Expo 2020 star-studded opening ceremony will mesmerise world

Inayat-Ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Expo 2020 Dubai’s star-studded Opening Ceremony will be streamed live to more than 430 locations across the UAE, giving everyone the chance to participate in the mind-blowing spectacle, wherever they might be.

This will be followed a night later by three spectacular fireworks displays in Dubai, marking the first full day of the Expo in a spectacular visual celebration commemorating the journey from winning the bid in 2013 to opening the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region and the largest global event held since the start of the pandemic.

On Thursday, 30 September, nation-wide Opening Ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country, thanking the nation for its support and inviting everyone to come together to celebrate this momentous occasion for Dubai, the UAE and the region as a whole.

Screens will be set up in locations ranging from airports and shopping malls to hotels and other landmarks, relaying the incredible music and cultural performances as they happen.

Viewers from anywhere in the world can also join the evening’s proceedings via a global live stream, available on virtualexpo.world and Expo TV from 1930 GST onwards.

Among those slated to perform are world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy-nominated, Golden-Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding; international mega-star pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo.

The incredible fireworks displays will take place on the evening of Friday 1 October, kicking off at 2020 GST, at Dubai Festival City, The Frame and The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, with each presenting their own unique celebrations. Both The Pointe and Dubai Festival City will incorporate their fountains into a dazzling light and sound show themed on Expo 2020, while The Frame façade will be lit up in Expo colours. The flags of participating countries will also be displayed at each, with booths on the ground for purchasing Expo 2020 tickets.

The roster of streaming locations for the Opening Ceremony includes more than 240 hotels nation-wide, including Emaar’s Rove, Armani, Address Hotels & Resorts, and Vida Hotels & Resorts, as well as Accor, Marriot, Hilton, IHG, Rotana, Jumeirah, Hyatt International and Atlantis The Palm.

In addition, 17 Majid Al Futtaim malls, plus City Walk, Nakheel Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall, as well as 50 Jashanmal locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 97 Mediclinics, Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports and Zabeel Ladies Club and Sharaf DG will also stream the experience.

Expo 2020 Partners are also offering their invaluable support, with many, including Dulsco, Terminus Group, L’Oreal and Nissan, hosting Opening Ceremony viewing parties for their staff. Emirates, the Official Airline Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, will also stream proceedings across its first and business class lounges, both local and international.

Adding to the evening’s magic, viewings are taking place at various locations in Umm Al Quwain, Yas Plaza in Abu Dhabi and across various locations in Ras Al Khaimah, including the Corniche, Al Marjan Island and Manar Mall. Ajman Heritage District and Fujairah Fort will also host a live broadcast, the latter accompanied by an evening of other festivities that include a mini village, folklore bands, traditional crafts, heritage displays and traditional food.

Tickets to Expo 2020 Dubai are available online and through more than 2,500 Authorised Ticket Resellers, including online travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups and airlines from 100-plus markets around the world.

The Pointe, Nakheel’s stunning waterfront retail and entertainment destination on Palm Jumeirah, invites residents and visitors to celebrate the opening day of Expo 2020 with a unique fountain show and spectacular fireworks display on 1 October at 20:20.

In partnership with Expo 2020 and Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), The Pointe is one of three chosen Dubai destinations to mark the opening day of the six-month event. Visitors will enjoy a showstopping fountain display featuring Expo’s official colours and swaying to the official Expo song, This is Our Time, followed by a magical fireworks extravaganza. The Expo song will continue to play over the course of this year and the next at The Palm Fountain.

Strict health and safety measures will be observed during the festivities. Social distancing markers are in place across The Pointe, regular sanitisation will take place and all visitors must wear a mask.

To be a part of The Pointe’s stunning Expo 2020 opener, visitors are required to book a table at one of the restaurants at the East and West promenades, including Alaca, Donna Carmela, Il Passagio, Argentina Grill, Aka and Zor.

Visitors are encouraged to use taxis or free shuttle buses from Nakheel Mall to The Pointe, available every half an hour, buses will run from 5 pm until midnight on 1 October. Limited parking at The Pointe is also available.

Residents and visitors across Palm Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Al Sufouh and the Jumeirah Beach Residences areas also have access to free shuttle buses to The Pointe. For the full schedule, visit: https://thepointe.ae/uploads/TP_BUS.pdf.