Happy New Year! UAE welcomes 2025 with drones, fireworks, world records; as it happened

Fireworks from over 60 locations across all seven Emirates, more than 10,000 drones, and multiple world records are lighting up the first few minutes of New Year 2025 in the UAE. Whether it is Abu Dhabi’s non-stop 53-minute fireworks display, Dubai’s 45 aerial pyrotechnics, or Ras Al Khaimah’s longest-yet laser drone show, the UAE is sizzling into 2025 in style.

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With reporters and multimedia journalists stationed at key celebration zones in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, Khaleej Times captured the UAE’s New Year’s Eve action LIVE as it unfolded.

Here is how the last night of 2024 ended and the first day of 2025 began:

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1.03am: Heading home

UAE ushered in 2025 with a grand celebration in multiple locations. Celebrations are ongoing, and the joy is infectious. Some have now begun to head home, and crowds are now leaving, ready to go home after all the wonder.

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12.55am: Behind-the-scenes heroes

Even before the festivities end, the support staff at Dubai Mall are hard at work to clean the mess left behind by revellers. “I have been on duty since 3pm and it has been a busy day for us,” said one cleaner. “We will continue our work till around 2am when the night shift will take over. Our aim is to clean as we go so that the streets remain clean.”

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12.51am: Lights, fireworks, 2025!

Ras Al Khaimah showcased its most spectacular New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebration, with a magnificient display of fireworks and laser drones illuminating the night sky.

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12.45am: Not just fireworks in the air

Watch a video here:

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12.40am: Festive cheer all around!

It is a happy new year indeed as residents embrace 2025 with excitement and joy in the air. Drones and fireworks combined in different emirates to create awe-inspiring displays. Here are photos, shot by KT photographer Neeraj Murali, below:

12.34am: Global Village spectacle

Visitors at Global Village have rung in 2025 with fireworks and drone shows. Take a look at some stunning visuals, shot by KT photographer Shihab, here:

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12.29am: Boats sound horn for 2025

To express their enthusiasm for the New Year, the boats are sounding their horns almost in unison. Watch a video here:

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12.20am: Fireworks in Sharjah

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12.17am: Show at Burj Khalifa

The tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, is an iconic spot of celebrating the New Year for many, be it residents or tourists. Here are some visuals from the show:

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12.12am: Photo of the Founding Father

3,000 drones came together to form a photo of the Founding Father at Sheikh Zayed festival, as music played in tune. The festival is trying to break the record with the biggest photo formed with drones.

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12am: Happy New Year!

The UAE steps into the New Year with resounding celebrations. Tourists and residents alike celebrate 2025 with the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks.

In the capital, crowds are enjoying 53-minute nonstop fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Festival as a whopping 6,000 drones cover the sky. The different emirates are celebrating in style; Ras Al Khaimah hosts its longest drone and firework show, unfolding in 3 acts.

Meanwhile, Global Village officially celebrates the New Year with drones and fireworks to welcome UAE's journey into 2025.

Families, some with tents set up, are cheering from the shores of Al Majaz Corniche in Sharjah as the skies light up in front of them.

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11.50pm: 10 minutes to go!

Are you out in Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Festival, or catching Ras Al Khaimah's longest firework and drone show? Are you enjoying a more relaxed celebration in the desert, or opting to skip outdoor festivities altogether, and spend the first moment of 2025 with your family?

In the final 10 minutes of 2024, excitement has reached its peak, and UAE residents and tourists all over are anticipating the start of 2025.

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11.43pm: Final performance by Dubai fountains for 2024

One last time in 2024! The final performance by the fountains near Burj Khalifa was to the tune of the Mission Impossible theme song. Watch a video here:

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11.39pm: 2025 is close!

As the New Year gets closer and closer, celebrations are ongoing at Al Majaz Corniche in Sharjah.

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11.36pm: Egyptian star extends wishes

Egyptian star Mohamed Hamaki wishes the crowds a Happy New Year, as UAE gears up for 2025. Watch the video below:

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11.30pm: 30 minutes to go!

