A glittering line-up of global talent to perform at spectacular Expo Dubai 2020 opening ceremony
An incredible line-up of international, regional and local talent will perform at the Dubai World Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony, which will take place at the iconic Al-Wasl Plaza on 30 September.
Viewers will enjoy a masterful display of breathtaking imagery, music and performance, as some of the world's most creative minds, internationally renowned artists and emerging talents come together in a dazzling and innovative performance that will be shared with audiences around the world.
Among the artists scheduled to perform are world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; platinum-selling British singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding; international megastar pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy Award-winner Angelique Kidjo.
Highlighting the creative diversity and talent of the region, the glittering line-up also includes 'Artist of the Arabs' Mohamed Abdo, much-loved Emirati singing sensation 'Fananat Al-Arab' Ahlam Alshamsi; Emirati artist and Expo 2020 Dubai ambassador Hussain al-Jassmi, a trendsetter in the Khaleeji music scene in the Middle East and internationally; rising UAE singer-songwriter Almas; and Grammy-nominated Lebanese American singer Mayssa Karaa.
Drawing directly from the Expo's theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', the opening ceremony will take spectators on an incredible journey through its sub-themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, showcasing the deep-rooted values of the UAE and the vision and purpose of the Expo, while welcoming the mega-event's 192 participating countries in spectacular fashion.
Tareq Ghosheh, director of events and entertainment at Expo 2020 Dubai, highlighted the mega event that will take place to kick off Expo Dubai 2020: "As the global spotlight shines on the UAE, this incredible and unforgettable evening will celebrate the collaborative, creative and optimistic spirit of Expo 2020, demonstrating our commitment to hosting a great event that will delight the world."
"Combining some of the most sought-after names in the world of music, live events and entertainment with the amazing and world-first technologies of the iconic Al-Wasl Plaza, this is the 'big bang' that sets the stage for 182 days of visually stunning and emotionally inspiring experiences, as we invite visitors from across the globe to join in the creation of a new world," he said.
Behind the scenes, the preparations have brought together creative minds from different geographies, industries and backgrounds, including a talented in-house team of Emirati and international creatives, with the event organisers not only commissioning, but also jointly and actively co-commissioning and co-producing the collaboration and the show. The wider team is led by Scott Givens, executive producer and CEO of FiveCurrents, whose credits include 62 iconic ceremonies, including most Olympic ceremonies, and includes Franco Dragone, acclaimed artistic director of groundbreaking productions such as La Perle and Cirque du Soleil, and Jared Sweet, award-winning creative director of ceremonies in six countries.
Available to watch on Expo TV, Virtual Expo and broadcast to a global audience of millions through multiple channels, the Opening Ceremony will showcase the impressive Al-Wasl Plaza, including the world's largest immersive sound installation and the world's largest combined video projection installation. The first event of its kind to take place 'in the round', the audience will be at the centre of the show as it unfolds, with the rotating stage, stunning surroundings and immersive technologies coming to life all around them.
The opening ceremony will also serve as an important opportunity to demonstrate the Expo's commitment to the health, safety and well-being of its staff, participants and visitors, as it brings together the global community for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
From 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 will feature the best in art, music, architecture, technology and culture from around the world. From an adrenaline-pumping sports programme to the stunning outdoor night-time light festival Kaleidoscope, to bringing together the world's brightest minds to programme for people and planet, there is something for visitors of all ages and interests, and one visit won't be enough.
It is the largest event to be held in the MEASA region; moreover, Expo 2020 will allow millions of people to experience the world in one place, explore new frontiers and seize opportunities for tomorrow.
Text, video and photo: Expo Dubai 2020.