Expo City Dubai will mark the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday with special free events open to the public.
The site of the world’s biggest fair officially reopened its doors on Saturday, inviting the public to visit some of its most famous attractions.
Restaurants have also reopened for visitors, who can enjoy the delicious menus in between taking part in special celebrations commemorating the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed from Friday to Sunday, including spiritual recitals, performances and projections.
The evening celebrations will run from 6.15pm to 9pm and feature Al Malid performances. Al Malid is the art of religious singing and is considered one of the most prominent local, traditional art forms embodying the culture and values of the UAE and rooted in Arab and Islamic heritage.
Historically, Al Malid has been associated with religious and social events and has contributed to strengthening the fabric of local communities.
Al Wasl Dome, the world's largest 360-degree projection surface, will also light up with a special show for the occasion and visitors will be able to enjoy traditional Emirati dance groups.
Expo City Dubai is a no-car site and visitors can stroll across the public areas for free.
The Ministry of Culture and Youth will also host an event called Expressions of Malid at the Abu Dhabi Creative Hub at 7pm on Saturday.
The event will include songs, poems and performances depicting the love for the Prophet, including Emirati and Arab ensembles from across the region, who will take part in the celebration and perform the Malid.
The free events will take place at Expo City Dubai from Friday to Sunday. More information is available at www.expocitydubai.com
Scroll through the gallery below to see photos from the Expo City Dubai opening day
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Visitors pictured at Alif, the Mobility Pavilion, on Saturday morning for the official opening of Expo City Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
Early visitors on Saturday morning at Expo City Dubai. -
There was a low-key opening to Expo City Dubai, but some visitors were happy to get there early. -
Early Saturday morning at Expo City Dubai. -
Tourists Ramanuragi Lohariwala and Devanshi Thard, both from India, were more than impressed with what they saw. -
Inside the Mobility Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
Rishabh Shah, from India, was among the first visitors to Expo City Dubai. -
Inside the Mobility Pavilion. -
The Mobility Pavilion was one of four pavilions open to the public. -
Visitors take in the attractions at the Mobility Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
One of the displays at the Mobility Pavilion. -
Some of the Saturday morning visitors to the Mobility Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
One of the interactive displays. -
Inside the Vision Pavilion. -
The Women's Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
The Vision Pavilion features a 52-tonne horse's head made from marble. -
One of the attractions at the Vision Pavilion. -
This visitor checks out the Vision Pavilion. -
An early visitor enjoys the attractions. -
The Vision Pavilion is one of the main attractions at Expo City Dubai. -
The Vision Pavilion at Expo City Dubai.