With less than an hour to go till midnight, Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival has hosted six firework displays already. At midnight, the destination will usher in 2025 with a record-breaking 53-minute fireworks show.

Dubai’s Global Village has hosted five drone shows and firework displays already. It will host two more, one at 12 midnight and the last one at 1am.

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11.23pm: Relaxed celebrations in the desert

For those who want to welcome the New Year in a relaxed manner, the desert-style celebration offers a calm start to 2025, in the natural surroundings of Al Marmoom desert, which is just a 15-minute drive from Al Qudra Street. Watch a video below:

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11.10pm: Dubai Mall restaurants packed

With just an hour to go for the new year, restaurants in Dubai Mall are packed with visitors who want to catch a front-row view of the fireworks.

One coffee shop worker said that they had over 100 staff working to make sure they could meet the demand for the day. “We had a few indoor seats available and our workers stood in various parts of the mall to sell them,” he said. “They were snapped up, mostly by visitors who wanted to have an experience of the Dubai NYE.”

Algerian couple Yassine and Sarah, who arrived with their young children, paid Dh3,000 each for a seat at one of the restaurants. “It is the first time we are spending NYE in Dubai and we decided to splurge and get the best seats in the house,” said Yassine.

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11.06pm: A little less than one hour left

With only one hour left for 2025, the tallest tower in the world has lit up with '1 hour to go.' Watch the video here:

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11pm: Happy New Year, Pakistan!

As Pakistan rings in 2025, performers are filling the air with their infectious energy and catchy performances in Global Village. Watch a video, shot by KT videographer Shihab, below:

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10.50pm: 10 minutes left for SZR closure

Sheikh Zayed Road will remain fully open until a partial closure takes effect at 11pm, authorities earlier announced. Alternatively, the public can use Jumeirah Street, Al Wasl Street, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and Al Khail Road.

Visitors are advised to use Metro stations where parking is available, such as Centrepoint, Etisalat e&, and Jebel Ali stations. The Metro is operating for 34 hours nonstop as part of the preparations for NY celebrations.

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10.43pm: Keeping the kids entertained

To keep kids entertained while their parents enjoy New Year's Eve celebrations, many in Ras Al Khaimah have chosen to take their children to the kids' centre at the Waldorf Astoria.

Natalia, the children's club manager, spoke about the various activities organised for the kids, including a dance party, face painting, trivia, and quizzes, with the help of her colleague, Kylymai.

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10.30pm: Happy New Year, India!

The clock strikes midnight in India, and the country ushers in the New Year. Meanwhile, residents in the UAE are celebrating the arrival of 2025 in India with fireworks at Global Village. Watch a video here:

Bollywood music, and energy-filled dance performances also add to the festivities as Indian artists take over the stage at Global Village.

Watch a video, shot by KT videographer Shihab, below:

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10.27pm: Balloons, balloons, and more balloons

Thousands of balloons were released into the sky shortly after the fifth set of fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Festival. Watch the video, shot by KT videographer Neeraj Murali, here:

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10.21pm: Flying with the fireworks

As most visitors rush to book good spots to watch the fireworks from the ground, Kalvis Lakucs plans to watch them while flying at MOTN's open air wind tunnel.

The flying instructor from Latvia plans to jump in the wind tunnel with his colleague, Sean, to get nice 'photos and videos' with the fireworks in the background.

"The first time I flew was over three years ago when I applied for this job," said the 29-year-old Latvian.

When not training festival-goers to ascend, he is often spotted performing wild stunts at an impressive height with the Emirates Palace and the Marina skyline in the background. Stay tuned to watch him fly with fireworks tonight.

Watch the flying instructor talk about his plans for New Year:

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10.16pm: Happy New Year, Bangladesh!

