Dubai opens $7B Expo, including Israeli pavilion, with extravagant show of glitz
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Dubai opened its extravagant Expo 2020 on Thursday with a flashy ceremony boasting fireworks and lights displays, as it attempts to woo the world despite the pandemic.
The domed Al Wasl Plaza, the centerpiece of the vast Expo site, was lit by spectacular projections as Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared the $7 billion event open.
“The entire world gathers in the UAE as we inaugurate together, with the blessing of Allah, Expo 2020 Dubai,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Chinese pianist Lang Lang was among the star performers, and blind Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli closed the show in front of Dubai’s royal rulers.
Read More: The Times of Israel