The Al Wasl Plaza will feature a monumental steel-structure dome-breathtaking in scale-that serves as the central hub of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Billed as the "Festival of Minds," Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
Spanning the entire Al Wasl Plaza, the dome features an intricate lattice structure that appears to anchor steel firmly at the heart of the Expo. Standing 67.5 meters tall and 130 meters wide, the dome is constructed from 13,600 meters of high-strength structural steel (Q345/SM490A equivalent)-totaling 2,265 metric tons. Its semi-transparent surface integrates immersive projection experiences, offering panoramic views from both inside and above.
"This is a highly specialized production process requiring the fabrication of over 1,000 individual curved steel sections and 17,000 steel brackets, all welded together to form the Expo's emblematic design pattern," notes the project team.
The Expo's master plan is deeply influenced by the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," along with three sub-themes: Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability-each with dedicated pavilion zones. Al Wasl Plaza sits at the campus center, connecting the three thematic districts, accommodating over 10,000 visitors, and functioning as a 360-degree projection platform for nighttime events.
Ahmed Al Khatib, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development & Delivery for Expo 2020 Dubai, oversees site master planning and the delivery of public amenities, infrastructure, roads, networks, and transportation.
"We held an international design competition for the dome, primarily to highlight the significance of Al Wasl Plaza. 'Al Wasl' means 'connection' in Arabic and is Dubai's ancient name-so this name holds special meaning for me," Al Khatib explains.
"We genuinely hope this Expo delivers an unforgettable experience for visitors and creates a jewel-like landmark at the heart of the site to host the opening ceremony and all major events. Simultaneously, this structure will continue creating value as part of the Expo master plan-serving as a permanent legacy, both now and in the future."
The winning design by Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) drew inspiration from the Expo's new emblem and a gold ring unearthed at the Sarouq Al Hadeed archaeological site in the Dubai desert.
Precision Steel Fabrication: From Seamless Tubes to Curved Sections
Medium-frequency bending of seamless steel tubes was completed in Poland and the Czech Republic, while the dome's steel structure contract was awarded to Cimolai Rimond Middle East General Contracting, a UAE-Italy joint venture.
"Of course, this is a mega-structure," Al Khatib notes. "The support framework uses high-strength seamless steel tubes with 500mm diameter (manufactured from Q345/Q355 structural carbon steel)-if laid end-to-end, they would stretch 13.6 kilometers."
"This is a highly specialized production process requiring the fabrication of over 1,000 individual curved steel sections and 17,000 steel brackets, all welded together to form the Expo's emblematic design pattern. Standing inside the semi-transparent dome plaza, visitors can look up and see this intricate steel lattice."
These hundreds of steel rings in varying dimensions are infilled with PTFE-coated fiberglass fabric. Various materials were tested using actual projections on model sections of the framework to ensure optimal image quality.
"To erect the steel lattice, we also required 1,200 tons of temporary structural steel (Q235/Q345) as support during construction," Al Khatib continues. "In practice, we used computer modeling software to precisely plan and confirm every construction phase. Each installation window was extremely tight-any spatial constraint could trigger a domino effect on the overall schedule."
Dome Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Value |
| Height | 67.5 meters |
| Width | 130 meters |
| Total steel weight | 2,265 metric tons |
| Total steel length | 13,600 meters |
| Curved steel sections | 1,000+ individual pieces |
| Steel brackets | 17,000 units |
| Temporary support steel | 1,200 tons |
| Main tube diameter | 500mm seamless steel tube |
The dome was the final major design element of the Expo campus. Its roof opens to the sky, ensuring visitor comfort while providing weather protection.
"The dome design incorporates numerous advanced technologies, including cutting-edge laser projectors, 2,700 LED fixtures, and 25 kilometers of cabling," Al Khatib adds.
Primary campus construction was scheduled for completion in October 2019, allowing ample testing and preparation time for the grand opening in October 2020.
Expo 2020 Dubai ran from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021. Post-Expo, the plaza continues serving as a natural garden and multi-purpose venue for events, experiences, and community gatherings. It functions as an integrated urban development hub with excellent connectivity-extending the Expo's mission of communication, creation, and innovation.
Ahmed Al Khatib believes: "Public facilities like Al Wasl Plaza are truly unprecedented globally and will greatly inspire visitors from around the world. Everyone will be excited to experience a space that sustainably integrates nature and technological innovation-and we hope it achieves tremendous success."
> Material Selection Insight: For iconic architectural structures requiring complex fabrication, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability in harsh climates:
- Structural carbon steel (Q345/Q355/SM490A / ASTM A572): Ideal for curved sections, seamless tubes, and primary framing
- Seamless steel tubes (Q345/Q355 / ASTM A106): Critical for high-load support frameworks with precision bending requirements
- Stainless steel (304/316L / ASTM A240): Recommended for hardware, fasteners, and coastal-exposure components in humid/desert environments
- Temporary works steel (Q235/Q345): Cost-effective solution for erection support, with high recyclability post-construction
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