With a stunning opening ceremony, UAE welcomes the world to Expo 2020 Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed his dream come true when darkness descended on Al Wasl Plaza, the 67-meter dome inspired by the design of the official Expo emblem. It’s been nearly eight years since Dubai was chosen to host the 2020 World Expo, which will be held on a location that is now a city within a city and is said to be larger than Monaco.

Sheikh Mohammed was joined by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. They watched as Emirati singer and actor Rashed Al Nuaimi played the UAE national anthem, which was followed by fireworks in the colors of the country’s flag: red, green, and white.

The opening sequence, based on the narrative of the Expo 2020 Dubai emblem and set on an undulating sand dune, featured UAE superstar Hussain Al Jassmi as an Emirati girl who is empowered by the spirit of expo and the discovery of a golden ring connecting the past to the present.

Following a performance by Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo and Saudi artist Mohammed Abdu, the flags of the UAE, Expo 2020 Dubai, and the BIE, the organizing world body, were shown, followed by the flags of all 192 participating countries. For the show that followed, an international ensemble of over 900 performers had been prepared. There were Emiratis and others from 64 nations in attendance, all of whom were already living and working in the UAE.

The event included jaw-dropping amazing effects thanks to the world’s largest sound system and 152 projectors installed within the Al Wasl dome. They started by picturing the planet’s birth as a blazing sphere of fire. It then transformed into the blue and white globe of Earth, and eventually into a gleaming pearl that sank beneath the waves. Beginning with Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang, each episode featured an internationally renowned talent.

Source: National News