Live Updates: UAE welcomes New Year 2023 with fireworks, world-record-breaking display

Kuwaiti father Sulaiman Alsallal took his three sons – aged 11, 7 and 5 – to the foot of the Burj Khalifa to welcome the year 2023, the crossroads. The best embodiment of positive emotions. He told Gulf News: “This is the first time we celebrate New Year in Dubai and it is amazing. In this New Year, I hope my sons grow up to be strong, respectable, intelligent and caring people.”

Keeping safe during celebrations

#Traffic_Update | Closure of Sheikh Zayed Rd. in both directions for commuters from the Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout to Al Safa Bridge.#MyDubaiNewYear

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 31, 2022

We are just over an hour away from saying goodbye to 2022 and welcoming 2023. Excitement and anticipation are building at the Burj Khalifa, what can we expect from this year’s show at the world’s tallest tower? 828 meters of fireworks 2,500 launch directions 287 launch positions 22,000 gallons of aerial water 344 underwater robots 145,000 watts of optical power 4,000 watts of laser

Tourists flood Dubai Mall

Revelers gather at Dubai Mall

As we head into the New Year, there is magic in the air, and no one is more excited than children who, with their innocence and purity of character, tell us that the changing years bring happiness and new hope.

Dubai-based entertainer and magician Rene Nocomora charmed some children at the Dubai Mall ahead of a stunning fireworks display over the Burj Khalifa.

The first of several fireworks at Global Village. New Year’s festivities kick off on the main stage at 8pm local time, which coincides with midnight in the Philippines, before moving to Thailand (9pm), Bangladesh (10pm), India (10.30pm), Pakistan (11pm), UAE (12am) and ends with Turkey (1am).

Dubai Police notified residents of road closures in Dubai. Authorities are also urging the public to cooperate with police, obey traffic directions and avoid congestion. They can dial 999 in an emergency, 901 in a non-emergency or contact any police officer at the scene.

The crowds at the Dubai Mall grew as joyful crowds flocked to take their seats at restaurants with the best views of the Burj Khalifa.

Mall security set up barricades to direct the flow of people and check that only those with reservations are allowed in. Those who made reservations at the restaurant were given color-coded wristbands.

However, there are several public viewing areas in Downtown Dubai that are free to enter on a first-come, first-served basis.

President of the UAE share good wishes new year

Authorities ensured compliance with safety, security and accessibility during New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to Dubai Police, a total of 10,597 personnel, 5,800 security personnel, 1,420 volunteers, 3,651 patrol officers and vehicles, and 45 sea vessels were deployed at 30 locations where celebrations and fireworks will be held. This is on top of 10,000 CCTVs to ease the flow of traffic and the movement of people. Teams from Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority, Civil Defence, and Dubai Ambulance Service are at various locations in Dubai, especially in the Burj Khalifa area.

Jubaida Judiane, 43, a face painting artist from the Philippines, works her magic and transforms the faces of children into colorful tigers, cats, butterflies, unicorns, superheroes including Spiderman, Batman and more.

This will be the third year in a row that Filipino expatriate Ryan Sta Teresa and Indian national Nizan will work on New Year’s Eve. They will be away from their families when the clock strikes 12, but say the warm company of colleagues and knowing their customers are happy is enough to start the New Year with joy.

People start to gather at Burj Khalifa Park

family arriving early Dubai Mall

Families arrive at Sharjah Corniche on New Year’s Eve

The UAE will bid farewell to 2022 and welcome 2023 with dazzling fireworks and a world-record-breaking pyrotechnic display. In Dubai, residents and visitors will have a choice as fireworks will light up the night sky at more than 30 locations across the city, with celebrations centered around the Burj Khalifa’s traditional fireworks and laser show.

The capital is aiming to break three Guinness World Records, including the largest firework display at 40 minutes. There will also be fireworks displays at other Abu Dhabi landmarks.

Sharjah’s Al Majaz Waterfront will also host a spectacular fireworks display, while Khorfakkan Beach will host a family-oriented event.Fireworks will also be set off from Ajman Corniche and Fujairah’s Umbrella Beach, while Ras Al Khaimah will set a new world record for drone-launched fireworks