'This is not the end but a new era': Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hails Expo 2020 Dubai

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai says the event touched hearts and minds

Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National

Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA

Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP

Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP

Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP

Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP

A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA

Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters

Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA

Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters

Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images

An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters

Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images

Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images

Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters

A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters

A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters

The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National

Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National

Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National

The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National

A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National

Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters

People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP

The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP

Related: Expo 2020 Dubai thrills the world with a send-off to remember

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the success of Expo 2020 Dubai as the world's fair came to a spectacular close.

Thousands of people thronged the site for the final day to catch concerts by stars such as Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones as well as several incredible firework displays that lit up the sky.

In an audio message played at the closing ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed said Expo 2020 Dubai offers the opportunity of “a new beginning” for the UAE and the world.

“During the Expo 2020 Dubai journey, we portrayed to the world a different version of ingenuity that touched the hearts and minds of every member of society,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“Our sons and daughters have proven their ability to overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges. And in every moment of this journey, we reflected the values of the UAE — values of affection and hospitality. Today is not the end of Expo 2020, but a new beginning.”

Sheikh Mohammed also said there are even better things ahead.

“The UAE and Dubai will continue ... to be graceful and strong – and able, to 'Connect Minds and Create the Future' with this exceptional government, and the leadership of my brother [Sheikh] Mohamed bin Zayed [Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces]," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also hailed the event, paying tribute to all those who made it a success.

"Let us take a moment and appreciate the outstanding work of every individual who made this happen," said Sheikh Hamdan on social media.

The six-month Expo came to a close on Thursday after the event attracted millions of visits, from world leaders to residents.

Spectacular firework displays lit up the site and were visible across the city.

The Expo baton now passes to Japan, where the next event will be held in Osaka 2025.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visits Expo 2020 site when it was under construction — in pictures

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid surveys the grand vision for Expo 2020 Dubai with Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation. Courtesy Dubai Media Office

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai called on young people to be at the heart of the landmark event.

Sheikh Mohammed observed the speedy progress being made on the construction site.

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the progress of the event - which will feature 190 countries and is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors during its six-month run - by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation.

"The youth should play a key part in this mega event and get opportunities to observe, learn and contribute creative ideas so that they can develop innovative solutions for creating a better future for our region and the world," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit took place in one of the anchor buildings on the site overlooking the Al Wasl Plaza.

Eighty percent of the Expo-built structures on site will be retained as part of District 2020, an integrated community that will be a new destination in Dubai.