Connections

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai were invited to explore a series of physical and digital experiences celebrating Dubai’s unique role in connecting the world and the UAE’s status as a global cultural hub. Developed in partnership with Snap Inc. and located at Al Forsan Park, the ‘Connections’ augmented reality (AR) experience ran from March 14 until the end of Expo 2020 Dubai on March 31.

The activation brought to life the Expo theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ as a cross-cultural collaboration between French artist Cyril Lancelin and Emirati artist and Snap Star Ahmad Ali. The experience centered around a unique physical art installation designed by Lancelin, with Ali leveraging Snap’s world-leading AR technology to overlay interactive experiences for visitors.

Inspired by Arabic geometry and patterns, Lancelin’s artwork was composed of various shapes, creating an immersive ‘cube’ with a labyrinthine structure that offered a space for exploration and reflection. Using the Snap Camera inside the cube, visitors could unlock AR experiences designed by Ali, drawing inspiration from his Emirati heritage.

The experience also allowed visitors to virtually explore visionary quotes by UAE leaders from the past 50 years. Additionally, an AR Lens virtually merged the flags of all participating Expo countries into the shape of the UAE flag, with the colors dissolving into those of the host nation’s flag. These experiences extended throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, with specially designed AR face lenses accessible via Snap Codes located on-site.