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Tuesday, Dec 27, 2016
Dubai: New Year’s Eve celebrations in the UAE are legendary for their no-expense spared, colourful and perfectly synchronised fireworks. We have also included nearby places to watch these amazing shows from in case you miss the front-row views, because you can never underestimate the mind and speed of a UAE resident who is set on getting a good view of the fireworks.
Sharjah
1. Al Qasba
Get to Al Qasba in Sharjah for a spectacular fireworks show which is free to the public and is a perfect end to a fun day with family and friends at the park.
Location Al Khan Street, Al Qasba (free entry)
Spots to watch from: Al Khan Corniche, Al Khan Lagoon
2. Al Majaz Waterfront
Also lighting up the Sharjah sky in the first few minutes of 2017 is a mega fireworks show at Al Majaz Waterfront preceded by a dinner — reserve your table well in advance.
Location Al Majaz Waterfront, Corniche Street (free entry)
Spots to watch from: Al Majaz Island, Al Noor Island, Corniche Street, Al Majaz Park
Abu Dhabi
3. Al Maryah Island
Visitors will be entertained by Emirati star Hussain Al Jasmi, Egyptian pop icon Mohammad Hamaki, and Palestinian singing sensation Mohammad Assaf, as they perform live on the waterfront promenade at Al Maryah Island. A fireworks show will follow the countdown by Hussain Al Jasmi marking the beginning of the new year.
Location Al Maryah Island (free entry; reserved tickets required)
Spots to watch from: Abu Dhabi Mall, The Galleria, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
4. Yas Island
Yas Island is the destination to be at this New Year’s Eve with two fireworks shows. The much-awaited Coldplay concert at du arena will ring in 2017 along with fireworks at the venue. Visitors to the free winterland carnival at Yas Island can enjoy fireworks at the stroke of midnight at Yas South which will be a 10-minute pyrotechnics display.
Location Yas Island (free entry to Winterland Carnival)
Spots to watch from: IKEA Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, Yas Viceroy
5. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace will be celebrating New Year with one of the biggest displays of fireworks the hotel has ever organised.
Location: Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi (Guest entry or reservations only)
Spots to watch from: Corniche beach and Corniche Road, Etihad Towers
Dubai
6. The Beach
The Beach at JBR is fast becoming a regular celebration spot and this year is no different. Get there well in advance (like five hours in advance) to secure a good viewing spot.
Location: The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai (free entry)
Spots to watch from: Any open areas near JBR, Dubai Marina
7. Global Village
The countdown at the big wheel of Fantasy Island with what they promise will be the most exciting fireworks display ever seen at Global Village. In addition to the midnight fireworks, the park will also be hosting musical fireworks displays at the Dancing Fountain.
Location: Global Village, Dubai (Entry Dh15)
Spots to watch from: Arabian Ranches, Al Barari
8. Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
The Burj Khalifa fireworks show, which has become one of the most watched spectacles on the planet, will have a theme of celebrating national pride, serving as a symbolic bridge between the present and future of Dubai. The highlight of this year’s display is that the sequence will recreate the design of the logo of Expo 2020 through pyrotechnics.
Location: Downtown Dubai
Spots to watch from: Business Bay, The Residences, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard Road, Dubai Water Canal, Box Park
9. Atlantis the Palm
Did you know Atlantis is one of the most ‘instagrammed’ hotels of the world? The New Year’s Eve fireworks will be around and above the signature arch of the hotel with a customised music score.
Location: Palm Jumeirah
Spots to watch from: Jumeirah Beach strip, Kite Beach, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Madinat Jumeirah, along the roadside viewing points on the Palm road
10. Burj Al Arab
As with every year, with Burj Al Arab as the iconic centrepiece, fireworks at Madinat Jumeirah are sure to dazzle and impress.
Location: Madinat Jumeirah
Spots to watch from: Black Palace beach, spots on Jumeirah Road, The Beach JBR
Dona Cherian, Guides Writer
Gulf News 2016. All rights reserved.