Dubai readies dazzling citywide festivities for New Year’s Eve

Fireworks, drone shows and concerts to light up the emirate as it welcomes the new year

Last updated: November 16, 2025 | 22:59

1 MIN READ

From Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah, the emirate readies its most ambitious celebrations yet.

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Dubai is preparing for a spectacular and historic welcome to the New Year 2026, with Burj Khalifa set to shine as the glittering centrepiece of a night like no other.

The emirate is getting ready to host millions of residents and visitors as it transforms into one of the world’s most striking festive destinations. Burj Khalifa’s iconic fireworks and light show will once again push creative and technical boundaries, combining choreography, lasers and music in a performance that will be broadcast worldwide.

Also Read: New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Fireworks to desert escapes — how to ring in 2026

Citywide celebrations will stretch from the desert to the waterfront, with fireworks at Palm Jumeirah, drone shows along the coastline, outdoor concerts, winter markets, luxury gala dinners and family-friendly events from Dubai Marina to Al Seef.

Building on Dubai’s reputation for staging some of the world’s most memorable New Year’s Eve celebrations, 2026 is expected to be another landmark moment — a night when the city brings people together under one sky to welcome a new beginning, in true Dubai style.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.