As we enter the final month of Expo 2020 Dubai, the world fair's performance programme continues to please crowds.
Music and dance fans still have a lot to forward to with another jam-packed four weeks that will feature everything from Arabic pop concerts to Syrian folk.
Access to each event comes free with an Expo 2020 Dubai pass, unless otherwise specified.
Here's the best of what the last few weeks have to offer:
1. SB19
What it is: Beloved OPM boy band SB19 are in Dubai ahead of a concert on Wednesday at DEC Arena in Expo 2020 Dubai. The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits Bazinga and Mapa, and were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards. They were nominated in 2021 in the Top Social Artist category alongside Blackpink, Ariana Grande, Seventeen and K-pop megastars BTS, who won the award.
This is a paid-for event. Tickets are on sale for Dh50. The gold category has sold out, but silver tickets are still available from Platinum List.
Venue: DEC Arena
Time: 8.30pm
Date: Wednesday, March 16
2. Sher Oston and His Orchestra
What it is: This jazz symphonic orchestra, led by jazz artist Sher Oston, will perform a repertoire of covers from stars such as Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, plus 19th and 20th-century composers.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 6pm
Date: Wednesday, March 16
3. Googoosh
Country Pavilion: Iran
What it is: With a career spanning 60 years, the singer and actress is one of Iran's biggest celebrities. Expect a set featuring her biggest hits such as Hejrat and Man-O Gonjeshk-Hayeh Khouneh.
Venue: Jubilee Stage
Time: 8.30pm
Date: Thursday, March 17
4. Saed Abu Tayeh
Country Pavilion: Jordan
What it is: For the official closing party of the Jordan Pavilion, the singer will lead a traditional band and perform classic tracks showcasing the breadth of Levant folk music.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Date: Thursday, March 17
5. Parokya ni Edgar
Country Pavilion: Philippines
What it is: Celebrating their 30th anniversary next year, Parokya ni Edgar is known for their brash novelty songs that poke fun at popular Pinoy pop culture. Expect to also hear some new tunes from their latest album Borbolen.
Venue: Jubilee Stage
Time: 8pm
Date: Friday, March 18
6. Havasi Symphonic Concert Show
Country Pavilion: Hungary
What it is: Popular European artist, Havasi — full name Balazs Havasi — is renowned for spectacular performances fusing classical music and rock with a blinding light show.
Such an approach has made him a global drawcard, with the pianist and composer performing sell-out shows in New York's Carnegie Hall, Barbican Centre in London and the Sydney Opera House.
Venue: Jubilee Stage
Time: 7.30pm
Date: Saturday, March 19
7. Noep
Country Pavilion: Estonia
What it is: One of Estonia's biggest acts, Noep — real name Andres Kopper — is a man of many talents. In addition to making waves at home with a stream of electropop singles such as last year's Head Out Of The Water and Differences, he also directed the 2012 Estonian comedy Bad Hair Friday.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 10pm
Date: Saturday, March 19
8. This Bandang Magnus
What it is: Three Filipino bands will take to the streets to entertain the masses in an event as part of Expo Street Music. OPM stars Bandang Lapis, five-member alternative rock band Magnus Haven and the six-piece This Band will perform.
Venue: Sustainability Plaza
Time: 9pm
Date: Saturday, March 19
9. Davido
What it is: Nigerian-American Afrobeat star, singer-songwriter and record producer Davido will perform singles such as Fall, If and others during a one-off concert. He's known for blending traditional African beats with mainstream pop elements.
Venue: Jubilee Stage
Time: Saturday, March 19
Date: 9pm
10. Ali Yasini presents Young & Connecting Minds
What it is: Iranian music star Ali Yasini is performing a concert under the theme of youth and connecting minds. The young singer-songwriter will play several instruments, including the guitar and piano, and perform some of his most popular hits.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 8pm
Date: March 20
11. The moments of love and peace by Reza Sadeghi
What it is: Popular Iranian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Reza Sadeghi is bringing his silky vocals and songs of love and peace to the Expo stage.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 8.30pm
Date: Tuesday, March 22
12. Isaac Hernandez Expressions
Country Pavilion: Mexico
What it is: This will be the UAE debut performance of one of Mexico's biggest dance stars. Hailed by the press as a "ballet rock star", Hernandez will show the skill and charisma that's helped him to become the lead principal dancer of the English National Ballet.
