Burj Khalifa to have special light show this New Year's Eve, but what about the fireworks?

With more than 1.5 million folks set to make their way into Downtown Dubai this New Year's Eve, visitors and residents are busy chalking up their plans for the celebrations.

But if your NYE plan does not feature Burj Khalifa, you might want to change it. Like now.

You will probably say, "Why, isn't it the usual fireworks every year?"

Well, no.

Dubai-based master developer Emaar, which owns and operates the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, has organised a unique light show to ring in the New Year.


"This #MyDubaiNewYear is nothing like you've seen before! Get ready for a groundbreaking show as we #LightUp2018 in Downtown Dubai," Emaar said in a video posted on Facebook.

The video shows the words "1.1.2018" glow in neon-blue lights.

Another video, posted with the caption "Say goodbye to the old & hello to the new as we #LightUp2018 in Downtown Dubai this #MyDubaiNewYear," shows the words "Downtown Dubai" and "join us" lighting up in the same neon-blue colours.


A picture posted on the Burj Khalifa Facebook page shows the tower glowing in streaks of blue lights.

"Join us as we welcome 2018 at The Burj Club with breathtaking views of #BurjKhalifa and The Dubai Fountain. Witness a magnificent show with the best seats in the house starting from Dh1,600 per person," reads a caption next to the photo.


What about the fireworks?

Fireworks are, well, conspicuous by their absence.
 
Every year, Dubai residents and visitors from all across the UAE and nearby countries drive down to Burj Khalifa to witness the magnificent fireworks. Countless videos on YouTube and Facebook ensure that the feat - which only gets bigger and better every year - is seen in the farthest corners in the globe.

The absence of fireworks in any of the artworks and videos made public by Emaar is leaving many confused.

"Will there be no fireworks?" several people have asked Emaar on their Facebook page.

Surfers have written to us inquiring the same.

One surfer who wrote to Khaleej Times said a restaurant at Dubai Mall has confirmed that there will be no fireworks.

"There will be no fireworks but there'll be an innovative light concept. But we're awaiting final confirmation," said the reservation desk attendant at an upscale restaurant in the area.

Another surfer, who also did not want to be identified, said she had spoken to the reservation desk of a high-end hotel in Downtown Dubai. "There are no fireworks this year. However, there will be a memorable celebration with new features. It will put the global spotlight on your table!"

KT's request to Emaar for a comment remained unanswered at the time of publishing this article.