BIGGER, BETTER, SAFER
DUST OFF YOUR PARTY DRESS AS UAE READIES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA
DUBAI — Dazzling fireworks or a spectacular light show? A leisurely cruise on an abra or dancing in one of the most happening parties in the world? If you are in the UAE for New Year’s Eve, you are simply spoilt for choice on how to celebrate. You could ring in 2018 in the shadow of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, with a record-breaking light show, or you could blast into the new year with fireworks displays in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and even Ras Al Khaimah.
The authorities have put in place a robust plan to ensure safety as you indulge in revelries. In Dubai, some roads will be closed, a Metro station will be shut and separate routes have been specified for bachelors and families to get to Downtown Dubai. Similar steps are in place in other places, too. Yes, it’s going to be a bigger, better and safer New Year’s Eve.
I’m a huge fan of Katy Perry and I’m heading to the concert with my sister. She is the only person in Dubai who I’m close to and we love celebrating everything together.” Sonia Malik, Pakistani resident
Being near the Burj Khalifa is amazing but to book a table or a room near it is too expensive and it is very crowded as well. New Year’s Eve for me is a strictly intimate affair.” Hafsa Qadeer, Pakistani resident
We are against the whole consumerism and ‘bigness’ of the event. We usually have a quiet family dinner and go to sleep. If we are awake, we watch the fireworks.” Stanislava Burianek, Russian resident
I intend to stay in Dubai and hang out with some of my friends for NYE. A small intimate affair with some close family and friends is my idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve.” Sandeep David, Indian resident
I am most definitely planning to watch the fireworks… given that the crowds are a bit too much, I may find a more comfortable place to check it out.” Vishal Menon, Indian resident
dubai — From house parties in rented apartments near the Burj Khalifa to attending Katy Perry’s concert in Abu Dhabi, or just spending a quiet night watching the spectacular fireworks, everyone has something planned for New Year’s Eve (NYE) 2018.
Though several people are on the lookout for the best spot to watch the Burj Khalifa spectacle, a lot of residents are sceptical about spending huge amounts of money at restaurants, clubs and bars.
Khaleej Times caught up with a few UAE residents to know their plans for NYE.
Pakistani national Sonia Malik intends to head over to the Katy Perry concert in Abu Dhabi on December 31. A model and student at Middlesex University, she was born and raised in Oman and moved to Dubai recently. “I’m a huge fan of Katy Perry and I’m heading to the concert with my sister. I usually spend time with my sister as she is the only person in Dubai who I’m close to and we love celebrating everything together,” she said. “I am thinking of going to Downtown Dubai first and then to the concert.”
Meanwhile, Hafsa Qadeer, another Pakistani national and communications professional, said: “I think being near the Burj Khalifa is amazing but to book a table or a room near it is too expensive and it is very crowded as well. I am planning to book a hotel room in Fujairah with a big group of friends and have a good time.”
She added that hotel room prices were sky high and the allure of going to the NYE party hotspots diminishes over the years. “Once you’ve seen it a couple of times, you’d want another experience… and New Year’s Eve for me is a strictly intimate affair,” she added.
Meanwhile, Russian national and senior communications consultant Stanislava Burianek said: “My husband and I feel that the prices that hotels and restaurants charge for NYE are too high. We are against the whole consumerism and ‘bigness’ of the event. We usually have a quiet family dinner and go to sleep. If we are awake, we watch the fireworks. It doesn’t make any sense to pay seven to 10 times more than what you normally pay.” However, she added that she would watch the fireworks from a rooftop if possible, as the fireworks displays in Dubai are really beautiful.
Indian national and marketing professional Sandeep David said: “I intend to stay in Dubai and hang out with some of my friends for NYE. A small intimate affair with some close family and friends is my idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve.”
Indian national Vishal Menon said: “NYE is usually always about celebrations with close friends and family; going to do the same this year as well. But I am most definitely planning to watch the fireworks… given that the crowds are a bit too much, I may find a more comfortable place to check it out.”