JEDDAH —

A specially-choreographed show at The Dubai Fountain and a stunning three-minute projection on Burj Khalifa formed the climax of festivities on Saturday as Expo 2020 Dubai passed its two-years-to-go landmark.

The milestone moment in the countdown to the biggest event to ever be held in the Arab world attracted thousands of people to a free public celebration at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. 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, synchronized 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 on October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. It is expected to attract 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos. — SG