NYE fireworks and drone show at Sheikh Zayed Festival Abu Dhabi

Spectacular firework displays 

Dazziling fireworks at Burj Khalifa 

We are together again. Masks off, smiles on

Countdown begins 

Festive vibe in Sharjah 

Celebrations at Sheikh Zayed Festival

People await for firework display

A father’s wish

The positive mood on New Year’s Eve is best exemplified by Kuwaiti father Sulaiman Alsallal, who came with his three sons – aged 11, 7 and 5 – to welcome 2023 at the foot of Burj Khalifa. He told Gulf News: “This is our first time to celebrate New Year in Dubai and it’s magical. My wish this New Year is for my sons to grow up as strong, respectful, intelligent and loving men.” 

Ensuring safety during celebrations

Traffic Update

Excitement builds up at Burj Khalifa

We’re a little over an hour away from bidding goodbye to 2022 and welcoming 2023. Excitement and anticipation at Burj Khalifa are increasing, and what can we expect from this year’s show at the world’s tallest tower? 828 metres of fireworks 2,500 firing directions 287 firing positions 22,000 gallons of water in the air 344 underwater robots 145,000 watts of light power 4,000 watts of lasers

Road closure

Crowds gather at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Visitors throng Dubai Mall

Fireworks at Dubai’s Global Village 

New Year celebrations at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Traffic Update

How Dubai Police handle security during NYE celebrations

Magical moment

Magic is in the air as we welcome the New Year, and no one can be more excited than the kids who – with their innocence and pure character – tell us that the changing of years bring with it happiness and renewed hope. 

Dubai-based entertainer and magician Rene Nocomora wows some kids at Dubai Mall before the marvelous fireworks at Burj Khalifa.

Al Ayyala Dance performance at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Securing celebrations

Early fireworks 

First of several fireworks at Global Village. The New Year festivities kicked off at 8pm (local time) on the main stage, coinciding with midnight in the Philippines before moving to Thailand (9pm), Bangladesh (10pm), India (10.30pm), Pakistan (11pm), UAE (12am) and finishing with Turkey (1am).

Road closure

Notification from Dubai Police advising residents of road closures in Dubai. Authorities also urged the public to cooperate with the police and adhere to traffic instructions to avoid congestion. They can call Dubai Police on 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergencies or approach any officer on site. 

Laser show at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Coming in droves

The crowd at Dubai Mall is getting bigger as merrymakers are coming in droves to take their reserved seats at restaurants with the best views of Burj Khalifa.

Mall security have set up barricades to direct the movement of people and to check that only those who made reservations can gain entry. Those with restaurants bookings have been given color-coded wristbands.

There are several public viewing areas, however, in Downtown Dubai, where entry is free of charge entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ensuring health and safety of guests

People await for spectacular fireworks

Celebrations at Global Village 

Traffic Update 

Celebrations at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Fun time at Global Village

Aerial view of the Dubai Fountain

Entertainment at Global Village

Safety and security first

Authorities ensure safety, security and accessibility are observed during New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to Dubai Police, a total of 10,597 personnel, 5,800 security guards, 1,420 volunteers, 3,651 patrols and vehicles, and 45 marine boats, are deployed at 30 locations where celebrations and fireworks will take place. This is on top of the 10,000 CCTVs employed to ease traffic movement and mobility of people. Teams from Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority, Civil Defence and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services are at various locations in Dubai, especially in Burj Khalifa area. 

Aerial view of Burj Khalifa

People await for fireworks 

Dubai is ready to ring in 2023

Traffic diversion

Ensuring safety

Face painting for kids

Jubaida Judiane, 43, face paint artist from the Philippines, works her magic, transforming kid’s faces into colourful tigers, cats, butterflies, unicorns, superheroes, including Spider-Man, Batman, and more. 

Timelapse – Crowd of visitors at Global Village

Service with a smile

This will be the third year straight that Filipino expat Ryan Sta Teresa and Indian national Nizan are working on New Year’s Eve. They will be away from their families when the clock strikes 12, but they said warm the company of their colleagues and knowing that their customers are satisfied are good enough to welcome the New Year on a happy note.

Kids activities at Global Village 

Visitors throng Downtown Dubai

Cloudy skies on New Year’s Eve

Revellers arrive at at Global Village

‘Adhere to safety measures’

People start converging at Burj Park

Traffic Update: Al Asayel Street towards Burj Khalifa is now closed

Families reach early at Dubai Mall

 People arrive at Dubai Mall to witness the fireworks