Burj Khalifa fireworks tonight
The iconic skyscraper is all set and ready for the show tonight. There are several free areas for the public to watch the famed Burj Khalifa fireworks tonight. Operating on a first come first serve basis, the gates to these locations will be closed once capacity is reached. Free shuttle buses will operate from these areas to various parts of the emirate.
‘Everyone is relaxed’
At Zouzou restaurant in Dubai Mall, the staff were already on their feet and serving customers. There are a few select seats remaining and according to Ava, they have received a lot of interest for it. Although NYE is busy in Dubai Mall and surrounding areas, Ava said service is relaxed on the day. “We only have a select number of customers who come in this day — those who have already reserved their spot,” she said. “They start coming in around 3pm and stay till midnight. Everyone is relaxed, enjoying the food and waiting for the fireworks. So the ambiance is very laidback and calm.”
14 hours before Show!
People could be seen queuing up and trying to get past security into the fountain area as early as 9:30am.
Clear signage at Dubai Mall
At Dubai Mall, it is the calm before the storm. Ticketing counters are set up for those wanting to buy last minute restaurant tickets to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks upfront. Barriers have been set up throughout the mall and access to the fountain area is restricted.
As the day passes, the mall and surrounding areas will get busier as thousands of people are expected to come to Downtown Dubai to watch the tallest fireworks in the world up in person.
There are clear sign boards to indicate which way to go for the free public viewing areas and for those with reservations to restaurants that have a Burj Khalifa view. Ticket prices start from Dh2500 and go up to Dh12,000 per person.
Sharjah ready to welcome 2026 with fireworks
A 2026 sign has been put on display at Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah, as preparations have been made to welcome the New Year with fireworks and drone shows. Sharjah will welcome the New Year with fireworks across three locations tonight — Al Heera Beach, Khorfakkan Beach, and Al Majaz Waterfront. The largest celebration will be held in Al Majaz Waterfront, where thousands of people turn up to watch the celebrations.
What the day holds ahead
From record-breaking fireworks to carefully laid out security plans, the UAE cuts no corners when it comes to creating the perfect New Year’s Eve experiences. Here’s what to expect today:
- Fireworks in over 60 locations ready to light up the sky with bright colours and designs
- Dubai’s Global Village to welcome 2026 with seven countdowns
- Attempt to break five new Guinness World Records at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi
- Drone shows in various locations, including Dubai Frame for the first time
- Dubai’s RTA to implement phased road closures to ensure smooth traffic flow
- For the first time ever, the New Year celebrations at Downtown Dubai will run for eight days, from December 31, 2025 to January 7, 2026
Heading out to work?
Significant traffic along E11 on Al Ittihad Road from Sharjah to Dubai on Wednesday morning. Looks like some things don’t change even if it is the last day of the year!
Earlier this month, Khaleej Times reported that motorists in the UAE spent more time on the roads in 2025 compared to last year, losing up to 45 hours in traffic jams as the population and the number of vehicles increased in the country.
However, major transport projects are in the pipeline to ease these longstanding woes around commutes in the UAE, so here’s our wish for 2026: less traffic!
The Burj Khalifa will be a hotspot this evening, and some traffic is already building up in the area. Dubai authorities have already laid out a comprehensive traffic and safety plan. Stay with us as we bring you more updates on that later.
Will it rain on New Year’s Eve?
UAE residents woke up to partially cloudy skies with strong winds and slightly chilly weather on Wednesday morning. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said that low clouds may appear over the island and some coastal and northern areas.
Moderate rains hit Ras Al Khaimah overnight on December 30. Authorities advised avoiding wadis, water pools, and flash flood areas, and urge everyone to exercise caution.
However, as of now, National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has not yet predicted rain in the UAE on December 31.
365 Days… Nearly Done!
Few places do New Year’s Eve quite like the UAE. The country goes all out to make the year-end celebrations the biggest of the year, attracting millions — residents and tourists alike — who turn up for an unforgettable experience here.
From breathtaking light shows at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to record-breaking fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah and 6,500-drone show in Abu Dhabi — it is so hard to pick which marvel to witness during the last few hours of December 31.
And so, Khaleej Times brings you everything — the vibes from the ground through our reporters stationed across the emirates, to transport and safety advisories for revellers in the country. Whether you are planning a night out with friends or staying in with your family, we will bring you real-time updates on the most exciting night of the year. Stay with us!
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Source: Khaleej Times
31st December, 2025
