Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony brings together millions around the globe

Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony has brought together millions around the globe. A dazzling lineup of stars helped welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai, adorning an Opening Ceremony that will be remembered forever by the 3,000-strong crowd as well as the millions of viewers across the world who tuned in to virtually witness the much-anticipated event.

The most inclusive World Expo ever was officially started, with the golden ring of connectedness – the inspiration for the Expo 2020 Dubai emblem – hoisted to the trellis of the majestic Al Wasl Plaza, the pulsating heart of the Expo site and the breathtaking location for the enthralling event.

A sensory overload of stunning images was broadcasted across Al Wasl Plaza’s dome, the world’s biggest 360-degree projection screen, in addition to music from some of the world’s most renowned musicians and a magnificent live orchestra. More than 3,000 lighting fixtures, 1,000 speakers, 1,300 costumes, and buckets of passion and emotion from each of the 1,000-plus participating performers and volunteers all helped to create a one-of-a-kind display of creative artistic cooperation.

The flags of Expo’s 192 participating nations, unveiled in a domino effect as flags were unfolded one by one, was a proud and visually beautiful moment that also symbolised the world’s reawakening.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai – and to the UAE – in his speech, 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.”

The night’s thrilling events were capped off by famous singer Andrea Bocelli, who closed with one of his all-time favourites, The Prayer, its lyrics of human connection crescendoing into the grand finale.

With over 80 million records sold, classical music’s best-selling living musician stated that performing at Expo 2020 was a “huge honour” and that his presence at Al Wasl “reflects all of the devotion my audience has given me for many years and I wish to give it back.”

Andrea Bocelli said: “We have all gone through a year that no one could ever have imagined. For a year, we have lost the essentials, our freedom in and, in a sense, and even our dignity. Now we finally see the light and I hope that this event will also help to instil in everyone a sense of optimism, a desire to achieve and to put what has been behind us.”

The official Expo song, This Is Our Time, was performed by Arab singers Hussain Al Jassmi, Almas, and Mayssa Karaa, while Emirati singing star Ahlam Alshamsi rounded out the impressive regional line-up. The creative skill of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman’s all-female group, the Firdaus Orchestra, comprised of 50 musicians from around the Arab globe, was also instrumental in the ceremony’s inspirational voyage.

Scott Givens, Executive Producer, Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony, who co-curated and co-produced the show with Franco Dragone, Artistic Director, said: “We picked artists that had songs that belonged in the ceremony and that tied in with Expo’s themes.

“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.”

Throughout the celebration, there was a distinct sense of warmth, respect, unity, and camaraderie, demonstrating that the globe is poised and eager to re-embrace live events. The stage is now set for Expo 2020 Dubai to host the world’s largest cultural gathering, presenting a visually stunning and emotionally moving 182-day experience as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever. Read more