UAE Welcomes 2025 with Grand Fireworks and Lavish Festivities
The British newspaper The Telegraph shed light on the UAE’s grand New Year’s Eve fireworks displays and extravagant spending, which it described as an effort to enhance the country’s global image while overshadowing its significant human rights violations.
The article noted that, before its iconic skyscrapers, the UAE—a Gulf nation comprising seven emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi—was a region defined by intense tribal rivalries. Today, families like the Al Maktoum and Al Nahyan, who rule Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, have set aside territorial disputes. However, a fierce competition remains in the realm of fireworks.
“If you caught the New Year’s Eve news coverage, chances are you witnessed the UAE’s fireworks displays,” the newspaper remarked, pointing out their strategic timing four hours ahead of the UK, ensuring prime visibility for viewers tuning in to celebrate.
In Dubai, last year’s show to welcome 2024 featured fireworks in water-color hues launched horizontally from the 830-meter Burj Khalifa, accompanied by a digital display of a giant turtle scaling the tower.
Emaar Properties, the developer behind the show, does not disclose its budget, but industry experts estimate the event cost roughly £10 million—more than double London’s New Year’s Eve budget, which also includes policing and event management.
Abu Dhabi, not to be outdone, celebrated with a 40-minute extravaganza that combined massive quantities of fireworks with an aerial performance involving 5,000 drones.
A Record-Breaking Rivalry
Ras Al Khaimah, a quieter emirate known for its luxury getaways, has also entered the competition. It set two Guinness World Records last year: one for the longest floating fireworks chain (5.8 km) and another for the longest straight-line drone show (2 km).
Guy Westgate, a commercial pilot and founder of AeroSparx, a company involved in UAE fireworks displays, observed, “The competition in the UAE is intense, sparking remarkable creativity.” He added, “While large budgets play a role, the key differentiator in the UAE is the mindset of pushing boundaries for bigger, more imaginative displays.”
Dr. Tom Smith, Secretary-General of the British Pyrotechnics Association, highlighted how advanced computer software now enables fireworks to be timed with millisecond precision, revolutionizing the spectacle despite the traditional mechanics remaining largely unchanged.
In Dubai, pilots like Westgate and his colleague Rob Barsby flew light aircraft through coordinated drone and fireworks explosions, creating a scene likened to Top Gun more than a traditional fireworks show.
Boosting the Tourism Industry
This fireworks race has significantly bolstered the UAE’s tourism sector. Emaar reported that around one million spectators attended last year’s display in downtown Dubai, with Abu Dhabi citing similar attendance figures.
In Ras Al Khaimah, around 65,000 visitors viewed the show, prompting the development of new waterfront camping areas to attract additional spectators.
The hospitality sector also thrives during these events. A stay at Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, on New Year’s Eve can cost upwards of £13,000, while a prime viewing spot for the Burj Khalifa fireworks at a Five Guys restaurant balcony goes for AED 1,750 (around £378).
