The skies across the emirates – from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah – are set to light up with a number of spectacular firework displays planned to ring in the New Year tonight.
Here in the UAE, we don't do things by halves, so you can expect some seriously impressive shows, including two world-record-breaking attempts. The Burj Khalifa's fireworks are also back to ring in 2019, alongside the return of Al Maryah Island's popular display.
Here are all the planned displays taking place on Monday night:
Dubai
Burj Khalifa
Last year saw Downtown Dubai's famous New Year's Eve firework display replaced with a laser show, but in 2019 organiser Emaar Properties has promised yet another spectacular display of pyrotechnics that will be safely controlled. In fact, 4,000 police officers – 2,000 patrols and 2,000 security guards – are being deployed to keep the area safe as an estimated two million people descend on Downtown Dubai to witness the event.
The Burj Khalifa #EmaarNYE2019 show will incorporate lights, laser and fireworks on and around the tallest building in the world, starting from 11.57pm on December 31.
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Hundreds of thousands enjoy spectacular UAE New Year fireworks
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Also get the opportunity to witness a special tailor-made performance by the Dubai Fountain, discover food and beverage outlets on the South Ridge Lawn and a live DJ set at Burj Park, where there will also be more food and beverage outlets.
Get all the details on getting there, road closures and access routes, here.
Atlantis The Palm
If you’re one of the lucky ones to have booked a ticket to Atlantis The Palm’s sold-out gala dinner then you’ll have a front seat at one of the city’s most spectacular fireworks displays. For those who don’t, there’s free access along the Palm Jumeirah’s 11-kilometre boardwalk area, which offers a fabulous view of the hotel and the midnight show.
Burj Al Arab
Arguably Dubai’s most notable hotel – the “seven-star” Burj Al Arab – is well known to put on an impressive pyrotechnic show every year. This year is no different. The iconic city landmark will act as a very Insta-worthy backdrop to the fireworks display. If you’re dining at the hotel or one of Madinat Jumeirah’s restaurants, you’ll already have booked the perfect viewing spot. To catch it for free, one of the best areas to go to is Kite Beach, the public stretch of shore that’s adjacent to the Burj Al Arab. But this will get very busy, so you can also stand a bit further back somewhere in Umm Suqeim, away from the beach, and still get a good view.
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Watching the fireworks? Tweet us your New Year’s Eve pictures and videos @TheNationalUAE & #UAENewYear
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Dubai Festival City
Imagine, Festival City’s new water and laser show attraction, is adding fireworks to the mix this New Year’s Eve. Any day of the year, this free show incorporates the power of light, water and fire, with 30 fountains and a surround sound system, not to mention the world’s largest water screen projection and the biggest permanent projection mapping (both Guinness World Record breakers, naturally).
From sunset onwards, the show will be on and four firework displays will go off on the hour between 9pm and midnight. There will also be a live band there to get you dancing and singing well into the New Year.
Global Village
Not one to be overlooked, Global Village is putting on seven firework displays this New Year’s Eve at seven 'countries' in the world-themed attraction. Each time midnight strikes in one of the seven selected nations, there will be a new firework display. This includes China (8pm Dubai time), Thailand (9pm), Bangladesh (10pm), India (10.30pm), Pakistan (11pm), the UAE (midnight) and Russia (1am). A live DJ will keep crowds entertained, while all the pavilions will perform on stage as part of the celebrations. The New Year’s Eve package costs Dh249, offering discounts you can use throughout Global Village, which will close at 2am.
La Mer
One of Dubai’s newest beachfront spots will also be lighting up the midnight skies with a fabulous fireworks display. From 6pm, La Mer North and South are hosting beach parties led by DJs spinning Arabic, R&B, house, hip-hop and pop tunes until 1am. Not only will there be the fireworks, but also an impressive LED light show, as well as plenty of giveaways. You can head over to the beach or dine at any of the restaurants in the area to get a good view.
Al Seef
One of the newer waterfront spots in Dubai is Al Seef, where New Year's Eve sees AJ & The Band and DJ Tones perform live so you can dance the night away as a fireworks display rings in 2019. The area merges Dubai Creek's old-world charm with a contemporary setting, where more than 50 creek-side restaurants are hosting special New Year's Eve packages and offering the best seats in the house to catch the sparkling midnight show. Why not check out Doors Freestyle Grill and order the 23-carat gold-coated fish – and say hello to 2019 in true lavish Dubai style?
Abu Dhabi
The Corniche
Abu Dhabi revellers are ready to end 2018 with a bang - with a world record-smashing firework display lighting up the skies. The 10-minute light show at the Corniche will aim to spell out 'Happy New Year 2019', breaking another Guinness World Record for the country. The display will reach a height of 40 metres, using an array of colours and configurations.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island's New Year celebrations are set to be one of the most popular in Abu Dhabi, with two of the Arab world's most-loved singers – Egypt's Amr Diab and Lebanon's Myriam Fares – performing a free concert. Their performances will be followed by a large midnight firework display – but you might want to get there early, as it's expected to get extremely busy, and parking is limited.
Yas Island
Yas Island will light up with an incredible midnight display, following a traditional countdown. The display will take place at Yas Marina, with plenty of viewing space in the bars and restaurants overlooking the water. However, anyone who is planning to go there is advised to get down early as it is expected to get busy.
Emirates Palace
Ring in the New Year under the stars with a party on the Palace Terrace, which will culminate with a midnight fireworks display on the beach. If you missed out on tickets, you will still be able to see the fireworks from the Corniche, or from across the water at Marina Village.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah will aim to set a new Guinness World Record with its 2019 fireworks, which hope to take the title of the longest straight-line display. An 11.83-kilometre path of rockets will be let off, creating an incredible 12-minute display, which will be visible from three prime locations.
The attempt will take place at Al Marjan Island, with added viewing areas at Al Shohadah Street and Al Wasl Street. There are 27,000 free parking spaces across the three viewing areas.
Sharjah
In Sharjah, there will be a spectacular 10-minute firework show to ring in 2019. The display will take place at Al Majaz Waterfront, one of Sharjah’s top family spots. Launching from 16 barges, the display will be set in time to synchronised music and a special light show at the nearby Sharjah Fountain.