Global Village lit up with a stunning firework display, and a drone show, for New Year in Bangladesh. Check out the dazzling photos, shot by KT photographer Shihab, below:

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10.09pm: Traffic on roads? No, in water

Captain Chito, who is sailing one of many yachts that are heading to catch fireworks shows across Dubai, has just left the harbour with his yacht of 70 partygoers.

Up until now, a couple dozen yachts and speedboats have left the docks, but Captain Chito expects more traffic in the coming hours as most yachts and boats are heading towards the same destinations.

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10pm: Huge crowd at Global Village

Hundreds of visitors can be seen gathered at Global Village, as they wait to usher in the New Year with the several fireworks and drone shows lighting up the skies.

Watch the video of the crowds, below:

Besides the aerial shows, visitors are also there to enjoy a live DJ performance and several roaming entertainment acts across the park. The Dragon Lake's lights and sound shows will continue to mesmerise guests.

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9.56pm: RTA informs of road closure

Financial Centre Road, Ground Floor, is currently closed, the Roads and Transport Authority has said on X. The authority has urged motorists to use alternative routes.

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9.46pm: Reserving the best spots

People at the MOTN Festival are now grabbing the best spots to view the fireworks, with many of them heading to the foodhall rooftop for a direct view.

Portuguese expat Sara Consalves, and her friend Abdulhadi Al Ghamdi from Saudi Arabia, had perhaps the best view as they sat on two beanbags directly overlooking the spot where fireworks have been going off.

"Our original plan was to go to Dubai but to avoid the crowds we decided to come here," said Consalves, 21.

"We found a place to park the car and after we entered the festival we didn't walk much, we came here to reserve our spot."

Al Ghamdi said last year, he went to Dubai but could not enter the Burj Khalifa area, so he went with his friends to City Walk and was able to see fireworks from there.

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9.45pm: Ras Al Khaimah to attempt 2 Guinness World Records tonight in 'annual tradition'

Ras Al Khaimah is preparing to attempt two Guinness World Records titles that have never been attempted before. This effort is setting the stage for a monumental New Year’s Eve celebration.

Emma Brain, an official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, shared insights into the meticulous process behind validating these ambitious attempts. She noted that her role involves ensuring compliance with these rules and validating the evidence provided. Working alongside impartial third-party witnesses, including drone specialists and counting methodology experts, Brain’s duties require rigorous attention to detail.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the broader implications of breaking Guinness World Records. “Achieving records has become an annual tradition for us, symbolising continuous growth and improvement,” he said.

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9.35pm: NYE celebration becomes 'mini-vacation'

Dr Murthy Srinivas, a General Physician working at a private clinic in Kalba, is at Al Majaz Corniche with his family. He reached late today afternoon with camping essentials and home-cooked food.

"Camping here gives us more than just a chance to see the fireworks. It's about making the celebration a complete experience—family bonding, relaxing under the stars, and creating memories. The kids love it because they can play freely, and we, as parents, can unwind without worrying about rushing back home," said Dr Srinivas.

"Instead of spending hours stuck in traffic, we prefer staying overnight, enjoying the cool weather, and leaving in the morning. It feels more like a mini-vacation than just a quick outing."

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9.22pm: Latest road closures in Dubai

Dubai Police have informed motorists that Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard has been closed. The road was subject to closure on the basis of traffic.

Later, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority took to X to inform motorists that Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is also temporarily closed.

Financial Centre Street, Upper Deck has also been closed at 9pm, as authorities earlier said.

The next road closure in the city is set to take place at 11pm. Sheikh Zayed Road will be partially closed in both directions between Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout and the intersection of Al Safa Street or Al Meydan Road.

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9.07pm: Confetti 'rains' on kids at Expo City

Twenty three locations across the UAE, including Expo City, will be lighting up the sky tonight as they welcome the New Year.

However, in a children-friendly celebration, Expo City had 'confetti fireworks', leaving kids and adults thrilled! Watch the video, below:

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9pm: Happy New Year, Thailand!

Global Village rang in the New Year along with Thailand at 9pm. The venue hosted a spectacular fireworks and drone show.

