After two years of being postponed due to the pandemic, the long-awaited Expo 2020 came to Dubai and some may say it might have been the best one of all time. From the beginning of October of last year till the end of March of 2022, over 17 million visitors from all over the world have travelled to Dubai just to witness this massive exposition of cultures and the encouragement of sustainable practices, according to Expo 2020 organisers. Not only were there numerous impressive pavilions, but the multitude of events were top-notch: some featured globally-recognised artists, incredible light shows, amazing food, and of course, pyrotechnics. As we say goodbye to Expo 2020 Dubai, we reminisce on all the best moments that took place at the historic exhibition.
Expo 2020 OPENING Ceremony
The epic Expo 2020 opening ceremony was held on the 30th of September, a day before the actual opening of the Expo to the general public. This was an exclusive, invite-only event with a guest list made up of some of the most prominent people in the world, 100 tickets were also raffled out to allow the chance for people from the general public to attend this incredible event.
Al Wasl Plaza Light show
The Al Wasl Plaza is an immersive theatre in the middle of Expo 2020 Dubai consisting of the world’s biggest 360-degree screen that projects images, along with lights and audio. This light show is a must-see once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is impossible to miss because it takes place every night. Throughout the entire duration of the Expo, this multi-purpose venue has been used to host concerts, shows, speeches, and more. Even when there weren’t any events, the Al Wasl Plaza light show made the Expo special every night and will definitely be missed by us all.
Kadim Al Sahir
On the 16th of October, after going on a two-year break, Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir got back on stage for the first time since to be the first artist to kick off the Expo’s ‘Infinite Nights’ series. His concert was attended by many visitors at Al Wasl Plaza, but for those visitors who could not get into the designated theatre, there were various huge TV screens at the Expo for everyone to watch and it was also live-streamed for the entire world to see.
Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama
Lebanese stars Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama held two amazing concerts at the Al Wasl Plaza as part of the Expo’s ‘Infinite Nights’ series. The two beloved Arab singers got the crowd going wild by singing some of their most popular hits and gave two amazing, never-before-seen performances in a single night. The show was broadcasted live to allow people from all over the globe the chance to witness it as well in case they were unable to attend.
Alicia Keys
New York’s very own Alicia Keys was the first international musical artist to perform a concert at the Al Wasl Plaza for the Expo’s ‘Infinite Nights’ series held on the 10th of December. Here, the singer did a live release of her latest album, Keys, to celebrate her career’s 20th anniversary.
Coldplay
When Coldplay was announced to be partaking in Expo 2020’s ‘Infinite Nights’ series on the 15th of February, the British band caused so much commotion that tickets had to be required for people to access the show. The colourful show was epic, but the crowd went wild when the band performed their hit song ‘My Universe’ and a projection of the world’s biggest K-pop boyband BTS, who they collaborated with in this song, was plastered all over Al Wasl’s 360-degree screen. This concert was full of surprises and will forever be remembered as one of the band’s most epic concerts to ever be performed.
NE-YO
EXPO 2020 Closing Ceremony
Visitors began to line up at the door early to be the first ones to enter the Expo on its last day in hopes of getting a good spot to witness the closing ceremony. This ceremony began with an epic fireworks show, where then Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, opened with a speech congratulating the efforts into making Expo 2020 a success. The event proceeded with a multitude of performances by some of the greatest musical icons from around the world which included, Yo-Yo Ma, Norah Jones, Christina Aguilera, just to name a few. Then the EXPO finally ended it’s once-in-a-lifetime ceremony with another fireworks show as a last goodbye.
