Meet 11-year-old Mira Singh, the young star of Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai-born performer stole hearts everywhere

Dubai-born Mira Singh played the part of a young girl whose journey creates the Expo story at the heart of the show. All photos: Expo 2020 Dubai

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli with Mira Singh during the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony.

The story of the opening ceremony show was told through the eyes of a young Emirati girl, played by Mira, who represents hope for all people.

Unsure of her path forward, Mira she is presented with an ancient golden ring by a wise elder, played by Emirati actor and playwright Habib Guloom. The ring, based on a 3,000-year-old artefact, is both a symbol of the UAE's past and a future built on connection.

As the young girl makes her journey though our ideal world, representing sustainability, mobility and opportunity, she grows in confidence and is rewarded with the golden seed of humanity.

Mira Singh's part in the opening ceremony was described by its creators as “a young local girl observing the challenges of today and representing hope for the future”.

On stage at Al Wasl Plaza, Mira's role included climbing a ladder during a dazzling sequence that showed the creation of the world.

FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW: Mira Singh on her Expo 2020 Dubai fame: 'My life has changed'

She captured hearts all around the world as the unofficial star of the Dubai Expo 2020 opening ceremony.

Dubai-born Mira Singh was given the part of a young girl whose journey creates the Expo story at the heart of the show.

The 11-year-old is a showbiz veteran, starting as a child model at the age of six and more recently featuring in commercials for Aldar Properties and Ikea.

Mira has “always loved” performing.

She’s also appeared in a National Day show and is on the shortlist for commemorations for the 50th anniversary of the UAE later this year.

A pupil at JSS International School at Jumeirah Village Circle, Mira’s father is Indian and her mother is from Belarus.

Keeping up her studies meant rehearsals took place in the evenings. “It is sometimes tricky fitting it all in around my schooling, but my principal is very understanding,” Mira said.

She’s also a versatile performer. “I enjoy all types of dance – Indian dance, contemporary dance and hip-hop, and I also love to sing and act,” she said.

Her part in the opening ceremony is described by its creators as “a young local girl observing the challenges of today and representing hope for the future”.

On stage at Al Wasl Plaza, her role included climbing a ladder for a dazzling sequence that showed the creation of the world and guiding blind opera singer Andrea Bocelli on stage for the finale alongside Ellie Goulding, Angelique Kidjo and Andra Day, among others.

“I’ve not only met lots of famous people, but have also been lucky enough to work with them, which has been so exciting. It’s an opportunity I am incredibly grateful for,” Mira said.

Now the show is over, Mira wants to spend more time with her friends and visit the world's fair where she says the UAE, China, Egypt and Russia pavilions are top of her list. “And of course India and Belarus.”