Watch the celebration, below:

8.55pm: 'Busy night' for supermarkets near Burj Khalifa

For many shops in and around the Burj Khalifa area, it is a night of big business. Delma supermarket and cafeteria in DIFC have stocked snacks and festive decor in addition to their regular items.

“Since we are located close to the Financial Centre metro station, we get a lot of people walking towards the Burj Khalifa once the Dubai Mall metro station closes,” said a supermarket employee.

“They buy snacks, juices, festive hats and meals. From our cafeteria, we are expecting to sell at least 500 shawarmas and over 3,000 teas. It is a very busy night for us so we are fully prepped.”

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8.45pm: All aboard!

Crowds start arriving at Dubai's Harbour to welcome the New Year in a unique fashion on water!

Residents and visitors get ready to board the boats that will take them on a cruise to catch several fireworks shows around the city.

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8.34pm: Extra parking , emergency response teams in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah Police has taken key measures, including allocating 40,000 parking spaces, managing traffic through road closures and alternative routes, and employing smart surveillance systems under the Safe City initiative.

The authority told Khaleej Times about emergency response teams, including rapid intervention units, ambulance services, and civil defence units, that are stationed across the event area.

As the emirate prepares for its record-breaking fireworks display, all efforts are in place to deliver a world-class celebration.

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8.27pm: 'Five-star service' for guests

Many are working tirelessly to be able to pull off this event without a hitch. Take, for example, Hadj Ghazlaoui, an assistant manager whose catering company works with a boat company.

In a special briefing to his team, he was instructing his staff to treat the 200 guests with extra care and offer them "a five-star service". Hadj has been at the harbour since 2pm, and expects the boat to leave for the festivities at 9pm.

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8.20pm: Third spectacular fireworks show at Sheikh Zayed Festival

The Sheikh Zayed Festival stunned spectators yet again with the third fireworks show of the night.

Check out these breathtaking images captured by KT Photographer Neeraj Murali.

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8.15pm: 'Incredible' energy

At the heart of Sheikh Festival City, as the New Year approaches, a Syrian restaurant has embraced a unique way to celebrate. Their vibrant chants of "Keep your heads up, Syria is free!" echo through the festivities.

"I never imagined I would welcome this New Year and Syria is free,” shared one employee.

Since 4pm, the atmosphere has been electric, with the crowd joining in the joyful chants. "The energy is incredible! It's New Year's Eve, and everyone's spirits are soaring." The restaurant is not just celebrating the new year, but also a renewed sense of freedom and hope for their homeland.

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8.10pm: First firework show at Global Village

The popular destination lit up its skies for the first firework show today in celebration of New Year in China.

Watch a video below:

Global Village will host 7 drone shows and 7 firework shows, to celebrate New Year according to 7 different time zones.

Chinese artists entertained the crowds with performances as colours burst across the sky in a dazzling display. Watch a video, by KT videographer Shihab, below:

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7.51pm: Dubai suspends some buses to Burj Khalifa

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority informed residents and visitors that it would be suspending some public bus services on December 31, 2024.

The authority said in a tweet on X that lines heading from Al Quoz Industrial Area, Oud Al Muteena, and Jebel Ali Industrial Area towards Burj Khalifa Area will be suspended.

This is done on account of the New Year's Eve 2025 celebrations in the area. The authority asked commuters to use other modes of public transport like the Dubai Metro.

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7.46pm: Going with the flow

Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, 18, from Al Ain, is at Limited Café in Al Qudra desert with his friends.

“We don’t have a clear plan. We came from Al Ain, and this place caught our attention, so we decided to spend some time here and figure out the next step.”

Although the café will start its New Year’s Eve shows at 10pm, Al Shamsi plans to leave before the shows begin. “I’m not sure whether I’ll stay in Dubai or return to Al Ain by the end of the day.”

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7.46pm: Tents over traffic?

Some visitors at Al Majaz Corniche in Sharjah have set up tents for overnight camping, aiming to avoid traffic and ensure a smooth departure in the morning.

