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'This isn't just a light show': How Dubai flies over 1,000 drones to tell its story in 21 minutes

With late-night rehearsals and six months of preparation; here's a look at what goes into organising this visual feast

Published: Tue 24 Dec 2024, 6:00 AM

Updated: Tue 24 Dec 2024, 8:50 PM

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KT Photos: Neeraj Murali

KT Photos: Neeraj Murali

Imagine a night sky illuminated by the dazzling choreography of more than 1,000 drones, each one a tiny pixel in a larger-than-life canvas. Khaleej Times was given exclusive access to the purpose-built take-off and landing platform on Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, where we witnessed first-hand how the hundreds of drones take off to tell the Dubai story.

Crafted by a dedicated team, the spectacle brings the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) to life with a breathtaking visual feast. For 38 consecutive nights, with 76 shows in total, audiences are treated to a captivating blend of technology and artistry.

Held at The Beach, JBR, and Bluewaters Island at 8pm and 10pm, the shows provide viewers with a glimpse of Dubai as it is today and a vision of what it could become in the future. Transforming the SkyDive runway into their operational hub, the team works tirelessly to guarantee that every detail is flawless. Each show runs for 21 minutes, packed with breathtaking visuals and storytelling.

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Preparations include meticulously lining up all the drones and conducting thorough checks. Between shows, a two-hour window is dedicated to inspecting the drones, replacing their batteries, and ensuring everything is in optimal condition for the next performance. With six months of preparation leading up to the event, the team ensures that every detail is perfect.

From December 6 to 26, the first show pays homage to DSF’s legacy, taking audiences on a vibrant journey through three decades of unforgettable moments. This stunning visual narrative is crafted with intricate drone choreography and vivid imagery, celebrating the rich history of Dubai.

Following this, from December 27 to January 12, the second show transitions into a dynamic celebration of Dubai itself. This performance merges tradition and modernity, featuring 2D and 3D drone formations of iconic landmarks, all set to powerful beats and innovative soundscapes.

As crowds gathered in front of Ain Dubai — the world’s tallest observation wheel — an announcement crackled over the PA system, signalling that the show was about to commence. The buzzing drones took to the sky in perfect formation, marking the start of the spectacle.

The captivating display overhead draws viewers in as the blinking lights transform into a stunning narrative. Each drone functions as an individual unit, precisely adhering to its designated flight path. Utilising advanced 3D animation tools, the team orchestrates intricately choreographed patterns that come together to create a smooth and enchanting visual experience.

The narrative unfolds in real-time, capturing the audience's attention as the drones create images and symbols that represent Dubai's vibrant culture, history, and the diverse activities people can enjoy in the city, from thrilling desert safaris to luxurious shopping experiences. One moment, the sky is filled with a dazzling array of colours; the next, it transforms into a stunning depiction of the Burj Khalifa, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks.

The creators told Khaleej Times that the show commencing from December 27 will blend heritage with the future by portraying a camel character who will be a modern-day DJ (Disc Jockey), symbolising both tradition and innovation. This addition will highlight Dubai's rich cultural history while celebrating its forward-looking spirit.

The creators

Jan Ising, creative director at AO Drones, and Marco Niedermeier, the company's CEO and founder, shared their insights on the show’s evolution and the technology behind it.

“Our goal is to create an immersive experience that resonates with the audience,” Ising explained. “This isn’t just a light show; it’s a narrative that connects the past, present, and future of Dubai, all through the lens of cutting-edge technology.”

Marco Niedermeier (right) CEO and founder of AO Drones.

Marco Niedermeier (right) CEO and founder of AO Drones.

Jan Ising, creative director at AO Drones

Jan Ising, creative director at AO Drones

Niedermeier elaborated on the technical challenges, saying: “The precision required to coordinate more than a thousand drones is astounding. Each drone communicates with the pilot and each other to adapt to wind conditions, ensuring safety while delivering a flawless performance. If the wind exceeds our limits, we have protocols in place to ensure the safety of the drones and the audience.”

Ising and Niedermeier highlighted the improvements made from last year's show to this year’s performance. Not only are there 200 additional drones, but the flow of the show has also been enhanced, resulting in a smoother and more cohesive visual experience.

Rehearsal process

The team has refined their operations over time, learning from each show to improve their technique. Ising emphasised the importance of rehearsals: “Before each show, we conduct extensive rehearsals to ensure that every drone knows its path and timing. This preparation is crucial, as even a slight miscalculation can affect the entire performance.”

Niedermeier added: “We often rehearse late at night when the air is calm. This allows us to simulate the conditions we’ll face during the actual shows. We also have backup plans in place for unexpected weather changes.”

The event is not just about the spectacle; it’s about community engagement. Viewers are invited to send in messages that can be displayed in the sky. This interactive element allows the audience to feel a part of the experience, enhancing their connection to the show.

“People can submit their messages through a QR code or via social media,” Ising explained. “We collect these messages and select a few to be featured in the show. It’s a wonderful way for the audience to participate and feel connected to the performance.”

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