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.

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.

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.

For the Expo 2020 Dubai Opening Ceremony, Five Currents LLC commissioned Evolution to realise six mechanised scenic flowers beneath Al Wasl Dome.

The elements needed to carry the delicacy and organic movement of blooming flowers at a scale appropriate to one of the world’s largest ceremonial stages. Their purpose was not simply to decorate the performance, but to move with the choreography and contribute to its emotional rhythm.

Evolution translated the conceptual design into engineered scenic objects that combined material craft, kinetic movement, colour-changing light and mobile operation.

The Challenge

Organic movement is difficult to reproduce through mechanical construction. Petals needed to spiral, twist and open naturally while the complete objects remained durable, controllable and safe around performers.

The flowers also had to maintain visual presence inside the vast Al Wasl Dome. Light, colour and motion needed to remain legible at ceremony scale without making the engineering visible.

The Solution

Evolution engineered the six flowers using wood, metal and fabric, selecting each material for its contribution to structure, flexibility and surface character.

Fibre-optic lamps and cables introduced colour-changing illumination along the sides and ends of the floral forms. The lighting was integrated into the construction so the petals could glow and change without losing their sculptural quality.

Repeated testing refined the kinetic sequence until the flowers could spiral, twist and bloom with a more natural progression. Mechanical systems were tuned around the choreography rather than operated as isolated effects.

Custom mobile bases offered manual and battery-powered wireless movement, allowing performers to reposition the scenic elements and maintain the relationship between the flowers and the live stage picture.

Delivery Highlights

• Six mechanised scenic flower elements for the Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony.
• Engineering developed from the supplied conceptual designs.
• Construction using wood, metal and fabric.
• Colour-changing fibre-optic lamps and cables integrated into the petals.
• Kinetic motion enabling spiralling, twisting and blooming sequences.
• Continuous testing and refinement around the live choreography.
• Manual and battery-powered wireless mobile bases.

Outcome

The flowers introduced a living scenic language into the opening ceremony. Their changing colour and unfolding motion complemented the performers while remaining visually strong within the scale of Al Wasl Dome.

Artistry and engineering were concealed within the action: audiences saw flowers bloom, while the structural, mechanical and wireless systems supporting the moment remained out of view.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Five Currents LLC

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

Evolution Scenic: Designed, engineered and fabricated the six flower structures, kinetic petals and mobile bases.

Evolution Technical: Integrated the fibre-optic lighting, colour-changing systems, wireless functionality and controlled scenic movement.

ENACT Majlis brought more than 110 VIP leaders, policymakers and decision-makers together for invitation-only discussions on climate, technology and energy. The conference was conceived in a majlis format, prioritising comfort, proximity and strategic exchange over the conventions of a large auditorium.

Evolution's task was to create an environment in which influential participants could contribute freely across several rooms while still experiencing one coherent event. The design needed to feel discreet and hospitable, but technically capable of carrying complex content and simultaneous conversations.

The resulting format treated dialogue as the central experience. Scenic design, content, audio systems and hospitality were organised around the quality of the exchange rather than around spectacle.

The Challenge

A closed-door conference depends on intimacy and audibility. More than 40 handheld microphones were required to support discussion across multiple rooms, while over 160 square metres of LED walls had to present content without making the majlis feel like a conventional broadcast studio.

The event also required substantial technical infrastructure, including a large ground-support rigging system, room transformations, custom carpeting and a dedicated VIP group-photo platform. These elements needed to work together without interrupting the calm and composed character of the setting.

A private VIP dinner at Em Sherif in Rosewood Abu Dhabi added a separate hospitality experience on the evening before the conference, requiring continuity in service and guest management across both occasions.

The Solution

Evolution transformed the space into a series of connected discussion areas designed to encourage open dialogue and collaboration. Custom carpeting and full room transformations softened the conference environment, creating a more intimate and welcoming setting while maintaining clear circulation and visibility between participants.

The technical delivery was designed around the interactive nature of the majlis format. A backstage-operated system of more than 40 handheld microphones enabled delegates to contribute seamlessly from their seats, supporting a more open and conversational style of discussion.

The 160-square-metre LED installation provided a clear visual platform for supporting content while complementing the overall room environment. Tailored screen content reinforced the ENACT narrative under ADNOC, providing a consistent visual reference throughout the discussions.

A bespoke VIP group-photo platform created a formal moment of recognition and documentation while remaining aligned with the wider event environment.

Evolution also managed the pre-event dinner, extending the guest journey beyond the formal programme and creating an opportunity for relationship-building before the closed-door discussions began.

