Abu Dhabi: The star-studded opening ceremony of the Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday began with the sound of Azan – (Islamic) a call to prayer. Little girls wearing traditional dress also welcomed one and all to the opening ceremony.
“Esteemed guests welcome to the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai…” With those words translated in different languages, the event begins, bright lights shine through the dome of Al Wasl Plaza as Emirates air hostesses greet the world in different languages.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived at the opening ceremony. Other UAE leaders Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also took their seats to watch the opening ceremony of the world’s supposed greatest show.
The flag ceremony of 190-plus participant countries commences in a moving display layered followed by Saudi singer Mohamed Abdo performing, known as the art of the Arabs.
The Expo Song “This is Our Time” by Emirati singers Hussain Al Jasmi and Almas, and Lebanese American singer Maysa Qaraa began, with children holding the Expo 2020 Dubai flag and running around the guests. The children pass the flag to one another.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced the Expo 2020 Dubai’s opening. “Today, we witness together, a new beginning, as we inaugurate Expo 2020,” he said.
Half an hour before the opening ceremony, Dubai government senior officials were seen heading to the Expo site, taking the metro to attend the highly-anticipated opening ceremony, Dubai Media office tweeted.
Live opening videos shared by Netizens on Twitter
The Expo echoes across the country, people have gathered around the big screens which set up at the city walk arena.
New Yorkers can catch Expo 2020 Dubai’s spectacular opening ceremony live tonight. The star-studded ceremony is shown live on the giant screens of Times Square.
The opening ceremony live-streaming for the Expo 2020 Dubai is available from anywhere. (Here’s how to watch the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony)
Expo 2020 Dubai, was delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is less than 10-hours to go for the much-awaited Expo 2020 Dubai mega-event to roll out the red-carpet for a spectacular 6 months—182 days from October 1.