6 perfect spots to watch Dubai’s ‘sunrise at midnight’ NYE fireworks

As Dubai gears up for one of the biggest nights of the year, several residents are scrambling to locate the perfect vantage point to watch the stunning vista as the emirate sets a new Guinness World Record with a fireworks and pyrotechnic spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

Organisers of Dubai World Record 2014 have confirmed a six-minute extravaganza that will stretch across 100km of shoreline, including The Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands, with 400,000 fireworks being set off from 400 locations. Must read: Your guide to watch Dubai's world record NYE fireworks across 100km of shoreline.

Adding to this master effort will be a technological marvel that will create a ‘sunrise’ at midnight, with a flying falcon taking off into the horizon as the world’s largest pyrotechnic flag in the sky will come to life, stretching across 29,250 square meters.

Meanwhile, further down the road will see the imposing Burj Khalifa bring its own fireworks display to life at the stroke of midnight, with vantage areas peppered across downtown to watch the world’s tallest building light up in a majestic sparkfest.

With residents spoilt for choice this historical December 31 evening, Emirates 24|7 finds for you the best seats in the city to catch these stunning vistas as they explode across the night sky.

Marine ride

By far the best seat in the house, the Roads and Transport Authority are offering people the chance to watch the fireworks being set off from The Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab from its ‘celebration point’ in the waters off the coast of Dubai.

For just Dh75, a special round trip aboard the RTA water bus will start from Dubai Marina Mall Water Transport Station before it sets sail from the Marinal Canal to the coastal waters of Dubai.

The water bus will stop in front of The Palm Jumeirah for 20 minutes at a special ‘celebration point’ around midnight from where those on board will be able to catch the fireworks display across the four major landmarks of the emirate.

Tickets are on sale with the RTA at the Al Ghubaiba, Al Seef and the Marina Mall water stations. For in-depth information on the water-view, read: One way to enjoy fireworks at Palm, Burj Khalifa & Burj Al Arab on NYE all at once.

Party on The Palm

A seat for a gig at any of The Palm Jumeirah gala events and parties will be the hottest ticket of the night, with all the major hotels on the manmade island, including Atlantis The Palm, the Anantara, the Sofitel, the Kempinski, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and the Rixos, are hosting special gala events and parties that will include a ringside seat to the world record attempt.

The biggest gig on The Palm, of course, remains Sandance NYE on Nasimi Beach, which is expected to host over 17,000 people on the night.

While VIP tickets and tables have already sold out, the regular Dh450 tickets are still up for grabs before those too may run out.

Those attending Sandance beware though, as the only way to attend the gig would be on a RTA bus that will depart from the American University of Dubai from 5pm onwards on December 31.

Due to the access restrictions on The Palm on the day, hotels are liaising with guests to ensure they have the entry pass or access to private shuttles to make it to the venues.

House party

While several residents on The Palm Jumeirah have vented their frustration at the entry restrictions imposed on the island due to the NYE fireworks display, organisers of Dubai World Record 2014 have reiterated that each household will be given event passes to shuttle friends and family.

Residents can use their passes to bring in their guests, providing they follow the permitted access timetable.

From 8am to 9pm, access to event pass holders in their personal vehicles and passengers in taxis holding event pass.

From 9pm to 10.30pm, access to passengers in taxis holding event pass only.

Between 10.30pm and 1am access will be stopped for the purpose of safety and security. However, provisions will be made only for emergency situations.

As parking space on the Fronds is limited, residents are advised to limit the number of guest vehicles to a maximum of five vehicles per villa. Each vehicle will have a car pass.

Walking around The Palm Jumeirah will be restricted from 10.30pm onwards to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the show.

However, even with the restrictions in place, a spot on The Palm this NYE will still be a coveted spot to catch the fireworks.

Beach soiree

Forget the parties and the galas if your idea of fun is a night on beach with friends and family, while the world erupts in celebrations around you.

The Burj Al Arab and the Kite Beach will serve as great vantage points to hunker down earlier in the evening for a picnic dinner before the night erupts in a dazzling array of fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

If a party is still the order of the hour, then almost all the beachside hotels along Jumeirah and Al Sufuoh Road are hosting special parties and gigs that will offer you a similar vista with all the frills of a celebratory NYE.

Downtown affair

While the main focus remains on the world record attempt, the other spectacular display remains the traditional Burj Khalifa fireworks by Emaar, which returns this NYE after the magnificent show on November 27, when Dubai won the Expo 2020 bid.

The ever efficient Emaar has uploaded a map on its Downtown Dubai website, which marks the exact locations where you will be able to witness the Burj Khalifa fireworks.

There are also special areas marked for those planning to visit with families and small children to ensure their safety amidst the crowds on the night.

Comfort of your couch

If the chaos that is bound to erupt on NYE is too much for you to handle, then the best option available is the comfort of your own couch.

A quiet night in with close family and friends may just prove to be the hottest ticket of the house.

All you need to do is tune into Dubai One on the night, which will be airing the fireworks display live on TV and you will be set for a Happy New Year indeed.

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