visit. Nearby attractions include:
- Opportunity District – exhibitions, community-focused experiences and thematic installations.
- Sustainability District – home to Terra, the award-winning sustainability pavilion with interactive journeys.
- Mobility District – anchored by Alif, exploring the future of movement and human progress.
- UAE Pavilion – one of Expo’s architectural icons, shaped like a falcon in flight.
- Thematic parks – Al Forsan Park and Jubilee Park, perfect for families and casual strolls.
- Interactive exhibitions, cultural venues and seasonal pop-ups located across the walking boulevards.
Key takeaways
Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai is recognised for its world-record projection dome and nightly 360-degree light shows. The Plaza is surrounded by cafés, convenience shops and pop-up stalls, and it hosts some of the city’s biggest cultural festivals and concerts throughout the year.
Evenings offer the most atmospheric experience, especially during seasonal events when the dome lights up with themed projections. General entry to Expo City Dubai includes access to the Plaza, with separate tickets required only for headline performances or special exhibitions.
FAQs
Light shows usually begin at sundown and continue in intervals after 6 pm. Timing may differ during festivals or special events.
Yes. Al Wasl Café sits directly under the dome, and the wider Expo City Dubai area offers multiple cafés, restaurants and food trucks.
Access to Al Wasl Plaza is typically included with Expo City Dubai entry. Ticketing may apply to large concerts or themed shows.
Evenings are ideal, with cooler weather and the full dome projection experience.
Yes. Visitors will find Expo merchandise, pavilion gift shops, and seasonal stalls across the promenades, especially during major events.
