EXPO 2020 Dubai opening ceremony to see Andrea Bocelli, Ellie Goulding

World-famous Andrea Bocelli, Platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding are some stars who are slated to perform at the EXPO 2020 Dubai opening ceremony.

Set to take place in the iconic Al Wasl Plaza on 30 September, a wide range of international, regional and home-grown talent is set to perform at the ceremony.

Spectators are set to enjoy a display of stunning visuals, music and performances, as some of the world’s most creative minds, internationally renowned artists and emerging talents come together for the performance.

Among those in the roster to perform is world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy-nominated, Golden Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; Platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding; international pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo.

Highlighting the creative diversity and talent of the region, the line-up also includes the ‘Artist of Arabs’ Mohamed Abdo, much-loved Emirati singing sensation ‘Fananat Al Arab’ Ahlam Alshamsi; Emirati Artist and Expo 2020 Dubai Ambassador Hussain Al Jassmi, rising UAE singer-songwriter Almas; and Grammy-nominated Lebanese-American singer Mayssa Karaa.

Witness history unfold and celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the world's biggest cultural gathering. Live every moment with our LIVE coverage as we lift the curtain on the exclusive features of an iconic night. Tune in on 30th September at 19:30pm (UAE) at https://t.co/vq11rcimpP pic.twitter.com/D3FLza72DJ

— Expo City Dubai (@expocitydubai) September 19, 2021

Drawing inspiration directly from Expo’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the Opening Ceremony will take spectators on an incredible journey across its subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, while welcoming the event's 192 participating countries in spectacular fashion.

Tareq Ghosheh, Chief Event and Entertainment Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai said: “As the global spotlight shines on the UAE, this incredible, unforgettable evening will celebrate the collaborative, creative and optimistic spirit of Expo 2020, demonstrating our commitment to hosting a mega-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 awe-inspiring, world-first technologies of the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, this is the ‘big bang’ that sets the scene for 182 days of visually striking and emotionally inspiring experiences, as we invite visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world.”

Behind the scenes, preparations have brought together creative minds from different geographies, industries and backgrounds, including a talented in-house team of Emirati and international creatives, with event organisers who are actively co-curating and co-producing the spectacle.

The wider team is led by Scott Givens, executive producer and CEO of FiveCurrents, whose credits include 62 iconic ceremonies, including the most Olympic Ceremonies ever.

It also includes Franco Dragone, acclaimed artistic director of ground-breaking productions such as La Perle and Cirque du Soleil, and Jared Sweet, the award-winning creative director behind ceremonies spanning six countries.

The ceremony will be available to watch on Expo TV, Virtual Expo and broadcast to a global audience of millions across multiple channels.

The Opening Ceremony is expected to showcase the Al Wasl Plaza, including the largest immersive sound installation in the world and the world’s largest blended video projection installation.

A statement from the organiser describes the platform as, "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 revolving stage, stunning surrounds and immersive technologies coming to life around them."

The Opening Ceremony will also serve as an important opportunity to demonstrate Expo’s commitment to the health, safety and well-being of its staff, participants and visitors as it brings the global community together for one of the first times since the onset of the pandemic.

Running from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 is set to feature the best of art, music, architecture, technology and culture from around the world.