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UAE soars into new decade: Here is a roundup of all that happened

Dubai - Here is a roundup of all that happened across the country.

Partying in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa:A group of wing-suit flyers burst through the skies over Sheikh Zayed Road one hour before the stroke of midnight in a show that seemed like comets were darting over Burj Khalifa. A formation of 14 wing-suit skydivers with flares performed a thrilling spectacle moments before the city rang in the new decade. At 11.57pm, people erupted in loud cheers as the new year was ushered in with a spectacular laser light show that turned the world’s tallest tower into a mesmerizing animation of light and sounds. After the traditional 10-second countdown, the façade of Burj Khalifa was filled with a flurry of fireworks and colour for a record-breaking eight-minute and forty three second-long show.

At 11.57pm, people erupted in loud cheers as the new year was ushered in with a spectacular laser light show that turned the world’s tallest tower into a mesmerizing animation of light and sounds. After the traditional 10-second countdown, the façade of Burj Khalifa was filled with a flurry of fireworks and colour for a record-breaking eight-minute and forty three second-long show.

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Featuring a total of 1,371kg of fireworks, placed across a 207 firing locations, what followed was the longest set of consecutive fireworks in the history of the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve shows. Spectator were treated to over 15,000 perfectly-choreographed fireworks showcasing 48 pyrotechnic patterns. Select aspects of the show referenced Arabic culture, art and music, starting with animations on the Burj Khalifa of traditional Oud instrument and strummed to the beat of an Arabesque melody.

It was followed by beautiful ensemble of blossoming flowers and complimented by the display of fraternal flags from GCC countries celebrating the strong bond among Arab nations.

Seven times the fun at Global Village: Global Village on NYE illustrated the vibrant cultural melting point that is Dubai. Thousands of people of various nationalities, religions, ages and walks of life united at the festival park to usher in the next decade with seven dazzling fireworks marking midnight in seven different time zones.

Families started arriving in huge numbers as soon as the gates opened at 4pm and set up camp to get the best view of the fireworks show.The entry is usually free for children aged below three, but for NYE, Global Village offered free entry to every child under 7, making it a popular choice for families.

At 8pm, the park rang in the New Year in the Philippines, partied with Thailand at 9pm. At 10pm it was the turn of Kyrgyztan, India at 10.30pm, Pakistan at 11pm and of course, at 12am, the crowd erupted in applause as the UAE welcomed 2020. The celebration didn’t stop there because at 1am there was a final show for Turkey.

Global Village also offered seven holiday packages to seven lucky families, making the celebration an everlasting memory for many.

Camping for the last time in 2019 in Jumeirah: Crowds started to build up at Jumeirah public beach next to Burj Al Arab as early as 4pm. With the wind speed increasing and the sea looking a bit rough, around 15 lifeguards were seen patrolling the beach as more and more families spread out their mats and camped out.Surrounded by large beach blankets, beach chairs and food, Indian expats and friends Divya, Sindhu, Sharanya and Reshma had set up their camp on the beach early to get a front-row seat of the fireworks. Calling it one of the best fireworks across the city, the four friends said nothing could look more beautiful than a colourful display of fireworks reflect in the waters of the Arabian Sea with the hotel’s distinct architecture in the backdrop.

Compared to Downtown Dubai, traffic was smooth and crowds manageable — offering a peaceful atmosphere and a perfect transition into the new year.

Revelers were treated to a spectacular riot of colours in the sky when fireworks exploded as midnight struck at Dubai Frame during the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Al Majaz Waterfront basks in 10 minutes of dazzle: Al Majaz Waterfront welcomed the new year with a 10-minute long fireworks spectacle that lit up the skies over Sharjah. The venue’s waterfront and walkways saw thousands of people assemble early on to enjoy the celebrations. Residents and visitors of all age groups and nationalities gathered to watch the fireworks that were launched from 16 barges on Khalid Lagoon.

Mohamed Latif, a resident, went to the venue at 4pm with his family to ensure they got the “perfect spot to watch the fun”. Jeffery smith, another resident, said this is the fourth year straight he had come to the venue to celebrate the new year. “The fireworks were spectacular. It is so much more fun here.”

We welcomed new year with Bruno Mars at Du Arena: Bruno Mars delivered an electrifying performance at Du Arena to packed audience ringing in the new year. “This is the last concert of the decade,” said Mars as Abu Dhabi swayed and danced to his chart toppers. With five hours to go before the countdown to the new year, the arena in Abu Dhabi was brimming with action. Die-hard Bruno Mars fans started thronging the venue as early as 6.30pm for the R&B star’s live show. The mood was upbeat as youngsters and families arrived wearing caps and gears with 2020 wishes. The iconic venue has hosted the likes of Pink, Cold Play, Katy Perry and Eminem, among others previously.

“We live Bruno Mars. There is no better way to ring in 2020,” said Juliette Rachel, a student from Abu Dhabi. Her friends Dona said she was at Du Arena to listen to Bruno Mars sing ‘Just the way you are.’ "I want to find love in 2020 and ever since I heard this song, I wanted to watch Bruno Mars perform live.’ "Peace, prosperity, happiness and love topped the wishlist of many expats.

Rock on at Al Maryah Island: Abu Dhabi rocked its way into the new year with sensational performances from Egyptian superstar Tamer Hosny and Lebanese sensation Nancy Ajram at the Promenade on Al Maryah Island. Residents turned up in large numbers, raised energy levels and created some positive vibes to welcome 2020. Songs played non-stop from 7pm till way past midnight. Amid all this, fireworks performed its own sequence.

World’s highest marriage proposal: Sergej Schander took his love for his girlfriend to a higher level - literally. On New Year’s Eve, the German national made a marriage proposal to his girlfriend Loredana that was beamed on the Burj Khalifa, hours before the world’s tallest tower began its iconic annual fireworks and laser show.“Loredana, willst du mich heiraten?,” was flashed for a second at 7.30pm on Tuesday, witnessed by tens of thousands of people at the venue and around the world tuned into the celebration’s live feed.