Preparations are on full swing across the UAE, including Dubai, for the much-awaited festivities.
Published: Sun 1 Jan 2017, 7:21 PM
As the world is all prepared to ring in the new year, preparations are on full swing across the UAE for the much-awaited festivities.
As expected, the most sought after destination is Downtown Dubai, where 650,000 people are expected to step in to watch the New Year fireworks and laser show displayed on the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Choreographed to a customised soundtrack, the pyrotechnics display will bring to life several milestone moments and artistic interpretations in fireworks of a falcon flying high, swirling comets, and Arabian dance forms. In specialized red and white comet shows and LED shows, the pyrotechnics will be displayed from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and various landmarks. The finale of the event will feature a display in pyrotechnics celebrating Dubai's current and future icons.
Various authorities are completing the last-minute preparations to give the New Year revellers a safe and comfortable experience of watching the spectacular show.
Signboards are already erected across the location to avoid any confusion. Authorities have set 28 tents across the location for providing first aid and lost and found services. Barricades are installed to control the viewers across the Downtown Dubai area.
"We urge people to get to head to the celebrations early and before 8pm, to follow the officers' instructions, and avoid hindering traffic flow," Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, director of the general department of the security bodies, enterprises and emergency, said two days ago, while announcing the preparations. Traffic restrictions will also be in place to facilitate a smooth travel for the visitors to and from the event locations. Public transit means will be running overtime to assist the visitors.
Best spots to watch fireworks in Dubai
> Zabeel Park, an urban Public Park located in Zabeel district of Dubai, uae would be the right place to watch the fireworks at bur Khalifa on December 31st .
> From Business Bay metro station one can eaily watch the fireworks happening at Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa both.
> Jumeirah Park would be the perfect location for watching the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa fireworks.
> Open space at Sky Dive area in Dubai is good option for having a look at firework happening at Atlantis, JBR and Burj al Arab.
> Open areas and parking slots at al Khail Road is the right place to watch fireworks at Burj Khalifa.
For those who want to show off their presence at the festival site, telecom company du has announced a happy news. Marwan bin Shakar, vice-president - mobile access network & operations, said: "We have invested in our network to prepare for the New Year's eve: Mobile data capacity will be increased by more than 35 per cent in the high footfall areas while voice capacity will be upgraded by 30 per cent.
Other than the Downtown Dubai area (the Burj Khalifa), attractive fireworks will welcome 2017 at Burj Al Arab and the Global Village.
In Abu Dhabi, firework displays will be held at Emirates Palace, Al Maryah Island Promenade, Yas Island and Khor Al Maqtaa.
For the first time in Sharjah, Al Majaz Waterfront has announced a 10-minute fireworks, offering a memorable entry into the new year for the visitors.
Major celebration sites
> Dubai - Downtown Dubai area (Burj Khalifa), Burj al Arab, The Global Village
> Abu Dhabi - Emirates Palace, Al Maryah Island Promenade, Yas Island and Khor Al Maqtaa
> Sharjah - Al Majaz Waterfront
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
NA301216-NYPREP. Sign boards set up to direct visitors to watch the New Years Day celebration at Downtown in Dubai.
NA301216-NYPREP. First Aid and Lost and Found tents set up throughout Downtown Boulevard for the New Years day celebration in Dubai. .
NA301216-NYPREP. Workers setting up fences to organize crowd on New Year's eve at Burj Plaza in Dubai.
Signboards set up for the visitors at Downtown Dubai and (below) workers setting up barricades to organise the crowd at Burj Plaza.
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