Ring in the New Year Dubai-style, with mesmerising sparklers and Catherine wheels, thunderous rockets and eye-catching fountain shows. The emirate is known for its love of fireworks, complete with larger-than-life pyrotechnics as well as laser beams and facade displays.
This year is set to be bigger and better, with both old favourites and new venues gearing up to host spectacular displays. Here’s where you can catch them on December 31, as well as two on January 1.
Burj Khalifa
The big daddy of New Year’s Eve celebrations is not only putting on a cutting-edge fireworks display and laser show on its famed facade, but will also attempt to score a Guinness World Record for the largest laser display, and break the record for its light beams travelling the longest distance yet.
The end game, say organises, is to turn “the iconic tower into a shining beacon of hope, happiness and harmony for 2023”. The show will be about 10 minutes long.
For those who wish to witness the show first-hand, read our story on everything you need to know, including information on transport and parking and how to access Downtown Dubai amid road closures.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is another noteworthy fireworks venue in Dubai, with shows set to take place at not one but three spots this year.
Those at Club Vista Mare and Palm West Beach will start at midnight and last for three minutes each.
These will be best viewed by booking a table at one of the many restaurants, lounges, bars and cafes dotting the areas — from San Beach, Koko Bay and February 30 on Palm West Beach, to Rumba, The Tap House and Myrra at Club Vista Mare.
Elsewhere, Atlantis, The Palm is hosting its own fireworks spectacle that, organisers say, will be “one of Dubai’s largest and most stunning displays of pyrotechnics”. While most of the hotel’s restaurants are fully booked on December 31, tickets are still available for its New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner that is a fantastic viewing spot for the fireworks display to boot.
Festival Bay
Dubai Festival City Mall will put on one of the longest fireworks displays this year, firing up Festival Bay at midnight for a duration of five minutes. Viewers can also catch a one-off Imagine show — a laser and fountain display that prides itself on its original storytelling, often connected to the culture and traditions of the UAE.
The Festival Bay arena will also host a concert, starting with award-winning DJ Dany Neville at 10pm, followed by Iraqi artist Mahmoud Al Turky taking to the stage at 10.30pm.
Bluewaters Island
The man-made island will kick-start its three-minute-long fireworks show at 11.59pm, so revellers can welcome the new year against a backdrop of mesmerising light and sparkle.
While there are plenty of vantage points from which to catch the display — including the waterfront walk and the footbridge connecting Bluewaters Island and JBR — you can also book a spot at one of the restaurants on the island, including The London Project, Shi and Amici.
The Beach, JBR
On the other side of the bridge, The Beach, JBR, will also begin its fireworks show at 11.59pm, in tandem with Bluewaters. The display will last for three minutes, and can be viewed from the beach and various family-friendly restaurants in the area, such as PF Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory and Bosporus.
Global Village
While the joy of counting down to a new year is undeniable, Global Village will host not one, but seven fireworks shows through the evening on December 31.
The minute-long displays will begin at 8pm on the main stage (to coincide with midnight in the Philippines), followed by 9pm (Thailand), Bangladesh (10pm), India (10.30pm), Pakistan (11pm) and even one at 1am on January 1 (to coincide with New Year’s Eve in Turkey).
The main midnight fireworks display, meanwhile, will last for five minutes — making for a total of 11 minutes of fireworks at Global Village, which will be open from 4pm to 2am on December 31.
Dubai Parks & Resorts
This is another destination hosting two fireworks shows before the stroke of midnight — albeit this time to accommodate children. The displays will light up the sky at 7pm and 9pm, while annual pass holders can enjoy the view in a dedicated area at Riverland Dubai.
Al Seef
Enjoy a fireworks show amid traditional architecture and Creek-side views at Al Seef, which will put on its display at 11.59pm on December 31 for a duration of three minutes.
The venue is also planning a fireworks show on New Year’s Day. Head there on January 1, to catch the three-minute-long display that starts at 8.30pm.
TopGolf
The sport-meets-party spot is hosting a disco-themed do to ring in 2023, topped off with its own fireworks display. These will go off for a duration of three minutes from midnight, directly facing the Dubai Marina skyline.
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:
Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Bert van Marwijk factfile
Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder
Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia
Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands
Book%20Details
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The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
