9 tonnes of dazzling fireworks to shower Dubai at midnight

Dubai - Six months in the planning and having taken two months to set up, the combined multimedia and fireworks extravaganza will see close to 9 tonnes of fireworks fired from over 685 positions.

Already known for its breath-taking firework displays, Dubai is set to raise the bar this New Year with a stunning 24 minute showpiece that will seamlessly flow from the iconic Burj Khalifa Downtown at midnight on a 23km journey along the city's coastline to culminate in an awe-inspiring finale at The Beach by Meraas, opposite Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR).

Six months in the planning and having taken two months to set up, the combined multimedia and fireworks extravaganza will see close to 9 tonnes of fireworks fired from over 685 positions by more than 100 specialist technicians as it continuously weaves its way from Downtown through the Business Bay Canal, along the Jumeirah coastline leading to the signature Burj Al Arab before climaxing in a six minute and 20 second crescendo at The Beach.

The domino effect show means Dubai residents and visitors will be able to watch the show from multiple vantage points on the night, helping in reducing traffic flows around Downtown and opening up the spectacle to people across the city. Specialist screens will also broadcast the event live at Kite Beach, Al Sufouh Beach and JBR.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look of the preparations at Burj Khalifa for the spectacular display:

Watch: The full route with timings can be found at the Visit Dubai YouTube Channel.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai

Time: 12am

Best viewing spots: Burj Khalifa at waterfront at the Dubai Mall, Souq Bahar, Burj Plaza, South Bridage Building, Boulevard Road, Business Bay area and also the areas including, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumierah and surrounding areas.

Commencing from Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa will kick off the New Year countdown before lighting up the sky to welcome 2016 with an extraordinary symphony of fireworks, light beams and LED displays, including the largest LED screen in the world.

The world's highest fireworks on the 828m Burj Khalifa will feature a magical eight-act display that presents the futuristic vision of Dubai. Spectators can also watch the UAE flag unfurl from the pinnacle of Burj Khalifa followed by digital screens that celebrate the nation and the GCC countries to honour the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.

Other notable Downtown Dubai events include colourful musical performances of The Dubai Fountain and towards midnight, a gentle ballet of light beams that will sweep through Downtown Dubai creating intricately designed patterns on the façade of The Dubai Mall.

Burj Al Arab

Time: 12.09am

Best places to view the fireworks: Black beach, Umm Suqeim Beach and Park, Jumeirah Beach Park and any area on Jumeirah road. The roads will be blocked after 11pm on 31st due to the fireworks.

From the cityscape to the marina, fireworks will illuminate the Jumeirah coastline which covers the popular Kite Beach, public beaches alongside Jumeirah Beach Road and finally, the Burj Al Arab just nine minutes after the stroke of midnight, captivating audiences across the city. The signature 5-star hotel guarantees guests the event of a lifetime set against a legendary backdrop, with a mesmerising display of epic proportions.

In addition to the fireworks, guests can also experience an evening of Moulin Rouge performances, filled with surprise acts throughout the evening as well as a reception in the world's tallest atrium at Sahn Eddar. For those looking for the ultimate night out, guests can also attend the Gala Dinner set with entertainment, food and breath-taking views to help ring in the New Year.

The Beach

Time: 12.16am

Best places to view the fireworks: Any open area at the JBR; The Beach, JBR

At 12:16m, catch the grand finale at The Beach. Guests can take part in the destination's first ever music party, 'Free Spirit', headlined by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer, Pierre Ravan. In addition, The Beach has also organised exhilarating entertainment acts - LED performers, laser shows, fire breathers, aerial acts and more - to keep visitors to the urban destination completely riveted this New Year.

The event will be broadcasted on Dubai TV, international TV and online platform www.mydubainewyear.com, where viewers can choose from three different viewing cameras for a total perspective of the event.

For more information about New Years Eve 2016 including visitor parking and transportation information, visit @VisitDubai, @MyDubai, @BurjKhalifa, @BurjAlArab and @TheBeachDubai or follow the hashtags . #BeThere #WatchLive #MyDubaiNewYear".

Atlantis, the Palm

Time: 12am

Best places to view the fireworks: Jumeirah Beach strip, Atlantis The Palm Hotel, the Anantara, the Sofitel, the Kempinski, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, the Rixos, and the Kite Beach.

The fireworks show this New Year at Atlantis is going to be bigger and better than anything you've seen in the previous years according to Fireworks by Grucci - the designers of the show.

The key moment, they say, is going to be when people will see "Atlantis" spelt out in the sky. As a tribute to the host, the creators of the show have included a section when fireworks will spell out the word Atlantis in the sky above the real structure.

Joseph Mercante, Producer at Grucci fireworks said: "We want to ensure that this year's fireworks show is unlike any other show that has been hosted in Dubai. We are putting together a show that is as incredible and intricate as the Atlantis structure itself."

The show itself will run for 10 minutes and will be synchronised to music. Fireworks will mark a 10-second countdown to midnight for each second. The show officially begins at midnight.

For an even more dramatic effect, the Grucci team intends to combine light effects to use the reflections of the fireworks in the water. One of their ideas is to create a shimmering red carpet, which will light up the sky as well as reflect in the water below.

Unique NYE Countdown at JBR and Family Activities at Business Bay

Dubai Properties (DP), a leading Dubai-based real estate master developer, has announced that Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Business Bay will both host special celebrations to mark the beginning of the New Year in style.

JBR will mark the new year with a massive retro clock 3D mapped on Rimal Sector counting down the seconds along with synchronized music, while Business Bay will entertain visitors and children with live magic and comedy performances, arts and crafts, face painting, music and much more at Bay Avenue.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the event at one of the destinations many distinguished F&B venues at both destinations or at the dedicated chill-out seating areas which will be set-up with bean bags to accommodate the whole family.

A room with a view of Burj Khalifa fireworks for New Year, anyone?

Property owners and real estate dealers are renting out one and two bedroom apartments 'with a majestic view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks' for as low as Dh700.

Classifieds websites like Dubizzle and short-term lodging mobile applications like Airbnb are buzzing with interest from New Year's Eve revelers.

In some cases, luxury apartments in the Downtown area are going for Dh2,459 per night.

According to interested residents, booking an apartment is much cheaper than paying thousands of dirhams for table bookings at hotels and restaurants in party hotspots across the emirate.

However, according to the Department of Economic Development - Dubai, short-term rental of apartments is illegal without a licence. Those renting out apartments without a licence from the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) can face fines of up to Dh5,000.

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Last five years of magnificent fireworks

We take a look at the last five years of New Year's Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa as the magnificent fireworks display shower the city at midnight.

Watch: Burj Khalifa fireworks welcoming 2015

Last five years of magnificent fireworks

We take a look at the last five years of New Year's Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa as the magnificent fireworks display shower the city at midnight.

Watch: Burj Khalifa fireworks welcoming 2015

• UAE
• UAE
• Dubai