How New Year is celebrated in UAE

UAE public holiday for New Year's Day

According to the official portal of the UAE Government, 1 January is an official day off in the UAE. It is a time when both government employees and private sector workers can enjoy the festivities with family or friends.

Grand fireworks displays in the UAE on New Year's Eve

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah organise large-scale fireworks displays every year, attracting thousands of spectators. One of the main places to welcome the New Year is the Burj Khalifa neighbourhood in Dubai. Here, spectators enjoy synchronised light shows, fountains and musical performances.

This year, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS, Dubai is set to launch more than 45 fireworks shows at 36 key locations throughout New Year's Eve, covering some of the city's most iconic tourist, hotel, and commercial areas. The event aims to cater to the diverse needs of visitors from all nationalities.

In Ras Al Khaimah, tourists are welcomed by fireworks, which regularly set Guinness records. Last year, two records were achieved in Ras Al Khaimah, following an eight-minute-long fireworks and drone display to celebrate the New Year. The display broke the records for the longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks, spanning 5.8 kilometres, and the longest straight-line drone display, a total length of 2 kilometres. 

More than 50,000 people watched the midnight celebrations, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. The show featured a combination of 1,050 LED drones, aquatic floating fireworks displayed to look like a carpet of pyrotechnics, and an acrobatic pyro planes display inspired by the natural scenery of the emirate.

Transport and access in Dubai during New Year's Eve

As Dubai gears up for its New Year celebrations, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended service hours for public transport, including the Dubai Metro and Tram. This move aims to ease the usual traffic congestion and provide a convenient way for everyone to get around during the festivities.

Starting 31 December at 5 AM, the Dubai metro will operate nonstop until the end of 1 January, offering more than 43 hours of continuous service. The Dubai tram will also be available for extended hours, from 6 AM on 31 December 31 to 1 AM on 2 January local time (GMT+4).

Photo: iStock