• Spectacular fireworks and entertainment welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday night. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    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 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
    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
    Andrea Bocelli takes the stage at the opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Dancers perform during the opening ceremony. Getty
    Dancers perform during the opening ceremony. Getty
  • Ellie Goulding performs at the Expo 2020 opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Lights, colour and fun are the order of the day. Photo: Reuters
  • Andra Day takes centre stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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.
    Flag-raising at the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday.
  • Ahlam AlShamsi performs during the opening ceremony. Photo: Kamran Jebreili / AP
    Ahlam AlShamsi performs during the opening ceremony. Photo: Kamran Jebreili / AP
  • Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Reuters
    Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Reuters
  • The opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    The national flags of countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP
  • Excited spectators arrive. AFP
    Excited spectators arrive. AFP
  • Members of staff pose for a picture before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Officials have anticipated and prepared for every eventuality that could crop up during the 182-day world's fair. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Expo 2020

45 striking photos of Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony

The six-month world's fair got off to a spectacular start

Rory Reynolds
Rory Reynolds

September 30, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Expo 2020 Dubai drew in viewers from across the globe with a spectacular opening ceremony on Thursday night.

With an upbeat message that the world could come together and put the coronavirus pandemic behind it, viewers were treated to a musical, cultural and historical spectacle.

And what a night it was.

From veteran singer Angelique Kidjo to Ellie Goulding – and the catchy Expo anthem in-between – if there was one message this evening's artists were delivering, it was this: strive for a better future.

The Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli rounded off a superb opening night concert with a rendition of The Prayer.

Earlier, English pop star Goulding called on an invitation-only audience to rise above the world's recent troubles.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, welcomed the world to the emirate with a message: "Today we witness a new beginning."

For all the latest on Expo 2020 Dubai, follow our live blog here

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

PRO BASH

Thursday’s fixtures

6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors

10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters

Teams

Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.

Squad rules

All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.

Tournament rules

The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 3
Danilo (16'), Bernardo Silva (34'), Fernandinho (72')

Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Ulloa (20')

World Mental Health Day
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Updated: September 30, 2021, 7:23 PM