Venue: Jubilee Stage
Time: 5pm
Date: Wednesday, March 23
13. Ameli Paul
Country Pavilion: Germany
What it is: The German electronic music duo are known for their ethereal sets that combines relaxed vocals with synth, analogue effects and field recordings.
Venue: Auditorium, German Pavilion
Time: 8pm and 9.30pm
Date: Wednesday, March 23
14. Hamza Hawsawi
Country Pavilion: Portugal
What it is: The 2015 winner of The X-Factor Arabia has helped shine the spotlight on Saudi Arabia's music scene. Expect a multilingual combo of solo tracks and hit covers in what should be a crowd-pleasing set.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 10pm
Date: Thursday, March 24
15. Noon & Friends
What it is: Describing their approach as "experimental Oriental," the trio’s sound is distinctly global with its shades of funk, African and Indian percussive rhythms and electronic effects.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 7pm
Date: Friday, March 25
16. Voices of the Andalusian Gardens
Country Pavilion: Morocco
What it is: A concert celebrates traditional Andalusian and Gharnati Arabic music and showcases how its influences have seeped into other genres from the Middle East and North Africa. The evening will feature the Orchestra of Fez and the singer Nabyla Maan performing separate and joint sets.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Date: Friday, March 25
17. Giovanni Sollima: 100 Cellos Live in Dubai 2022
Country Pavilion: Italy
What it is: Talk about a massive string section: 100 performs will take part in a performance of classical music standards and pop hits. Led by conductor and cellist Giovanni Sollima, 100 Cellos have performed to sell-out crowds across Italy.
Venue: Jubilee Stage
Time: 9pm
Date: Friday, March 25
18. Sounds of Africa
What it is: The event will feature a series of performances using authentic instruments from the continent such as the balafon, a gourd-resonated xylophone, and the kora, a stringed instrument widely used in West African folk and pop music.
Venue: Sun Stage
Time: 6.30pm and 7.30pm
Date: Saturday, March 26
19. Apo & The Apostles
What it is: The group is made up of members living in Jerusalem and the Palestinian West Bank. Apo and the Apostles boasts an eclectic and multilingual sound that fuses, pop, rock, soul and a dash of dabka.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Date: Wednesday, March 28
20. Takkat
What it is: This folk band is heading to Expo 2020 to entertain visitors with a medley of Syrian folk songs, celebrating Levantine traditions.
Venue: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Date: Tuesday, March 29
50 things to do at Expo 2020 Dubai before it ends — in pictures:
-
Expo 2020 Dubai will finish on March 31, 2022. Here are 50 things to do at the world fair between now and then. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai. -
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo is a must-visit. Reuters -
From the inside and outside, Switzerland Pavilion is worth exploring. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The spectacle of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is clearly visible from the outside. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The Spain Pavilion's striking architecture serves as a metaphor for the cultural links between Spain and the Arab world. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The fascinating past of ancient Egypt is the central focus of the country’s Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
It's more than just about Thai food at Long Chim restaurant in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Long Chim -
Alkebulan African Dining Hall at Expo 2020 Dubai is putting the focus on an as-yet untapped cuisine. Photo: Alkebulan African Dining Hall -
Sushiro is in the Japan Pavilion restaurant at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Bread Ahead, a British concept that specialises in doughnuts and gluten-free sourdough breads, is a must-try at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Burgers, such as this DM Burger, are among the popular offerings at Adrift Burger Bar in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Josh Telles -
Children and grown-ups alike love the Expo 2020 Dubai Water Feature. Reuters -
There's an impressive light show every evening at Al Wasl Dome, the world's largest 360-degree projection dome. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Jubilee Park is where all the best performances take place. Victor Besa / The National -
The Expo 2020 entry portals were designed by British architect Asif Khan. -
Al Wasl Dome is visible from almost every room in Rove Expo 2020, the only hotel at the site. -
Take a look inside Expo 2020's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub and its various facilities. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A bike tour around Expo 2020 Dubai is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Victor Besa / The National -
At Emirates Airlines’ futuristic pavilion, visitors get the chance to design their own aircraft. Wam -
