Dubai: Get ready for a never-seen-before NYE spectacle as Emaar attempts to set a Guinness World Record with a light show at Downtown Dubai. Called ‘Light Up 2018’, the event will see the skies above the city lit up in a choreographed laser and light show.
“The façade of Downtown Dubai’s iconic buildings [including Burj Khalifa] will serve as the canvas for the spectacular show that is set to a specially choreographed music,” Emaar said in a statement. A promotional video on Burj Khalifa’s social media handle provides an insight into how the show is being planned.
Massive work
“Over 5,000 man hours have been used to set up the upcoming light installation,” said spokesperson of the developer.
That‘s same amount of time that went into the preparation of the famous 2014 NYE Palm Jumeirah fireworks.
“More than 300 experts, including over 100 rope access professionals, have been on site for nearly five months designing and installing the diverse aspects of the spectacle,” said the spokesperson. “With over 7.7km of power cabling undertaken, and over 25.3km of rope used for rigging the various elements, remarkable effort has gone in to make the celebration to be on a scale never-before witnessed. The show is choreographed to music by the UAE’s Dhabiwood Studios. More than 80 musicians from the UAE have come together for the musical composition.”
‘Light Up 2018’ will celebrate the UAE’s achievements and pay tribute to the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to mark the Year of Zayed in 2018.
The celebrations will kick off at 5pm starting with The Dubai Fountain shows and live DJ, and continue until 1am. Visitors are urged to be at the venue by 6pm.
Vantage points
Here are some viewing spots if you’re not heading to Dubai Mall:
1. Al Khail Road: Head to the Sharjah-bound side and you can get a great view of the lights show from Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Meydan Interchange and Business Bay Interchange.
2. Special viewing decks: Decks have been installed at Burj Park and at some spots in Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard.
3. Watch at home: The event will be broadcast live on televisions as well as on Burj Khalifa’s social media accounts and on big screens in Downtown Dubai.
4. Taj Dubai: Head to the rooftop at Taj Dubai in Business Bay if you have booked a table or a staycation for the night.
NYE fireworks in the UAE
Kite Beach, Dubai: This is one of the best places to watch the fireworks on Burj Al Arab as well as Palm Jumeirah.
Festival City: Along with the award winning IMAGINE show Festival City will light up the sky with four fireworks displays at 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and the grand finale at midnight to welcome the New Year.
Abu Dhabi Corniche: Catch the spectacle from the inaugural NYE Village
Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah: A dazzling display of light and colours will light up the sky above Al Majaz Waterfront.
Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah: Watch the Guinness World Record bid for the ‘Largest aerial firework shell’.
