The countdown is on to the end-of-year celebrations, and when the clock strikes midnight, everyone’s eyes will turn to the famous Burj Khalifa fireworks display. These renowned fireworks can be seen all across the city, and we’ve gathered the best spots for you to catch a glimpse of the action.
Plan ahead before you go
Before you choose your spot to ring in the New Year, here are some tips and tricks you should know before going.
| Timings | The main event will kick off at midnight, but be sure to grab your spot earlier in the evening, especially at the Burj Khalifa, as there will be fountain shows and entertainment from 3.30pm onwards. |
| Duration | The dazzling fireworks display lasts 20 minutes – so much for you to enjoy! |
| Ticket prices | For entry to Burj Park, tickets start from 370 AED for children aged 5-12 and 580 AED for adults. |
| How to get there | The most reliable way will be by using Dubai Metro, as roads will be closed from around 6pm – 8pm. Parking will, however, be available in the area (read on to find out more). |
| Find out more | Find out more information on Emaar’s dedicated New Year’s website. |
Where to watch the Burj Khalifa Fireworks
Burj Park
Of course, the absolute best spot in the city to catch the display will be from Burj Park itself. Given that this is a ticketed event, it shouldn’t get too crowded, and you should be able to find a prime spot to watch the light, laser and fireworks displays happening throughout the night. The views here will be truly unbeatable, and ticketholders will be given a food and drink voucher (60 AED for adults and 30 AED for children) to redeem at the many food trucks in the park.
We recommend taking the Dubai Metro for the most hassle-free journey, but if you do need to travel by car, there will be parking options. If you arrive before 5pm (we recommend doing so), parking will be available at public parking areas around the park (Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Zabeel Parking, Fountain Views Parking). After 5pm, you’ll have to park at Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Meydan – Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre. From here, there will be shuttle buses on standby to take you to Burj Park.
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall also offers some great viewing opportunities for the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Why not combine some luxury shopping and delicious dining with the end-of-year celebrations? Visitors to the mall can enjoy free access on the day; however, only those with a restaurant reservation in the Promenade area (overlooking the Dubai Mall Fountains) will be granted access to this prime location. You can also make a reservation at one of the many restaurants in Souk Al Bahar for more breathtaking views – but be sure to plan ahead as places will get fully booked weeks in advance.
Tip: the Apple Store has a premium view of the Dubai Fountain, but we recommend getting there at least 5 hours before midnight as it will surely be crowded!
Al Seef / Dubai Creek
To avoid the crowds in Downtown Dubai, head down towards the waterfront at Dubai Creek, to the heritage district of Al Seef. From here, you will still see an array of fireworks displays, but it will surely be much less crowded than the popular areas. What’s more, alongside the water, the dazzling fireworks will reflect against the canal, making for an even more magical evening. There are also plenty of restaurants in this area where you can enjoy your final meal of 2024 while taking in the traditional architecture in this beautiful area of Dubai.
Dubai Design District
A stone’s throw away from Downtown Dubai, you will find Dubai Design District (D3). This trendy neighbourhood is usually abuzz with people enjoying local and regional artwork, fashion pop-ups and hipster coffee shops. However, one notable aspect of this area is that it has a gorgeous backdrop of the Burj Khalifa – seriously, if you’ve never been here after dark, you need to check it out. The Burj Khalifa lights shine brightly over D3, and the view is simply stunning. This will undoubtedly be one of the lesser-known spots from where you can enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a spectacular view – trust us!
Al Khazzan Park
Situated next to City Walk, Al Khazzan Park stretches across 1.4 acres of open space, and with free entry and close proximity to the Burj Khalifa, you’re sure to get a great view of the fireworks. Arrive early with a picnic in hand and let the kids run around to blow off some steam before welcoming in the new year from this gorgeous viewpoint.
Kite Beach
Usually a spot for daytime sun, Kite Beach will surely still have a buzz about it come nightfall on the 31st of December. Despite it being slightly further away from Downtown, you will undoubtedly still be able to catch a glimpse of some stunning fireworks whilst you feel the sand in between your toes. Access here will be completely free, but again, we advise you to arrive nice and early before all the spots fill up. There are plenty of restaurants at Kite Beach for you to enjoy before the entertainment kicks off, or alternatively, pack a picnic for a classic beach setup. What better way to close out 2024 than dipping your toes in the sea and chilling on the beach? Sounds pretty great to us.
Beyond the Burj: alternative fireworks displays across the city
If the Burj Khalifa fireworks aren’t your thing, and you want to ring in the New Year from another part of Dubai, there will, of course, be many other locations with their own fireworks displays to mark the start of 2025.
One option is to head out to the luxurious Atlantis The Royal, where there will be an exclusive gala event with live entertainment from none other than Lionel Richie, and of course, the night will wrap up with a dazzling fireworks display.
How about a luxury dinner with a beautiful backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, followed by a stunning fireworks display? If that sounds like your perfect way to end the year, head to Madinat Jumeirah, where you’ll be spoilt for delicious restaurant choices. One of our recent favourites is Lebanese restaurant Al Nafoorah in the Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel. If you get a spot on the terrace, the views overlooking the water and the Burj Al Arab are glorious, and you’re sure to get a fantastic view of the fireworks at midnight.
Finally, how about heading down to The Beach at JBR or over to Bluewaters Island for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show? There are plenty of restaurants to pick from in these areas, but you can also head to the beach for free to catch a glimpse of the sky lighting up. Honestly, anywhere you go around here, you’ll get a great view – you won’t be able to miss it!
Happy New Year
However you choose to spend your New Year’s Eve 2024, we hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Dubai really pulls out all the stops when it comes to celebrations, and New Year’s Eve will be no different this year. Happy New Year – here’s to a fruitful 2025!