Go up 55 metres on this 360-degree observation tower and enjoy sweeping views of Expo 2020 on Garden in the Sky. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Expo 2020 passport is a must-have for visitors. Go around the pavilions and collect those passport stamps before it's too late. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Kaleidoscope presents Dodecalis Luminarium by Architects of Air: a dazzling immersive art installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Created by British artist Mat Collishaw and curated by the cultural agency Futurecity, the work 'Equinox' has been commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai specifically to be shown in Terra. Photo: Mahmoud Khaled / Expo 2020 -
'A point in time' by Khalil Rabah enlarged 11th-century implements used for determining location. Look closely: a small black circule below the gold-coloured spindle shows Dubai on the map the objects create. Photo: Thorsten Arendt -
'Garden' by Hamra Abbas, the artist's marble recreation of a garden, used five tonnes of lapis lazuli. Photo: Roman Mensing -
Faissal El Malak and Alia bin Omair's 'Nahel' fountain features motifs of humankind, nature and technology connecting in harmony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
With popular restaurants in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Lebanese spot Iris Lounge has become a firm favourite at Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National -
One of the liveliest late-night spots at Expo 2020 is, unsurprisingly, The Irish Village at Jubilee Park. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Expo 2020’s resident sports lounge Garden on 1, found at the Mobility District, offers regular themed nights such as curry night and quiz night, regular drinks deals, and shows the biggest sporting events. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Jubilee Mixology bar overlooks Al Wasl Dome, which features the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. Pawan Singh / The National -
Everyone’s a local at this Australian corner, which has proved a firm favourite with Expo 2020 visitors. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Once a month, experience a Khaleeji-led jam session at Jubilee Stage in the form of Jalsat Nights. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Specially created for Expo 2020 Dubai by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, the all-female Firdaus Orchestra features musicians from 23 nationalities across the Arab world, with some as young as 15. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The monthly Infinite Nights concert series takes place at Al Wasl Plaza and is streamed to a global audience. Past acts that have performed so far include Kadim Al Sahir, Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas, with two more to come. -
Emirati composer Mohammed Fairouz has composed music for the Al Wasl Opera. Every week or two, a student choir takes to the Jubilee Stage for a series of 30-minute concerts where they perform extracts from Al Wasl Opera. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A 10-minute light show takes place daily at the China Pavilion. It's a must-see. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Hammour House is a community art project that is popular among children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A child plays at Latifa's Adventures playground, a great spot for families during a visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The indoor slide at the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is very popular among children and families. -
No visit to Expo 2020 Dubai is complete without interacting with a robot. Victor Besa / The National -
The carousel in the Mobility District at Expo 2020 Dubai is a great stop for children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
An exhibition focusing on the work of French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier will open at Expo on February 28. AFP -
The know-how of the Piemonte region will be highlighted in a showcase at the Italian pavilion. Photo: Andrea Rapuzzi -
The Colombia Pavilion will host a multimedia installation called The Infinitos. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister for Culture and Youth, at the Kosovo Pavilion, home to a permanent collection of artworks that traces the country’s culture and history. Photo: Ministry of Culture and Youth -
The New Zealand Pavilion features a digital Art Wall curated by the country’s national museum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
At the Swiss pavilion, you’re instantly transported to the Alps thanks to an indoor mountainscape. AP Photo -
Experience indoor rain at the Netherlands Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Don't miss the Sky Market at the Singapore Pavilion, an open, multipurpose deck. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
There's a ball pit and swings at the Germany Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Robot bartender Yanu makes mocktails at the Estonia Pavilion. Photo: Estonia Pavilion