Delivery Highlights

• Invitation-only conference for more than 110 VIP leaders and policymakers.
• More than 160 square metres of LED walls across the event.
• Ground-support rigging system carrying substantial technical loads.
• More than 40 handheld microphones supporting multi-room dialogue.
• Complete room transformations, custom carpeting and VIP photo platform.
• Custom ENACT screen content aligned with the conference narrative.
• Private pre-event VIP dinner at Em Sherif, Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

Outcome

ENACT Majlis gave a high-level policy audience the conditions for focused and direct exchange. Technology remained present and capable, but the room continued to feel conversational rather than performative.

By connecting the private dinner, majlis environment and multi-room technical system, the event supported both relationship building and structured dialogue within one discreet guest experience.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

ADNOC

Evolution Events: Led the turnkey concept, operational management, content production, VIP dinner, hospitality coordination and live conference delivery.

Evolution Scenic: Delivered the room transformations, custom carpeting and bespoke VIP group-photo platform.

Evolution Technical: Provided the LED walls, ground-support rigging, microphones, audiovisual systems and technical integration across the discussion rooms.

E1 is the world’s first electric race-boat championship, created to combine competitive on-water racing with cleaner technologies and a greater awareness of coastal environments.

For the Jeddah leg, STAMINA Productions appointed Evolution to oversee project management and deliver a turnkey production package spanning AVL, site services and FF&E.

The strategic requirement was coherence. Technical systems, guest environments and waterfront infrastructure needed to operate as one connected experience, ensuring the championship’s focus on innovation was reflected through the precision, quality and delivery of the live event.

The Challenge

Waterfront sporting events distribute production requirements across large, exposed environments. Audio, video, lighting, power, cabling and guest facilities must remain reliable while supporting clear movement between race operations, hospitality areas and spectator zones.

The event also involved several stakeholder groups, including E1, MOS and SWSDF. Their technical, logistical and operational requirements needed to be aligned early, ensuring different systems could integrate effectively without creating operational conflicts or late changes across the venue.

The Solution

Waterfront sporting events require production systems to operate across large, exposed environments where technical reliability and guest experience must be managed together. Audio, video, lighting, power, cabling and guest facilities needed to remain consistent while supporting the movement of race operations, hospitality areas and spectator zones.

The event also involved several stakeholder groups, including E1, MOS and SWSDF, each with specific technical, logistical and operational requirements. These elements needed to be coordinated early to ensure systems integrated effectively, responsibilities remained clear and the waterfront environment could operate as one unified event space.

Delivery Highlights

• Turnkey production support for the Jeddah leg of the E1 championship.
• Integrated audio, video and lighting systems.
• Confirmed power distribution, cabling and infrastructure management.
• Design, supply and installation of FF&E.
• Coordination with E1, MOS and SWSDF stakeholders.
• Central alignment of technical, logistical and operational requirements.

Outcome

The championship received a unified production environment capable of supporting racing operations, hospitality and stakeholder activity along the waterfront. Guests experienced one consistent event setting, where technical delivery, guest facilities and spatial design worked together rather than appearing as separate elements.

The coordinated approach supported E1’s innovation-led positioning by creating an event environment that felt precise, functional and contemporary, reflecting the character of the electric racing programme.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Ministry of Sport / Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation / E1

Evolution Events: Led project management in partnership with Stamina, stakeholder alignment, production planning, logistics and live delivery for the Jeddah event.

Evolution Technical: Delivered the confirmed audio, video and lighting systems supporting the championship environment.

Evolution Furniture: Designed, supplied and installed the confirmed FF&E package for guest, hospitality and operational spaces.

Evolution Site Services: Delivered the confirmed power distribution, cabling and infrastructure management across the waterfront site.

For Dubai Summer Surprises 2025, Evolution partnered with Energie Entertainment on Gahwa Beats, a series delivered across ToDA, Sky Views Observatory, Dubai Mall Ice Rink, Roxy Cinemas Jumeirah and Deep Dive Dubai.

The format brought coffee culture and live music together in venues with very different identities. The design therefore needed to be compact, recognisable and operationally flexible enough to travel while still creating a strong focal point at every location.

Evolution developed a small family of functional brand objects: two coffee counters, a dedicated DJ counter and a photo-opportunity booth, each capable of supporting service, entertainment and audience engagement.

