Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve fireworks show is looking to break three Guinness World Records. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival
Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve fireworks show is looking to break three Guinness World Records. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival
Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve fireworks show is looking to break three Guinness World Records. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival
Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve fireworks show is looking to break three Guinness World Records. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival

Sheikh Zayed Festival aims to break four world records on New Year's Eve


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Four Guinness World Records could be set at Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve celebrations.

A one-hour fireworks display will aim to break three records, covering time, quantity and design intricacy.

A show involving 5,000 drones will attempt to break another, with officials ready to certify the attempts.

Running for nearly four months, the annual Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, is one of the country's largest cultural events, named in honour of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

New attractions this year include a camping village, a Chinese market and a Flying Cup experience, which is part ride and part restaurant, allowing diners to eat several metres above ground.

The annual Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the country's largest cultural and entertainment events. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
The annual Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the country's largest cultural and entertainment events. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Other returning highlights include Wildlife Secrets, a small zoo with monkeys, lions and Komodo dragons. There's also Fun Fair City, with rides, games and attractions for all age groups; Children's City with 30 types of workshops, plus face painting, VR games and talent competitions for ages up to 14; and even a Crazy Car arena fitted out with safe cars suitable for small children.

Adrenalin-seekers can visit the House of Horror, inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion, which was released this year and stars Jared Leto and Tiffany Haddish.

Besides the fireworks and drone shows, organisers said more activities have been planned for New Year's Eve, including a massive laser show, one of the largest of its kind in the region.

Visitors will also be able to watch 100,000 colourful balloons released into the sky as they ring in the new year, while live DJs and music performers will be on hand to create a celebratory mood.

Giant screens outside the festival square will broadcast events, activities and performances of the celebration, due to the expected high turnout on New Year's Eve, organisers said.

Sheikh Zayed Festival runs daily from 4pm to midnight until March 9. Tickets are priced at Dh10 and available at zayedfestival.ae

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

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Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
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Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Winner: Samau Xmnsor, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
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Winner: Al Sail, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)

Date started: August 2021

Founder: Nour Sabri

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace

Size: Two employees

Funding stage: Seed investment

Initial investment: $200,000

Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East) 

Draw

Quarter-finals

Real Madrid (ESP) or Manchester City (ENG) v Juventus (ITA) or Lyon (FRA)

RB Leipzig (GER) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)

Barcelona (ESP) or Napoli (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER) or Chelsea (ENG)

Atalanta (ITA) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)

Ties to be played August 12-15 in Lisbon

Updated: January 04, 2024, 9:33 AM