Two-year countdown to Dubai Expo 2020 begins

The expo is expected to attract 25 million visitors, with 70 per cent of them projected to come from outside the UAE.

Lights, dance, plenty of action. This summed up the festivities in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa to mark the two-year countdown to the Expo 2020. A specially-choreographed show at The Dubai Fountain and a stunning three-minute projection on the Burj Khalifa formed the climax as thousands of visitors witnessed the festivities at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, on Saturday.
As the clock struck 2020 (8.20pm), the world's tallest structure was tranformed into a countdown timer for the biggest event ever to be held in the Arab world.
The community event included five hours of interactive live music performances, illuminations, lessons in dance from around the world, stellar artistic exhibitions and activities, global cuisines, and more.
Three energetic flash-mob routines, synchronised to music inspired by the international cuisines created during an entertaining cooking show, were a surprise feature. 
Visitors also had the opportunity to sign up as an Expo 2020 volunteer, joining more than 15,000 UAE nationals and expats who have already registered their interest in joining the Expo family.
Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, will run from October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021. It is expected to attract 25 million visitors, with 70 per cent of them projected to come from outside the UAE - the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com  

• Dubai