The Challenge

As the series spanned multiple venues, the experience needed to be adaptable rather than dependent on a single fixed environment. Each element had to perform consistently across immersive theatres, observation decks, ice rinks and diving venues, with every location presenting its own access requirements and operational considerations

The branded pieces also had to function under live use. Coffee service, DJ equipment and guest photography placed practical demands on surfaces, storage, cable management and sightlines.

The Solution

Evolution fabricated three custom counters with a shared visual language: two designed for coffee service and one engineered around the DJ setup. Applied event branding made the pieces immediately recognisable as part of Dubai Summer Surprises.

The counters were designed as working infrastructure and audience-facing scenery at the same time. Their proportions, finishes and branding allowed service teams and performers to operate efficiently while giving guests a clear place to gather.

A dedicated photo-opportunity booth added a participatory touchpoint, extending the activation beyond consumption and entertainment into shareable guest interaction.

Professional DJ deck hire completed the system, linking the scenic treatment with the technical requirements of the music programme across all five venues.

Delivery Highlights

• Gahwa Beats series delivered across five Dubai locations.
• Two custom counters fabricated for coffee service.
• One custom counter designed to house the DJ setup.
• Branded photo-opportunity booth for guest engagement.
• Applied Dubai Summer Surprises branding across all elements.
• Full professional DJ deck hire and technical support.

Outcome

Gahwa Beats gained a recognisable physical identity that could travel between dramatically different venues without losing its function or character. Coffee, music and photography were brought together through a concise set of branded elements.

The activation succeeded through portability and precision: each piece did practical work while also creating the visual centre around which the audience experience formed.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Dubai Economy and Tourism - in partnership with Energie Entertainment

Evolution Events: Led delivery coordination with Energie Entertainment, brand application, multi-venue planning and activation support.

Evolution Scenic: Fabricated the two coffee counters, DJ counter and branded photo-opportunity booth.

Evolution Technical: Provided the professional DJ deck and associated technical support for the music programme.

For the second consecutive year, Evolution delivered the CyTaka World Cyber Championship in Dubai, bringing coders from around the world together for a live hacking competition with cash prizes of up to US$100,000.

The defining challenge was the timeline. Evolution was awarded the project one week before the event, with the physical build completed in less than a day. The delivery approach therefore needed to focus on the essential elements that would make the competition feel credible, energetic and ready for live participation despite the compressed schedule.

Rather than allowing the limited timeframe to compromise the experience, Evolution structured the project around rapid decision-making, coordinated stakeholder management and efficient onsite execution, creating a competition environment that was ready for participants, judges and live audiences.

The Challenge

A global competition of this scale required the physical environment to reflect the precision and intensity of the challenge itself. Participants needed a setting that matched the significance of the competition, while the client required confidence that every operational dependency could be coordinated within a matter of days rather than weeks.

With less than 24 hours available for the build, the delivery process allowed minimal margin for sequencing errors, delayed procurement or unclear responsibilities between teams. Every decision needed to support rapid execution while protecting the quality of the final experience.

The Solution

Evolution established a dedicated project and production management structure to create a clear decision-making process from appointment through to show day. Concepts were assessed against the available time, resources and technical requirements, ensuring only achievable solutions progressed into production.

Stakeholder coordination focused on rapid approvals, clear ownership and a sequenced build plan that enabled the venue transformation to be completed in under a day. Logistics and production planning became part of the creative approach, ensuring every element arrived, was installed and operated in the correct sequence.

The completed environment gave the live hacker competition a dynamic and professional setting without revealing the compressed delivery timeline behind it. Evolution then managed the event through live operations, maintaining continuity from final preparations through to competition delivery.

Delivery Highlights

• Second consecutive CyTaka World Cyber Championship delivered by Evolution.
• Global live-hacking competition with prizes of up to US$100,000.
• Project awarded one week before the event date.
• Venue build completed in less than 24 hours.
• Dedicated project and production management.
• Rapid concept development within confirmed time and resource constraints.
• Integrated stakeholder, logistics and live-event coordination.

Outcome

The completed environment carried the energy and credibility of a global competition without revealing the compressed delivery timeline behind it. Participants and attendees experienced a fully resolved live event rather than a compromise created by limited preparation time.

The success of the project came from focused decision-making and disciplined production management, concentrating time and resources on the elements that most influenced competition readiness, participant confidence and the quality of the live experience.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

M E Premier Event Organizers LLC

Evolution Events: Led fast-track concept development, project and production management, stakeholder coordination, logistics, venue readiness and live competition delivery.

Additional Project Support:

Evolution Furniture - Evolution Scenic - Evolution Technical