From ‘80s music icons to sporting stars, diverse entertainment on offer at Expo 2020 Dubai

It’s now or never before it’s gone forever, and visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai are being encouraged to take advantage of the scores of entertainment options on offer. From spectator sports to music spanning all genres, Expo 2020 Dubai is ready to make this weekend a memorable one for everyone. For those planning on starting the weekend early, sports enthusiasts can catch the start and finish of the sixth stage of the UAE Tour cycle race during the day on Friday (25 February), with a rider presentation on the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre stage, and a processional race section inside the Expo site starting at 1000 GST. After the cyclists have slogged it out for 180km across the desert and the city, fans can cheer them on as they return to Expo 2020 Dubai to cross the finishing line. Later that day, at 1830 GST at Jubilee Park, visitors can ensure their weekend gets off to an uplifting note with the Firdaus Orchestra. The all-female ensemble will take spectators through a journey of some of A.R. Rahman’s most iconic songs – together with the stories behind them – while also paying tribute to Indian actor, producer and screenwriter Rajinikanth. Pump It Up with Expo 2020’s Street Music Series and watch the best Filipino musical talent, such as Billy Crawford, Nadine Lustre, Kim Molina and Lyca Gairanod, at 2000 GST at Earth Plaza. Then switch gears with Da-Bangg: The Tour Re-Loaded with Bollywood legend Salman Khan at 2100 at DEC Arena, joined by artists Sonakshi Sinha, Disha Patani, Pooja Hegde, Aayush Sharma, Saiee Manjrekar, Guru Randhawa, Kamaal Khan and Maniesh Paul. Expo 2020 Dubai’s action-packed weekend continues in the shape of the World Muay Thai Championships from 1630 GST on Saturday (26 February). Taking place at Expo Sports Arena, champions from across the world will compete at an Expo for the first time ever, with the world-class event featuring 12 fights, and 20 fighters from 15 different countries. There are two more chances to catch the spellbinding Why? The Musical at Al Wasl Plaza, with shows on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February at 2000 GST. Created by Shekhar Kapur, with music by A.R. Rahman, the vibrant spectacle immerses the audience in an otherworldly realm, while fostering empathy towards the plight of our planet. The show’s run has been extended and now includes performances on 1, 2, 3 and 5 March. Singer, songwriter and music producer Thiago Holanda will bring the sparkling spirit of Brazil to the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre from 1900 GST on Saturday, while award-winning Dubai-based DJ Hani Project, who has played in more the 600 clubs globally, will get crowds into a party mood from 1900 GST on Jubilee Stage. Later on in the evening at 2100 GST, one of India’s most in-demand composers and singers, Amit Trivedi, will take to Jubilee Stage from 2100 GST. Always intent on keeping his sound fresh, Trivedi is renowned for his unique blend of different genres and voices, as well as a string of hit Bollywood songs, including ‘Dev D’ and ‘The Local Train’. Jubilee Park is set to sparkle the whole night long with a magnificent firework show at 2055 GST, lighting up the velvet sky to celebrate Expo 2020 Dubai exceeding 15 million visits. Also on Saturday, from 2000 GST, Expo Street Music presents Middle Eastern Night at Earth Plaza, where guests can enjoy the essence of Arabia, with music courtesy of Ziad Bourji, Joseph Attieh, Dalida Khalil and Bashaar Al Jawad. Keeping the weekend going on Sunday (27 February), three acts courtesy of African Union will be bringing the sounds and rhythms of Africa to the UAE, with an uplifting show featuring Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr, South Africa’s legendary pop duo Mafikizolo, and Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa from 1900 GST at Jubilee Stage. Because Expo 2020 Dubai never does things by halves, when the world’s biggest stage throws an ’80s Night, it enlists the most iconic stars of the era. On Sunday, from 2100 GST onwards, Boney M, Bonnie Tyler, The Village People and Earth Wind & Fire, featuring Sheldon Reynolda, will come together for Street Night at Al Wasl Avenue. A vivacious celebration of the timeless and iconic songs and pop culture of the 1980s, with classic hits that everyone knows and loves, ’80s Night promises to set visitors up for the next week with a spring in their step.