Dubai captivates the world with Burj Khalifa fireworks display heralding in the New Year

Dubai firmly positioned globally as world's must-visit destination for New Year's Eve celebration
Rising over 1 km high, Burj Khalifa fireworks display alongside Dubai's astonishing fireworks feats over The Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, and Burj Al Arab
Ten fantastic sequences on Burj Khalifa in multiple colours provide unprecedented experience for spectators at Downtown Dubai New Year's Eve Gala

Dubai, UAE; January 1, 2014

The iconic New Year's Eve fireworks display by Emaar Properties, the global property developer, at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and Downtown Dubai, captivated the world and put the international spotlight on Dubai, alongside the largest fireworks display and celebrations held in the city at The Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, and Burj Al Arab.

With millions of visitors - both residents and tourists - building the excitement in Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa fireworks display was a true spectacle of artistic creativity. Ten stunningly different firework sequences on Burj Khalifa marked the run-up to a musical countdown for the New Year.

Each display also told the world a story - of the UAE's inspiring success, Dubai's positivity and ambition, and the design narrative of Burj Khalifa, which is choreographed to the captivating melody of symphonic orchestra music of Downtown Dubai, 'The Centre of Now.'

Abdulla Lahej, Group Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Properties, said: "The celebrations in Dubai now serve as a true benchmark for New Year's Eve galas across the world. Colourful, spectacularly planned, and creatively executed, the events also underline the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to offer a flourishing, inspirational, and dynamic growth environment in the city, for people from around the world."

He added: "Emaar's Downtown Dubai New Year's celebration is our tribute to the nation, our leadership, and the people. Having achieved iconic status in a very short span of time, the festivities are a catalyst for the tourism and events industry, and will continue to build Dubai's reputation as the must-visit destination, along with Sydney, New York, and London, among others."

Starting off with a dramatic countdown through a display of effects racing up to the pinnacle of Burj Khalifa, 828 metres high, the fireworks began with spectacular sequences including a colourful salute to the nation with the colours of the UAE National Flag. Silver pearls lend an unmatched ambience in a sparkling celebration of Dubai's success, especially with its win to host the World Expo 2020. Another stunning display was the tribute to Burj Khalifa, with the fireworks evolving into petals, wrapping the tower much like the Hymenocallis desert flower, which inspired the design of the building.

The Downtown Dubai New Year's Eve Gala was held with the support of the Emirate's key government entities including Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, the Roads & Transport Authority, and Dubai Ambulance Corporation, among others.

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About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. A provider of premium lifestyles through its world-class portfolio of integrated communities, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, and hospitality & leisure.

Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping and entertainment destination, are among Emaar's trophy developments.

Emaar is currently expanding The Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue by 1 million sq ft and also redefining the cultural scene of the city with The Opera District in Downtown Dubai, to feature the city's first opera house and several design galleries. The company is also partnering in implementing Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City), with Dubai Hills Estate, the first phase of MBR City, developed as a joint venture with Meraas Holding. Emaar and Dubai Holding have joined hands to develop a magnificent 1,500-acre mixed-use waterfront development within MBR City that draws inspiration from the Dubai Creek.

Among other mega-projects of Emaar is the King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia the region's largest private sector-led project. Emaar is also the largest foreign direct investor in India's real estate sector and its joint venture has a country-wide presence covering the residential, commercial, retail and hospitality sectors. www.emaar.com

For more information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
+9714 4507 60
kelly.home@bm.com; nivine.william@bm.com