A giant gold Expo ring suspended 20 metres above the stage transformed into a concealed rain curtain for the closing ceremony at Al Wasl Dome.

For the Expo 2020 Dubai Closing Ceremony, Five Currents LLC commissioned Evolution to create a giant suspended gold ring inspired by the Expo emblem.


The structure needed to serve two purposes: a visually striking symbol above the stage and a fully engineered performance element capable of releasing a seamless curtain of rain during the ceremony.


Evolution translated the conceptual design into a flyable scenic structure integrating concealed water tanks and technical systems. The result was a dramatic transformation moment that remained hidden from the audience until activation.

The Challenge


The ring needed to remain structurally secure while suspended approximately 20 metres above the stage, while maintaining the refined appearance of a simple gold emblem. All engineering components, including the concealed water system, needed to remain hidden from the audience.


Water behaviour, structural loading, surface finish, rigging and live show timing all required precise coordination. Each element had to perform reliably as part of one integrated scenic and technical system to deliver the intended ceremonial moment.

Evolution Events delivered the suspended scenic centrepiece for the Expo 2020 closing celebration

The Solution


Evolution engineered the ring as a combined scenic feature and water-performance mechanism. Concealed tanks and distribution technology were integrated within the form without interrupting its circular profile or refined gold finish.


The design was developed around the requirements of suspension and movement, with stringent safety considerations and coordination with the Al Wasl Dome rigging system informing load paths, connection points and final positioning.


Materials and finishes were carefully selected to preserve the elegance of the Expo-inspired emblem while meeting the durability requirements of a suspended live-effect feature.


Extensive testing aligned water flow, rigging, positioning and show timing, allowing the ring to transform into a continuous rain curtain during the ceremony before returning seamlessly to its role as a visual symbol.

Delivery Highlights


  • Giant gold ring inspired by the Expo 2020 emblem.
  • Suspended approximately 20 metres above the stage at Al Wasl Dome.
  • Hidden water tanks and rain-curtain technology integrated within the structure.
  • Engineering for a large-scale flown scenic installation.
  • High-quality gold finish concealing the functional systems.
  • Integration with the Al Wasl Dome rigging system.
  • Extensive testing of water flow, positioning and live operation.
closing ceremony at Al Wasl Dome of Expo 2020

Outcome


The ring delivered a final transformation that turned a familiar Expo symbol into a theatrical rain curtain above the stage. The moment appeared effortless to the audience, yet relied on complex engineering, precise timing and integrated scenic technology.


Its impact depended on concealment. Guests experienced the visual simplicity of gold, scale and falling water, while the tanks, distribution systems, rigging and engineering remained seamlessly integrated within the scenic form.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

Five Currents LLC


Evolution Events: Led project coordination with Five Currents, production planning, testing, show integration and ceremonial delivery.


Evolution Scenic: Translated the concept into the giant gold ring, integrating the structure, concealed tanks, water system and finished scenic form.


Evolution Technical: Coordinated the confirmed flown installation, rigging-system integration and technical control required for the live rain-curtain effect.