Light-up bubble balloons, which bring many residents back to their childhood, can be seen glowing in the night sky, seeming like floating circles as the seller walks around.

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7.30pm: Hoping for safe NYE

Security guard Amid Bandangura is here at Dubai harbour to ensure partygoers' safety as they leave the docks to see the NYE fireworks.

Amid, who has been working as security guard for a year, hopes that this NYE is the same as the last, busy but calm.

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7.24pm: Happy New Year, South Korea and Japan!

As of 7pm UAE time, both South Korea and Japan have brought in 2025. Celebrations are muted in South Korea following the Jeju Air plane crash.

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7.17pm: Yet another firework show in Abu Dhabi!

With a firework show launching every hour, Abu Dhabi skies are filled with light and colour. Sheikh Zayed Festival will ring in 2025 with fireworks that will run for 53 minutes nonstop. Here are some visuals of the second firework show of the night:

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7.11pm: Last call to prayer for 2024

The last call to Isha prayers echoed from mosques across the UAE. The country's faithful are praying for a peaceful, prosperous 2025.

Watch a video below:

As festivities are held in full swing, Global Village made sure prayer time was respected, and took a break from celebrations.

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7.03pm: Waiting and picnic-ready since 5pm

On a quieter side of Abu Dhabi Corniche, the Gatapia family started setting up their front-row picnic to observe NYE fireworks since 5pm.

Kim Gatapia, her husband and son, both named Hans, brother Kevin and mother Renita have been following this tradition for the past 10 years.

“Every year we choose a different location, last year we went to Al Bahar area,” said Kevin, 28, from the Philippines. “It was much more crowded on the other side, we got stuck in traffic for one and a half hours driving back to our home in Khalifa street.”

This year, the family opted for the Eastern side of the Corniche and arrived there on foot. “We’re expecting a big crowd so we came early to save this nice spot on the hill,” said Hans 49.

“But in general, New Year’s Eve is much more tamed on the Corniche since after Covid; it used to be crazy with kids splashing party spray and cars honking,” he added.

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6.59pm: Sheikh Mohamed’s warm wishes for all

President Sheikh Mohamed hopes for a “better future for all” as the world steps into 2025.

The President shared his New Year wishes on X:

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6.56pm: Family time well spent

Families make the most of their quality time at Dubai’s Global Village. Some go on food trips while others just let the kids run free.

Come Maghrib time, they take a pause and solemnly offer their prayers.

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6.48pm: Restricted entry in some Dubai areas

Entry to Dubai Mall, the Mohammed Bin Rashid boulevard and the surrounding areas are now restricted to pass-holders.

Several free viewing spots were allocated for the general public. These include: the Southridge, the outer boulevard and the old town. Shuttle buses are available from various spots around the city.

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6.41pm: Melting pot of cultures

As people from all over the world gather for New Year's Eve in Dubai, Global Village (as the name suggests) is putting on shows to celebrate different cultures. Here are some photos of the festivities:

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6.35pm: Emergency responders spend NYE away from family

Emergency responders Dibb Dev, Tintu Jose and Taison Varkey are on ambulance duty at Dubai Mall. The trio, who have been working with the ambulance services for over 10 years, said their families are used to not spending NYE with them.

“During New Year’s eve, the entire ambulance crew is working,” said Taison. “Either they are on one of the shifts or they are on standby. It is our duty to ensure that every emergency is tended to swiftly and efficiently.”

The men who started their shift at 2pm will be on ground till at least 3am. “It is one of the busiest nights for us,” said Dibb. “There is a temporary hospital set up around here in the Downtown area, so that if any emergencies occur, we won’t have to deal with the NYE traffic.”

Tintu added that there were 19 ambulances stationed in and around the Burj Khalifa area, equipped to deal with all kinds of emergencies.

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6.30pm: Ending 2024 with fitness goals

• New Year's Eve 2024 in UAE: 23 places to watch fireworks in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, RAK, Ajman