The Expo 2020 Dubai site has marked a major construction milestone with the final piece of the Al Wasl dome being lifted into place. The dome’s massive steel crown was positioned on top of the jewel of the site using an intricate and complex engineering strategy.

Commenting on this achievement, his Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Expo Dubai 2020 higher committee, president, Dubai civil aviation authority, chairman, Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said, “The crowning of the Al Wasl dome is a significant landmark not just for Expo 2020 Dubai but for the whole of Dubai and the UAE. This new architectural marvel joins a long list of inspiring designs that our country has created through collaboration, sheer hard work and the unending, ambitious vision of our leadership and people.

“It is another example of what the nation can do when it combines all its talents to such formidable purpose.”

Covering a space of 7,24,000 cubic metres and standing tall at 67.5 metres, the 130-metre-wide domed steel trellis encircles Al Wasl Plaza, which is set to be an architectural landmark in Dubai. The Al Wasl Plaza, a core element of the Expo 2020 Dubai site, will connect the three Thematic Districts and offer a focal point for visitors throughout the six-month event. The dome will host a range of A-list artists’ performances and events celebrating New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year among others.

The design and construction of Al Wasl dome involved contributions from companies from 13 countries worldwide.

The process was completed using a technique called strand-jacking. The total weight, including that of the the structures and equipment required to lift the dome, was a whopping 830 tonnes. Several trials were carried out before the final crowning was done.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be on from October 20, 2020 until April 10, 2021 and is expected to welcome around 25 million visitors.

expo2020dubai.com