DUBAI – On the second day of its opening, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer a diverse programme including a live call from the International Space Station with astronaut Thomas Pesquet; opening events from the pavilions of Malaysia and El Salvador; a climate change discussion among youth; and an array of activities including a beatbox performance and cricketing sessions with young sports stars.
Here is a look ahead to the major events of today, 2 October, at Expo 2020 Dubai:
France National Day
France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian will lead the official delegation for the country’s National Day celebrations. The delegation includes Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.
A flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza will be followed by an aerial demonstration from the Patrouille de France aerobatics unit, exhibiting the savoir-faire and excellence of the French Air Force.
Thomas Pesquet, astronaut and Ambassador of the France Pavilion, will also conduct a 15-minute live call from the International Space Station.
The National Day celebrations being held at the France Pavilion and around the Expo 2020 site lead the way for the 192 countries participating in the six-month event.
1345 – Air show by the Patrouille de France
1610 – Official ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, in presence of M. Jean-Yves Le Drian and M. Franck Riester
2015 – Cécilia Bengolea and François Chaignaud choreography by the Ballet National de Marseille at Sun Stage
Beatbox performance
Berywam, the world-renowned Toulouse-based beatbox crew, will perform at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. The two-time world beatbox champions will cover French and world standards in their own unique way.
2000 and 2130 – Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre
Malaysia Pavilion opening ceremony
Malaysia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Saifuddin Abdullah, will officially open the Malaysia Pavilion, located in Jubilee.
1000-1400 – Malaysia Pavilion
El Salvador opening event
The opening of the El Salvador Pavilion will be marked with a series of events at Jubilee Park, including screen interactions, lighting effects and aerial performances. One of the performing groups will be La Fura dels Baus, a renowned Spanish theatrical group.
1750-2120 – Jubilee Park stage
Schools COP26
Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth,is expected toattend a Schools COP26, jointly hosted by the UK and Italy, to discuss climate change action with students from Italy and the UAE.
Time to be confirmed – Italy Pavilion
Cricket Skills and Drills
Australia kicks off its Skills and Drills sessions at Expo’s Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub, with cricket sessions for young sportstars.
Sports, Fitness and Wellness Hub
All times in GST (Gulf Standard Time)
Expo’s full calendar is available here