Spectacular fireworks and entertainment welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday night. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The opening ceremony under the magnificent Al Wasl dome. Photo: Karim Sahib / AFP
The silver and white ghaf tree forms a centrepiece at the performance centre of Al Wasl Plaza during the opening ceremony. Photo: Ali Haider / EPA
Andrea Bocelli takes the stage at the opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony. Getty
Ellie Goulding performs at the Expo 2020 opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at the Expo 2020 opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Chinese pianist Lang Lang opens the performance at Al Wasl Plaza for the Middle East's first Expo. Photo: Ali Haider / EPA
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
In the pink with a splash of colour as the event starts with a bang. Photo: Reuters
The impressive opening ceremony for Expo 2020 Dubai, which was streamed live to millions around the world. Photo: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP
All flowered up at the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Reuters
If the opening night is anything to go by, the entire event promises to be quite a spectacle. Reuters
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Kamran Jebreili / AP
Lights, colour and fun are the order of the day. Photo: Reuters
Andra Day takes centre stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, declares Expo 2020 Dubai open with a prayer. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
World-renowned Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi performs in his country's Expo opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Ahlam AlShamsi performs. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions, the governing body of world's fairs, addresses the audience at the opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Hussain Al Jassmi, Mayssa Karaa and Almas perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP
Fireworks light up the skies around the Expo site in Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A logo of Expo 2020 Dubai is projected during the opening ceremony. AFP
Flag-raising at the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday.
Ahlam AlShamsi performs during the opening ceremony. Photo: Kamran Jebreili / AP
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Reuters
The opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
The full spectacle that was the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony on Thursday night. Photo: David Jimenez / Expo 2020 Dubai
Dubai opens its Expo 2020 with an extravagant opening ceremony of fireworks, flags and light shows. Photo: AFP
