Expo 2020 is a World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.After staging more than 30,000 events in 180 days across 96 locations, Expo 2020 Dubai is all set for a grand finale as the world’s biggest fair draws to a close on March 31.

The world has been fixated by Expo 2020 Dubai since it raised the curtain six months ago in a spectacular fashion and, as the sun sets on the most diverse World Expo in the history of the event, it will do so with a bang,ending its stint on a high note, complete with fireworks and grand acts including performances by the likes of Christina Aguilera, Nora Jones and Yo-Yo Ma.Just this past weekend, more than a million visitors headed to the over 192 pavilions to see the latest in science and tech from various countries, driving the total number of visits to 22,937,830 until March 27.In keeping with the theme of grand fair, the last day i.e. today( March 31), will see premises open from 10am till 3am  tomorrow.

March 31 is predicted to be a very busy day at Expo 2020 Dubai and so visitors should arrive early to avoid the rush. It’s encouraged to use the many public transport options, including the Park & Ride service from Jebel Ali Metro Station. The Dubai Metro will also be open for 24 hours.

“As the event reaches its final chapter, we will be highlighting everything we have accomplished over the past six months and celebrating everyone who made it happen. This is a time to reflect on those things that are most important to us. Before our souls leave the earth our lives flash before us, and we will re-live some of Expo 2020 Dubai’s most important moments.” said Amna Abulhoul, Expo 2020 Dubai executive creative director.

What to expect on the final day?

the Fursan Al Emarat aerobatics team of UAE Air Force are expected to wow the audience with a grand airshow between 4pm and 4.30pm.

Official closing ceremony

The official closing ceremony will be at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, from 7pm-8pm, and is reserved for ‘VIP guests’ made up of school children aged seven to nine.Public and private school children who have been active participants, performers, contributors and innovators, will be the VIP guests because they are the generation of the future who will carry the legacy of Expo Dubai forward.

The evening will begin at 7pm with the young new global icon Mira Singh from the opening ceremony taking the audience on another journey. The audience beneath Al Wasl’s dome — home to the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface — will also put the focus on the next generation, as Expo exclusively invites hundreds of children from across the UAE to witness the wonders as the country looks to the next 50 years, having celebrated its Golden Jubilee during Expo 2020 Dubai.Grand firework displays from multiple locations, starting at few minutes before the official closing ceremony,will be a highlight.

The cast of the closing ceremony includes more than 400 professionals and volunteers from 56 different countries, with 745 costumes created for the culmination of Expo.There will be many pivotal moments to bring the Expo 2020 Dubai experience back to life in a series of flashbacks. From ‘Journey of the 50’ (Expo 2020 Dubai’s Golden Jubilee Show) and highlights from the ‘Boy and the Horse’, to capturing children splashing in ‘Surreal’ and families and friends connecting with one another.

Forty members of a UAE-based children’s choir will perform Ishy Bilady, the national anthem of the UAE, joined by the all-women Firdaus Orchestra, conducted by Yasmina Sabbah.

Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, will hand the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) flag to ambassador Jai-chul Choi, president of the BIE General Assembly; and BIE secretary-general Dimitri Kerkentzes, who will then present the flag to representatives of Expo 2025 Osaka.

The highlights of the day

For families, Mr Balloon Man will perform “jaw-dropping tricks and manipulations from within a bubble”, according to the Expo team. Visitors can catch his performance the Earth Stage in Sustainability District. He is set to wow audiences at 12.35pm, 2.50pm and 3.55pm.

Image credit:gulf news

Next is the Air Head Show, put on by a multi-talented circus performer “who uses a huge balloon in different ways to create a unique spectacle involving amazing acrobatics”. Catch his show at the Sea Stage in Mobility District, at 1.05pm, 1.55pm and 2.45pm.

Later in the evening, global music icons will perform across various stages, with more than 20 giant screens streaming across the Expo site, including the main stages, Festival Garden and various country pavilions, enabling everyone to view the concerts.

Also taking the stage will be Expo 2020 World String Ensemble, a group of 16 international musicians led by maestro Harout Fazlian and Italian pianist Eleonora Constantini, familiar to many Expo visitors as the performer behind the Flying Piano show at Mission Possible — The Opportunity Pavilion.

Image credit:gulf news

The celebrations will continue throughout the night, with more fireworks displays at midnight and at 3am.

For the wonderful takeaways from EXPO2020,stay tuned for the upcoming posts.

@Henkjan de Krijger