45 striking photos of Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony

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

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

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