Dubai: Hundreds of thousands of revellers bid goodbye to 2014 and welcomed 2015 with a bang under a canopy of spectacular fireworks, and a laser and light show in Downtown Dubai on Wednesday night.
As the clock struck midnight, the Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest tower — was lit up by a six-part fireworks display apart from a laser and light show.
The fireworks display, which lasted for about 12 minutes, began with the LED display of the UAE National Flag on the facade of the Burj Khalifa.
The whole tower was draped with flashing colours, slowly going up and down the tower.
The display paid tribute to the country's successes, especially Dubai World Expo 2020 win.
The lights resembled that of a molten magma flowing down the tower, sometimes mimicking twinkling stars.
A helicopter hovered around after the fireworks and dropped confetti on the crowd as the show's final surprise.
Revelers exchanged greetings and wishes right after the show.
The whole celebration was punctuated by the playing of the UAE National Anthem along with the Dancing Fountain.
Crowds also gathered at the corniches in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, the Burj Al Arab, Global Village and Atlantis The Palm to enjoy the spectacular pyrotechnics.
The Burj Khalifa fireworks display paid tribute to Dubai, its leadership, and the country’s 43 years of nationhood through an LED slideshow.
Revellers gathered at viewing spots off Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard and even camped out in open spaces across Shaikh Zayed Road from where the Burj Khalifa was visible.
Earlier, revellers packed the Dubai Metro as authorities discouraged residents from taking their cars to the Downtown Dubai area to help ease traffic flow.
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station had to be closed as early as 7pm due to the swelling commuter numbers. The Roads and Transport Agency had earlier announced that the station would be closed from 10pm.
Parking spaces at the Dubai Mall and underground parking facilities at Downtown Dubai were full by midday, motorists claimed.
Organisers closed the entire Dubai Fountain area to the general public and diverted the crowds to viewing areas in designated spaces near the boulevard.
Restaurant guests were given priority to watch the fireworks relatively up-close. Families were also allowed into the Burj Park.
Revellers expressed hope that 2015 would be a better year in terms of opportunities for everyone.
For Amir Saeed Bachache, January 1 is extra special. It is a double celebration for this Algerian boy who turns 13 today.
“We came here only for the New Year’s Eve fireworks. We always watch it every year because we like it a lot and it’s also my birthday,” Amir told Gulf News.
“I wish a great year for the UAE. For myself, I hope to perform better in school and be a better goalkeeper [in football] next year.”
For Pakistani expatriate Osama Muzaffer, being able to watch the fireworks live was a “lifetime achievement”.
“They transformed the Burj Khalifa’s facade into an LED-illuminated display. Once a week, they do it on a small portion of the Burj Khalifa’s base. Imagine, this is the whole building,” Muzaffer, a father of four, told Gulf News.
German couple Ihssan and Katharina could not contain their excitement about the fireworks, but were a bit disappointed when they learned that all the restaurants near the fountain were no longer accepting guests without reservations. Nonetheless, they had a fun time.
“We only see the Burj Khalifa fireworks on TV. Last year, we were in London for New Year’s Eve celebrations. So this year we made it a point to watch it live,” Katharina said.
Authorities expected between 1.2 million and 1.4 million revellers at what is dubbed as the Centre of Now for the fireworks display.
Last year, an estimated 1.7 million people braved the cold to watch the show as the world ushered in 2014.
