Fireworks, light show welcome New Year in UAE

Khaleej Times journalists spread across the country brought you the best photos and videos of New Year celebrations.

12:00am

Dubai Festival City countdown and New Year fireworks. KT Video: Josh A. pic.twitter.com/J2k8Rayg3H
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

New Year fireworks around Burj Al Arab. KT Video: Nilanjana G. pic.twitter.com/DJ8JcNUPKY
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

New Year Fireworks lights up the sky at corniche in Abu Dhabi. KT Video: Ryan Lim pic.twitter.com/XuqKcoVzHj
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

Burj Khalifa light show to welcome 2018 taken at the top of Taj Hotel, Dubai. KT Video: Leslie P. pic.twitter.com/4yTVvgUdWQ
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

New Year fireworks at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah. KT Video: M. Sajjad pic.twitter.com/mEKRSjlOOw
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

10:36pm

Spectacular fireworks display at Dubai Festival City. KT Video: Josh A. pic.twitter.com/3XMHOiEhjf
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

10:25pm

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???? ??????? ?? ???? ?????????#???? #2017https://t.co/eT2CODSgQT pic.twitter.com/EqYUxoWjtB
- Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 31, 2017

10:04pm

Traffic at a standstill in the Jumeirah Beach area for the New Year fireworks on the beach. KT Video: Nilanjana G. pic.twitter.com/XVkbqFBzWq
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

9:41pm

Celebrating New Year in the Americas; Samba dancers all the way from Brazil! KT Video: Roob K. pic.twitter.com/OcpTYlNIhv
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

9:39pm

Many UAE residents came well prepared with tents, camping chairs, mats and food to watch the New Year fireworks near Burj Al Arab. KT Photos: Nilanjana G. pic.twitter.com/IcRZ1YQc2k
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

9:35pm

Fans get hyped for Katy Perry's New Year concert at Du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. KT Video: Anjana S. pic.twitter.com/OIdK9JP2QY
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

9:32pm

Twins Hanna and Jhhina from Syria are big Katy Perry fans and have come to Yas Island to watch her live on New Year's Eve. KT Photo: Anjana S. pic.twitter.com/2w4d14ZGV5
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

9:16pm

Visitors trying their luck with security to get into the exclusive viewing areas at Dubai Mall. KT Video: Crystal S. pic.twitter.com/Aun8Fou4Kz
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

9:06pm

Fireworks light up the sky at Dubai's Global Village to mark the New Year in Thailand KT Photo: Neeraj M. https://t.co/iCOIlIFFTj pic.twitter.com/ON7DVD606d
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

8:58pm

Crowd slowly filling the DFC grounds to watch the New Year fireworks. KT Video: Dhes H. pic.twitter.com/9FUqoFJvjI
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

8:56pm

Heavy traffic towards Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah for the New Year celebrations. KT Video: Arbaaz S. pic.twitter.com/CYbjcBTT8K
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

8.49pm

Dubai Festival City is packed with people, with just three hours to go for the New Year celebrations. Photos: Dhes Handumon/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/yijSFmKBwK
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

8.45pm

Water fountain show at Al Majaz waterfront in Sharjah. Video: M. Sajjad/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/CyG76t2PiI
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

8.13pm

Fireworks light up the sky at Dubai's Global Village to mark the New Year of Philippines. Photo by Neeraj Murali/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/04NxYwBEER
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

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Watch: Fireworks at Dubai's Global Village to mark the New Year in Philippines

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7.53pm

A parade at Dubai's @GlobalVillageAE as part of New Year celebrations. Video: Roob/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/MwCSm3yaQs
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

7.46pm

The Star Wars fountain show at Dubai Festival City, as part of the New Year celebrations. Video: Josh Arnup/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/ghcBTVGNcg
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

7.13pm

People crossing the Sheikh Zayed Road to go to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall for the New Year celebrations. Video: Leslie Pableo/Khaleej Times #lightup2018 pic.twitter.com/v9JMp9ylaN
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

7.05pm

Crowd starting to build up at Dubai Festival City ahead of the New Year celebrations. Video: Dhes Handumon/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/hO7oOwAZCu
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

6.57pm

People start gathering at Al Majaz waterfront for the New Year firework in Sharjah. Video: M. Sajjad/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/H1DnYnxMe2
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

6.53pm

New Year celebrations have already begun at Dubai's JBR. As the sun set, families have started gathering and dancing to the beats of the live DJ. Head here for a free party! Video: Anita Iyer/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/cCVV9n2ZxC
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

6.52pm

Dedicated pedestrian paths has been provided to families and others to bachelors. #MyDubaiNewYear #LightUp2018 pic.twitter.com/7502IkzZz3
- RTA (@RTA_Dubai) December 31, 2017

6.36pm

The first Imagine fountain show kicks off at Dubai Festival City, ahead of the New Year celebrations. Video: Josh Arnup/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/HGqz9ot1jE
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

6.35pm

Service tents are available across the celebrations area to provide you with First Aid, Lost & Found Services, Lost Children reporting services, and help desk. #MyDubaiNewYear #LightUp2018 pic.twitter.com/vzT0H1E3Hl
- Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 31, 2017

