All seven emirates transformed into one giant carnival as the country celebrated the one-year countdown to World Expo 2020. At 2020 (8.20pm) on October 20, 2019, the world’s tallest building became a countdown timer, marking the exact time the next expo will be launched in Dubai on October 20, 2020.
The sold-out fiesta in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa was packed with celebrity performances, fireworks and a massive crowd. ‘One Year to Go’ signs were put up across the venue and a live countdown – with the days, hours, minutes and seconds – was there for all to track.
American singer Mariah Carey’s famous high-pitched vocals had all of her fans on their feet, moving along to the beat. She took to the stage right after the Burj Khalifa show and fireworks. “I’m so happy to be here and excited to be part of the one-year countdown of the Dubai Expo. I hope all of you will be there next year,” she said after her first song.
When the Dubai Fountains went off after her second song, she said: “Look at the water. This is so exciting!”