Dubai is aiming to make history once again this year with a bid to break the world record for the world’s largest fireworks display. Here’s all you need to know about the attempt:
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN
The fireworks display will take place on New Year’s Eve with the main display at the Palm Jumeirah and the World islands, with shows at Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Beach.
A six-minute display featuring 450,000 fireworks and set to a unique soundtrack will be visible from several locations in the emirate. Hotels on the Palm will be hosting parties and events to celebrate the occassion.
THE DETAILS
The sure-to-be spectacular is being organised by US company Fireworks by Grucci who are behind most of the spectacular displays in Dubai, most recently the celebratory Expo 2020 fireworks at the Burj Khalifa.
The fireworks will be accompanied by a series of amazing scenes designed exclusively for the event and set to a specially choreographed musical soundtrack, according to organisers.
The display will be overseen by more than 200 pyrotechnicians, and the fireworks will be launched from 400 locations. 100 computers will be used to co-ordinate the show and seven 660 mm shells will be used to fire the main rounds of fireworks.
The show will kick off with a ‘flying falcons’ display at the World followed by the fireworks, that will cover a distance of approximately 100km of seafront.
Following the Palm Jumeirah spectacle, a 15-minute display will cover the Jumeirah beach, with the Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the background.
The Burj Khalifa will feature a light and colour show shortly before midnight that will last 20 minutes.
HOW TO GET THERE
Thousands of people are expected to attend the bash on the Palm and in order to control the influx of party-goers, Dubai government has set up a premium access procedure for visitors. Entry will be restricted to only those holding access passes. Residents can use their passes to bring in their guests, providing they follow the permitted access timetable.
8am to 9pm: Access for event pass holders in their personal vehicles and passengers in taxis holding event passes.
9pm to 10.30pm: Access for passengers in taxis holding event passes only.
10.30pm – 1am: Access will be restricted security and safety purposes. Exceptions will be made for emergency situations.
As parking space on the Fronds is limited, residents are advised to have a maximum of five cars per villa, each of which should have a car pass.
After 10:30pm, walking around the Palm Jumeirah will be restricted to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the show.
All deliveries must be made before 5pm and delivery vehicles should carry an event pass.
SANDANCE ACCESS
There is a special procedure in place for those attending the concerts at Sandance. Ticket holders should head to the designated entrance gates at the American University in Dubai (AUD), Dubai Media City, where they will exchange printed tickets for wristbands and table instructions as per usual.
Attendees will then board shuttle buses and be transported directly to Atlantis Beach, using the priority bus lane, which has been allocated solely for Sandance use.
Buses will run starting 5pm, with the final bus leaving AUD at 9pm, after which there will be no other way to attend the festival.
BEST PLACE TO SEE
The display will be visible from several points across the emirate. Some of the best places to catch the spectacle are:
High-rise buildings at Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residences.
If you prefer to be on the ground, you can catch parts of the display from Jumeirah Beach or Umm Suqeim beach near the Burj Al Arab.
And if you want to be amidst all the action, hotels on the Palm will be hosting special parties on the night.
Finally, you can also take in the show right from your living room as it will air live on Dubai One.
