Expo 2020 Dubai: 11 singers who mesmerised the audience with their melodious voices

Dubai - Top artistes from the region and around the world took to the stage to liven up the ceremony with their powerful songs.

The opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday featured star-studded performances by some of the world's leading artists who belted out eight songs, including the UAE National Anthem which was performed by 11 renowned local, regional and global artists.

The performances was one of the main highlights of grand opening that was viewed by millions of people across the globe.

Here's how the evening proceeded:

>> Emirati singer, songwriter and actor Rashed Al Nuaimi kicked off the show with a rendition of the UAE National Anthem to welcome the world. A graduate from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Al Nuaimi has performed in theatres in the US and was also nominated for an Elliot Norton Award for best actor in a musical category. He also stars in the animated musical film Castaway that's set for release in 2022.

>> Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi followed next with the song Hay Bil Shahama. Originally written as a poem by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the song is a tribute to those who have committed their lives to the service and betterment of the nation.

Al Jassmi has broken records in concert attendance and album sales. He enjoys some of the highest number of hits across his social media and YouTube channel, with a total of more than 1.7 billion views.

>> As the burst of fireworks from buildings surrounding the Al Wasl Dome illuminated the skies, popular GCC singer Mohamed Abdo and four-time Grammy winner, Angélique Kidjo, went on stage to belt out the beautiful song If You’re out There.

One of the most famous artists in the Arab World, Abdo is considered a musical treasure in the region. He is credited with preserving Middle Eastern musical heritage, and his songs are liked by people across generations.