6.20pm

Roads are clear around Dubai Festival City, ahead of the New Year celebrations. Photos: Dhes Handumon/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/ZcCpqUHsNk
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

6.02pm

it's a packed crowd at Burj Park, near the Dubai Mall, ahead of the New Year celebrations. Video: Shihab/Khaleej Times #LightUp2018 pic.twitter.com/k3elqHO6xV
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.59pm

It's a packed crowd at Dubai Mall. Photos: Crystal Skinner/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/wkCTlGB1Wy
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.54pm

People take photos of the last sunset of 2017 at Al Khan Beach in Sharjah. Photos: M. Sajjad/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/oNSvYGcGea
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.50pm

This road going to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is already closed. Video: Leslie Pableo/Khaleej Times #LightUp2018 pic.twitter.com/7WbJxWaEGY
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.46pm

The last sunset of 2017, at Dubai Festival City. Photos: Dhes Handumon/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/MCrl8H9luL
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.44pm

People coming from Dubai Mall Metro station making their way to the viewing areas of the New Year celebrations. Video: Leslie Pableo/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/GcfM9lemId
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.43pm

We spotted a group of 15 students from Indonesia who are in Dubai especially for the New Year celebrations. Find out what their plans are. Video: Anita Iyer/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/w9VTPjo1od
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.37pm

The crowd at Burj Al Arab beach for New Year celebrations. Photos: Mohammad Mustafa Khan/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/TmLskqLNiK
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.34pm

People start to gather at Abu Dhabi corniche for New Year celebrations. Photos: Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/16ujPnspMf
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.29pm

Traffic builds up at Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road going towards Burj Khalifa, ahead of the New Year celebrations. Video: Leslie Pableo/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/FuFw8KJ7VQ
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.26pm

Crowd gathers at the aquarium inside Dubai Mall, ahead of the New Year light show. Video: Crystal Skinner/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/7IxiqiXeUY
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

5.06pm

The Dubai Mall car park is almost full, and it's still 7 hours to go before midnight. Tip: Leave you car at home and take public transport. Video: Crystal Skinner/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/rFEPL66iEw
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

4.55pm

Crowd slowly builds up at Dubai's JBR for New Year celebrations. Photos: Anita Iyer/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/Z9ClzQk1Yx
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

4.51pm

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All entrances leading to #DubaiMall are now closed.#????_?????_????????? #ESC #???_?????_??_??? #MyDubaiNewYear #DubaiPolice #????_???
- Dubai Police???? ??? (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 31, 2017

4.47pm

Crowd waits eagerly at Dubai Mall for New Year celebrations. Video: Crystal Skinner/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/N9tkX6X1qU
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

4.38pm

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Now: Dubai Mall parking is 90% occupied.#ESC #????_?????_????????? #MyDubaiNewYear #???_?????_??_???#????_??? #DubaiPolice pic.twitter.com/5sx4SZSmmZ
- Dubai Police???? ??? (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 31, 2017

4.37pm

Smooth traffic on a Dubai-Sharjah highway ahead of New Year celebrations in the country. Video: M. Sajjad/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/EpEvA3Wafl
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

4.26pm

Crowd continues to pour in at Dubai's @GlobalVillageAE for New Year celebrations. Photos: Neeraj Murali/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/7J9JqVkivo
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

4.23pm

Free bus shuttle to the viewing area of New Year celebrations, at Business Bay station in Dubai. Video: Leslie Pableo/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/NfOtiSCtUd
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

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Road closures around Dubai begin for New Year's Eve

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4.08pm

Gates of Dubai's @GlobalVillageAE open to the public for New Year celebrations. Photo: Neeraj Murali/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/smKNiSmXd9
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

3.57pm

Visitors waiting for gates to open at Dubai's @GlobalVillageAE ahead of the New Year fireworks. Photo: Neeraj Murali/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/fdnGtvq0rw
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

3.47pm

A 360° view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall fountain area ahead of New Year celebrations. Photo: Rahul Gajjar/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/9Jek0LVG67
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

3.37pm

Still quiet at Festival City Mall in Dubai ahead of the New Year fireworks. Photos: Dhes Handumon/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/PamCLxdLF1
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

3.27pm

More than eight hours to go for the fireworks, but revellers have already flocked the beach facing Burj Al Arab. Photo: Nilanjana Gupta/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/n8nDWG0VNw
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

3.19pm

Seven cars from the rescue team will keep a close watch on the new year celebrations today at the Jumeirah beach facing Burj Al Arab. Photo: Nilanjana Gupta/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/mZUFYiEZ7L
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

3.09pm

Ahmed Abdul Aziz, team leader of lifeguards at the beach facing Burj Al Arab, says there's extra security today to serve NY revellers. There are usually at least 9 lifeguards at Umm Suqeim beach on a given day but today there are 12. pic.twitter.com/LjpTskwIwK
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

2.32pm

Crowd waits to move to the fountain area at Dubai Mall. Video: Shihab/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/dwCNzRxNbT
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

2.29pm

Crowd waiting at the fountain area at Dubai Mall for New Year celebrations. Video: Shihab/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/H9OxAFskjj
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

2.18pm

Crowd begins to arrive at Burj Khalifa metro station for New Year celebrations in Dubai. Video: Shihab/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/6fsOblMtm9
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 31, 2017

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