Tourism, Entertainment, Events & Celebrations To Light Up The UAE’s Skies On New Year’s Eve

Within the framework of the UAE’s unified tourism identity and the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, which was recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE is all set to host a wide array of festive events and the longest display of fireworks across the country on New Year’s Eve to usher in 2021.

All Emirates have announced a series of events, tourism and entertainment shows to celebrate the ‘world’s coolest winter’, as seen in the country during this season every year. The whole world looks forward to the UAE’s New Year celebrations every year, especially the display of fireworks in the most prominent tourist attractions across all seven Emirates.

Festivities to ring in 2021 will take place in adherence to all precautionary health and safety measures that have been adopted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the health safety of the community by avoiding overcrowding and maintaining social distancing, the events have been distributed across various places in each Emirate.

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs said that the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign adds a special and distinct dimension to the UAE’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and the winter tourism and entertainment events this year. The campaign achieves this by encouraging the country’s citizens and residents to rediscover the uniqueness and beauty of the UAE’s tourism spots and their diversity that extends to all the emirates of the country. These efforts fall in line with the domestic tourism strategy, which was recently launched by the Ministry of Economy and implemented along with local tourism departments and other concerned Federal and local authorities.

H.E. said: “Domestic tourism is one of the most important elements of the national tourism sector and accounts for more than 17 per cent of the total tourism movement in the country. Our aim is to increase the volume of domestic tourism and double that percentage by 2030, especially since domestic tourism has proven its ability to recover at a faster pace and contribute to driving tourism growth. This is evident in the number of hotel guests in UAE from the domestic market had during the months of August, September and October 2020, as it exceeded the figures recorded during the same months in 2019.”

H.E. Al Falasi added: “The UAE possesses all the elements of sustainable and high-end tourism of all kinds, whether in terms of infrastructure, services, and hotel and tourism facilities, or in terms of natural and environmental diversity, leisure activities and beaches, shopping and similar festivals, adventure activities and landmarks. The ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign is an open invitation to all citizens, residents and visitors to explore the diverse tourism treasures that the UAE possesses, and it’s distinct services and entertainment activities – all the while benefitting from the privacy offered by each of the Emirates. All these factors contribute to an unforgettable tourism experience that they can share with others.”

In support of domestic tourism, and in coordination between the Ministry of Economy, the Media Office of the UAE government, and in partnership with all local tourism authorities, domestic tourism is promoted at all levels. On social media, Emirati social media influencers as well as international social media celebrities such as Steve Harvey and Nas Daily have all joined the campaign. The World’s Coolest Winter Challenge was also launched in partnership with Du, which continues to garner unprecedented engagement from all segments of the UAE community.

Against this backdrop, all Emirates of the country have announced a variety of tourism activities on New Year’s Eve 2021, as part of the campaign.

Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a dazzling array of celebrations in UAE’s capital on New Year’s Eve, including fireworks shows in some of Abu Dhabi’s most renowned neighborhoods. These include the Corniche, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Wathba.

Alongside DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, the capital will be hosting many more activities to ring in the New Year, including a breathtaking display of fireworks by the organizers of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, spanning 35 minutes and breaking two Guinness World Records.  The festival will also feature a range of shows and performances by local and international bands. In addition, Al Maryah Island will also be hosting its popular annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, organized by Mubadala Investment Company.

Dubai

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing announced that Dubai will continue to shine by hosting an array of new year festivities and activities as part of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign. The celebrations will enable everyone to welcome 2021 in the company of their family and loved ones by being part of various celebrations hosted by the Emirate. The revellers will be able to enjoy the wonderful winter weather and delicious food or participate in family events that provide children with a variety of activities. They will also be able to watch the spectacular fireworks displays at midnight – one of the most important highlights of the night. Besides, Dubai Shopping Festival events are also continuing across the city, adding to the joy and fun on the occasion of New Year’s Eve.

Among the most prominent activities that can be enjoyed in Dubai on New Year’s Eve are the Dubai Shopping Festival markets, including the Festival Market in the Seef area, which will feature kites and marine animals, as well as the Dubai Festival Market in Al Khawaneej, which offers the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ show.

As for the fireworks and laser shows to welcome the new year, 23 locations across Dubai are set to light up the skies. These include Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Frame, Global Village, La Mer, The Beach – opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence, Seef, Nshama Town Square, Bab Al Shams Resort, Le Royal Meridien Resort and Spa, Bvlgari Resort Dubai, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Emirates Golf Club, Address Montgomerie Dubai, Jebel Ali Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, One & Only Hotel. Palm Jumeirah, as well as One & Only Royal Mirage, Atlantis Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, and Park Hyatt Hotel.

To enable the community to enjoy these celebrations, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has allowed ferry transportation on sea routes, ‘abras,’ water buses and taxis from which spectators can watch the fireworks displays held at Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach and Palm Jumeirah. Drone shows and fireworks can also be witnessed at The Beach, opposite JBR and Bluewaters. In addition, the Emirate will host a number of live music concerts by Arab and foreign singers and artists.

Sharjah

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced that the most prominent events for the New Year’s Eve will be held at Khor Fakkan. The Khor Fakkan Amphitheater will host a concert – the first of its kind in terms of artistic range, led by two of the brightest Arab singers – the Emirati artist Hussein Al Jasmi and the Egyptian actress Angham.

Additionally, Al Majaz Waterfront and entertainment facilities overlooking the Sharjah Musical Fountain and Khalid Lake will host distinctive fireworks displays, which are highly popular. Also, Al Noor Island will provide an exceptional opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve and watch fireworks from its beaches.

Ajman

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is organizing two fireworks displays on December 31st at midnight to welcome the New Year 2021. The displays that are part of ATDD’s efforts to enhance Ajman’s tourism position locally and regionally, will add further value to the UAE’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The spectacular fireworks will be launched from two locations, one at Ajman Corniche which is opposite to Ajman Saray, and another next to the Oberoi Beach Resort at Al Zorah managed by Al Zorah Development Company. It will be a five-minute display of mind-blowing fireworks that will be a visual treat for the onlookers. The general public can enjoy the Al Zorah fireworks at the Marina 1, which is also a perfect spot to click amazing pictures.

Ras Al Khaimah

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced that the emirate is preparing to welcome the new year 2021 with one of the largest fireworks displays in the world. The performances include a variety of fireworks that will illuminate the beaches of Al Marjan Island, which spans 4 km, to the sound of captivating music performances that will last for 10 minutes.

In accordance with the precautionary measures and social distancing standards, the Emirate will celebrate the New Year’s Eve without the allocation of any public areas for viewing or gatherings. However, the celebrations will be broadcast live by television stations, social media channels and the website: raknye.com starting from 11:45 pm on December 31, 2020.

The Authority stated that despite the current unprecedented circumstances, the Emirate’s hotels are keen to provide distinguished experiences that enable the visitors to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in an atmosphere full of joy and pleasure. The Authority has also launched a wide range of valuable offers to enrich the visitors’ celebrations of the New Year and enable them to spend unforgettable times with their loved ones. Many hotels also offer open-air areas to watch the fireworks.

Fujairah

In addition, the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority announced that the Emirate will host fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve 2021 in two locations – the Fujairah Corniche and Dibba Fujairah Corniche.