All eyes on Dubai as Expo 2020 opens with incredible show

After a one-year delay owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai kicked off its $7 billion Expo 2020 on September 30. In this pic, artists carry national flags during the opening ceremony (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   1 / 12

   After a one-year delay owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai kicked off its $7 billion Expo 2020 on September 30. In this pic, artists carry national flags during the opening ceremony (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   2 / 12

   After eight years of planning and billions of dollars in spending, the Middle East's first ever World Fair opened on Friday in Dubai, with hopes the months-long extravaganza draws both visitors and global attention to this desert-turned-dreamscape. (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   3 / 12

   Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony of the Dubai Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   4 / 12

   According to the Khaleej Times, the Expo’s star-studded opening ceremony was streamed live to more than 430 locations across the UAE. In this pic, Andrea Bocelli is seen arriving for his performance during the ceremony (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   5 / 12

   British singer, Ellie Goulding also performed during the opening ceremony of the Dubai Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   6 / 12

   Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Dubai Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 30, 2021. (Reuters)

1. 👁 Image
   

   7 / 12

   According to AP, the Expo is one of the world’s first global events in the pandemic world, following an Olympics this summer in Japan that took place without spectators. (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   8 / 12

   The city has decided on a target of 25 million visits — both virtually and in person. (Reuters)

1. 👁 Image
   

   9 / 12

   Qataris take part in a traditional sword dance at the opening of the Qatar pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 (AP)

1. 👁 Image
   

   10 / 12

   Zeleros premieres hyperloop vehicle is presented during a media tour at Spain Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. (AP)

1. 👁 Expo 2020 Dubai, Expo 2020 Dubai india pavilian, Expo 2020 Dubai dates, Expo 2020 Dubai venue
   

   11 / 12

   The Indian pavilion at the Expo is being represented by Vedanta Resources, which has partnered with the Indian government to showcase the country’s growth potential while celebrating India’s 75th year of Independence. (PRhandout)

1. 👁 Image
   

   12 / 12

   The event will go on until March 2022 and is likely to see participants from over 190 countries. (Reuters)