Dubai: The much anticipated fireworks display that will illuminate the night sky from the Burj Khalifa to usher in 2013 will be synchronised with live orchestral music.
Following its spectacular New Year’s Eve gala in 2010 and 2011, Emaar Properties, the event’s host, will hold its third New Year fireworks display synchronised and choreographed to a live performance from the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra on December 31.
One of Europe’s leading music ensembles, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra will perform classical music at the Burj Steps, overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
To be held at Downtown Dubai on December 31, the New Year countdown is expected to attract more than a million visitors. Live dance and artistic performances, including a video montage of UAE’s multicultural society, will enthrall audiences hours before midnight of January 1.
“Every year when we plan the festivities for New Year we set ourselves an ambitious target — to make it the most watched spectacle on Earth. This year, we have the largest array of events — all scaled up in terms of creative excellence and artistic brilliance,” Ahmad Al Matroushi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said.
The New Year Countdown, similar to those held annually in London, New York, and Sydney, will be telecast live to an estimated two billion viewers and will be projected on a huge 210-metre screen.
When asked for arrangements on how they will ensure revellers will be able to reach and leave the location with ease, an Emaar spokesperson told Gulf News: “To ensure smooth-flowing traffic, visitors are recommended to take advantage of the various options for public transport, including Dubai Metro which is scheduled to run through the night.”
The Roads and Transport Authority over the weekend announced that the Dubai Metro will operate for 24 hours beginning at 6am on December 31 until its closing time on January 1 to encourage people to use public transport and avoid traffic congestion near Downtown Dubai. Taxis will be given special lanes to ease traffic flow in the area as well. The Emaar Boulevard will be closed to traffic by 6pm on December 31.
Last year, revellers by the hundreds got stranded near Dubai Mall after watching the fireworks display despite the extended service of the Dubai Metro and the deployment of additional feeder buses in the area. There was total chaos on Shaikh Zayed Road as commuters walked and crossed the highway at will. Gulf News even spotted people walking along the flyovers to hunt for taxis.
