DUBAI WORLD CUP 2018
THE CHALLENGE
Conceiving and producing the opening and closing ceremonies of the Dubai World Cup, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world, in front of more than 60,000 spectators gathered at the Meydan Racecourse and viewers across the globe
The stakes are multiple: confirming the Dubai World Cup as the pinnacle of world horse racing, creating a strong and engaging narrative thread that runs through the entire day, communicating the vision of Dubai in an original and high-impact manner, while adapting to the technical and weather constraints of a racecourse, a venue built for racing, not for performance.
THE SOLUTION
At the heart of the production, an 86-metre moving stage redefines the possibilities of outdoor performance, bringing audiences closer to the action than ever before. On this stage, 70 international artists (28 acrobats and 42 dancers) in custom, hand-made costumes bring the performance to life, supported by a spectacular technological arsenal: 6 high-power flame throwers, laser effects, 3 water screens and a 110-metre LED screen delivering exclusive video content. In the air, three Heliosphere balloons carry aerialists to over 40 metres in height before releasing 10,000 illuminated confetti petals, while a pyrotechnic drone effect rises to 100 metres.
Together, the two ceremonies form two distinct yet complementary experiences, 11 minutes to open the event with wonder and spectacle, and 9 minutes to close it with a 4-minute custom fireworks display that sends the crowd off in a blaze of light and emotion.
