A show at The Dubai Fountain and a three-minute projection on Burj Khalifa began the countdown for Expo 2020 Dubai that will run from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The event is expected to attract 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.The milestone moment in the countdown to the biggest event ever to be held in the Arab world attracted thousands of people to a free public celebration at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. The community event included five hours of interactive live music performances, illuminations, lessons in dance from around the world, stellar artistic exhibitions and activities, global cuisines and more. Three energetic flash-mob routines, synchronised to music inspired by the international cuisines created during an entertaining cooking show were a surprise feature. Visitors also had the opportunity to sign up as an Expo 2020 volunteer, joining more than 15,000 UAE nationals and expats who have already registered their interest in joining the Expo family.