Fireworks, concerts and a mesmerising show bring down the curtain on Expo 2020 Dubai

The six-month expo saw close to 25 million visits

Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National

Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA

Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP

Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP

Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP

Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP

A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA

Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters

Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA

Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters

Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images

An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters

Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images

Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images

Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters

A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters

A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters

The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National

Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National

Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National

The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National

A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National

Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters

People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP

The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP

A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers, concerts by global stars and stunning firework display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night.

The Expo 2020 closing ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza saw outstanding performances by global pop star Christina Aguilera, singer-songwriter Norah Jones and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The show also featured a remix of the Expo 2020 Dubai's official This is Our Time. The new version of the song was symphonic and recorded with a large choir.

In an audio message played at the closing ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the success of Expo 2020 Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed said the expo offers the opportunity of “a new beginning” for the UAE and the world.

The baton for the next expo was handed over to the Japanese city of Osaka, which will host it in 2025.

The celebrations continued throughout the night, bringing an end to the 'greatest show on Earth' after six months of colourful and spectacular festivities that saw close to 25 million visits.

Follow the latest developments below.