All decked up to ring in 2017
dubai/abu dhabi/sharjah — As the world is all prepared to ring in the new year, preparations are on full swing across the UAE for the much-awaited festivities.
As expected, the most sought after destination is Downtown Dubai, where 650,000 people are expected to step in to watch the New Year fireworks and laser show displayed on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Choreographed to a customised soundtrack, the pyrotechnics display will bring to life several milestone moments and artistic interpretations in fireworks of a falcon flying high, swirling comets, and Arabian dance forms. In specialized red and white comet shows and LED shows, the pyrotechnics will be displayed from Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera and various landmarks. The finale of the event will feature a display in pyrotechnics celebrating Dubai’s current and future icons.
Various authorities are completing the last-minute preparations to give the New Year revellers a safe and comfortable experience of watching the spectacular show.
Signboards are already erected across the location to avoid any confusion. Authorities have set 28 tents across the location for providing first aid and lost and found services. Barricades are installed to control the viewers across the Downtown Dubai area.
“We urge people to get to head to the celebrations early and before 8pm, to follow the officers’ instructions, and avoid hindering traffic flow,” Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, director of the general department of the security bodies, enterprises and emergency, said two days ago, while an- nouncing the preparations. Traffic restrictions will also be in place to facilitate a smooth travel for the visitors to and from the event locations. Public transit means will be running overtime to assist the visitors.
For those who want to show off their presence at the festival site, telecom company du has announced a happy news. Marwan bin Shakar, vice-president - mobile access network & operations, said: “We have invested in our network to prepare for the New Year’s eve: Mobile data capacity will be increased by more than 35 per cent in the high footfall areas while voice capacity will be upgraded by 30 per cent.
Other than the Downtown Dubai area (the Burj Khalifa), attractive fireworks will welcome 2017 at Burj Al Arab and the Global Village.
In Abu Dhabi, firework displays will be held at Emirates Palace, Al Maryah Island Promenade, Yas Island and Khor Al Maqtaa.
For the first time in Sharjah, Al Majaz Waterfront has announced a 10-minute fireworks, offering a memorable entry into the new year for the visitors.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com