Expo 2020 Dubai drew in viewers from across the globe with a spectacular opening ceremony on Thursday night.
With an upbeat message that the world could come together and put the coronavirus pandemic behind it, viewers were treated to a musical, cultural and historical spectacle.
And what a night it was.
From veteran singer Angelique Kidjo to Ellie Goulding – and the catchy Expo anthem in-between – if there was one message this evening's artists were delivering, it was this: strive for a better future.
The Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli rounded off a superb opening night concert with a rendition of The Prayer.
Earlier, English pop star Goulding called on an invitation-only audience to rise above the world's recent troubles.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, welcomed the world to the emirate with a message: "Today we witness a new beginning."
For all the latest on Expo 2020 Dubai, follow our live blog here
