The 365-day countdown to world’s biggest show — Dubai Expo 2020 — kicked off on Sunday night.

Thousands across the United Arab Emirates joined the celebrations as the iconic Burj Khalifa lit up against the Dubai skyline.

The World Expo – one of the oldest, grandest and largest global event – takes place every five years and lasts for six months. In 2020, the Dubai will be the first city in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MENA) region to host the expo.

🎉 This is the moment! The final countdown to The World’s Greatest Show begins now. Thousands across the UAE are joining us in simultaneous celebrations as @BurjKhalifa lights up the Dubai sky. ✨ #Expo2020 #Dubai @emaardubai pic.twitter.com/lRpTXs9V6p

— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) October 20, 2019

Fireworks exploded over Dubai’s skyline to mark the countdown to the global trade fair.

1 Year to Go to The World’s Greatest Show! Be There! 🎊#Expo2020 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/MQSKTyEIkb

— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) October 20, 2019

Several artists and performers took to the stage, winning hearts of the audience who gathered at the different venues across UAE simultaneously — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. International musical icon Mariah Carey, Emirati star Hussain Al Jassmi and Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor headlined the celebrations at the Downtown Dubai.

The Dubai Expo is expected to attract 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE. It will run from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021. Over 190 nations from across the world have already confirmed their participation.

👋 Look, who’s here! Our #Expo2020Mascots are here to meet and greet our guests in their first open public appearance. 👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👦#Expo2020 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/xcel0G6wbz

— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) October 20, 2019

The expo is likely to accelerate Dubai’s economic expansion with experts predicting 22.7 billion dirhams to the economy in 2020 and another 62.2 billion dirhams after it’s over, according to auditing firm Ernst & Young LLP.