Expo City Dubai’s Al Wasl dome sets Guinness World Record

Expo City Dubai has unveiled a calendar of events to mark Al Wasl Plaza being recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest interactive immersive dome on the planet.

The events range from high-tech experiences and cultural festivals to several sports and wellness initiatives.

A new augmented reality (AR) experience will allow visitors to interact with the Al Wasl dome through their mobile phones.

On 27-28 October, the venue will host -22.7°C by Molécule, an artistic musical adventure that highlights the climate emergency faced by Greenland. The Dubai Calligraphy Biennale will welcome Japanese virtual reality artist Aimi Sekiguchi on 21 October and Emirati painter, photographer and sculptor Mattar Bin Lahej on 28 October.

The Winter City festival, celebrating the magic of the festive season, will return to Expo City from 8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.

Next year, Expo City will host the Break the Block music, food and arts festival in January; the Middle East debut of electronic dance music festival Untold from 15-18 February; and the return of Hai Ramadan, which is expected to run from 11 March to 10 April.

The Dubai Half Marathon (4 February) and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge (24-25 February) will also set off from Expo City.

The Guinness World Records certification also coincides with the opening of the Al Wasl Plaza Café, which will have a strong focus on sustainability, with staff wearing uniforms made from recycled fabrics.

Alwaleed Osman, official adjudicator at Guinness World Records, said: “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 by Guinness World Records underscores the commitment of Expo 2020, and the subsequent Expo City Dubai, to innovation and excellence.”

Amna Abulhoul, executive creative director for events and Entertainment at Expo City Dubai, 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 AR to the launch of a sustainable cafe 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 wellbeing.”