Expo 2020 Dubai ceremonially opened

With a grand opening ceremony in the Al Wasl Plaza – the dome centrally located on the Expo site – Expo 2020 Dubai has now been ceremoniously opened after being postponed due to Covid. In addition to 3,000 spectators on site, an audience of millions worldwide also had the opportunity to follow the ceremony on their home screens.

In addition to performances by international music celebrities such as Ellie Goulding and Andrea Bocelli and a large live orchestra, impressive visuals could be beamed across Al Wasl Plaza´s dome as the world's largest 360-degree projection surface. More than 1,000 performers and volunteers supported by over 3,000 lighting fixtures, 1,000 speakers and 1,300 costumes contribute to the grand spectacle.

Scott Givens, Executive Producer of the Opening Ceremony, explains: “Of course, we wanted to represent the world, we wanted to be plural and we wanted to reflect the diversity of our planet. I'm very proud of the combination of talent that we've brought together to do this and the way they've executed the story.”

Over the next 182 days of the Expo, more than 200 exhibitors – including nations, multilateral organizations, businesses and educational institutions –will be represented.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of the Expo welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai, saying: “Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a significant platform for all people to connect, discuss and work together. Together, we will convey, from the UAE to the world, on our 50th anniversary, a message of tolerance, coexistence and peace; a message of progress, prosperity and growth; a message of brotherhood, happiness and an unwavering will to create a brighter future for everyone.”

You can read more about the Expo in one of our next EAP issues. (eap)