Expo 2020 Dubai kicks off with A very luxurious opening ceremony

UAE - Expo 2020 Dubai kicked off with celebration ceremonies, which included fireworks, music and messages about the strength of international cooperation and its importance for the future, which is the first time that an Expo will be held in the Middle East.

The exhibition venue will be fully open to participants and exhibitors from nearly 200 countries on Friday, after it was postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubai was chosen as the venue for the exhibition 8 years ago, followed by Milan, which hosted the “Expo 2015”.

The exhibition in Dubai cost about 6.8 billion dollars.

Dubai says it wants "Expo 2020," an exhibition of cultures, technology and architecture, held this year under the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", a showcase of innovation and a place to discuss and confront global challenges such as climate change, conflict and economic growth.

Officially, Expo 2020 is expected to attract more visits than Milan, estimated at more than twice the UAE population.

Reem Al Hashimi, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said in an interview with Reuters: “We are very confident … not only by being responsible for how we manage the situation in light of COVID-19, but also how we present an exciting program for visitors and we hope that we will be able to manage the situation carefully. By being open and at the same time remaining conservative, we will keep public safety first and a top priority.”

The UAE has eased most of the restrictions to combat COVID-19, but entry to the “Expo”, which is the first major global event to be held and opens its doors to visitors since the Corona virus pandemic, requires the use of a muzzle, and for visitors over 18 years old, they have received the vaccine or have a negative examination.

Before the pandemic, the consulting company EY expected that the Expo, during its six months, would contribute about 1.5% of the UAE's gross domestic product.

Dubai hopes to give its economy a boost by attracting 25 million business and tourism visits to the international fair it has built on an area of ​​4.3 square kilometers in the desert. Many countries and companies are also looking forward to the exhibition, to promote trade and investment.

Among the stars that graced the opening ceremony, which was shown in public places across the Emirates, Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli, British singer Ellie Goulding, Chinese pianist Lang Lang and Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo.

As Expo 2020 Dubai officially starts today, the doors to the greatest gathering will be opened by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020. pic.twitter.com/eCxpZUZagV

— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) October 1, 2021