Hayyakum - welcome to the world - is Expo 2020 Dubai’s greeting as it opens the doors on a six-month celebration of unity and co-operation.
Messages of hope for the future are woven into the opening ceremony of one of the biggest in-person gatherings since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Inside the landmark Al Wasl dome, spectators will see the story through the eyes of a young Emirati girl who receives an ancient golden ring as a gift.
The arches and domed trellis of Al Wasl, also called Expo’s jewel, are the canvas for a glittering show that will be seen inside and outside the structure.
lighting engineer
The ring, a 3,000-year-old archaeological find, is the emblem of the Expo, which takes the girl on a journey in an extravagant musical production beamed across the 360-degree dome.
“We are bursting with hope and so happy to spread this to the world,” said Amna Abulhoul, executive creative director of Expo 2020 Dubai.
“This is our moment to share an Emirati story, but it does not reflect only the people of the UAE. It’s about how we can change the world when we come together.”
She said the story told by the young girl reflects “all Emiratis welcoming people to this land and making them feel at home”.
The performance, set in a garden built inside the dome, will feature 900 participants from 64 countries.
Tareq Ghosheh, Expo’s chief events and entertainment officer, said visitors would be enveloped in a sensory experience whether they were inside the Al Wasl dome or watching on screens at home.
“We want to tell an authentic story of this land and its people, to capture the nature and soul of Dubai and the UAE,” he said.
“We want to emphasise the historical moments of this nation, capture its unique spirit and convey it to a global audience in a way that is meaningful to people of all backgrounds and cultures.”
Across the site on Thursday, staff readied the venue with covers removed from chairs and tables, and cafes and restaurants stocked with water and refreshments.
The audio systems were checked by engineers, many of whom have been in the Emirates since June and will remain until the end of the world fair in March next year.
“It is a wow experience,” said Marco Carancini, an Italian engineer handling lighting for the event.
“Al Wasl is one of the biggest in the world. It’s a 360-degree experience and this is not normal to be inside a show, to feel like you are inside the lights, almost inside the video.”
Expo Dubai 2020 before opening night – in pictures
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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 -
Opening ceremony fireworks. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A young Emirati performs in the story of the ring that inspired the Expo 2020 Dubai logo. Photo: Christophe Viseux / Expo 2020 Dubai -
The world's fair was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Performers line up to welcome visitors to the site of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: AFP -
Emirati girls welcome guests before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Traditions at play to help kick off the event. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Guests arrive before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A buzz is spreading around the site before the opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Al Wasl Plaza before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The national flags of countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP -
Excited spectators arrive. AFP -
Members of staff pose for a picture before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
An ideal photo opportunity. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Last-minute preparations, as meticulous as ever, for the big event. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Final preparations are under way in Al Wasl Plaza before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony on Thursday. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Officials have anticipated and prepared for every eventuality that could crop up during the 182-day world's fair. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National
