Crowds to party beneath the Burj
Organisers expect 650,000 or more for Dubai events
DUBAI // More than 650,000 people are expected to welcome 2017 in the shadow of Burj Khalifa as the official new year fireworks illuminate the night sky. The annual display at the world’s tallest building is this year one of 160 locations across the emirate to host displays.
Of that total, 23 will be in the Downtown Dubai area, police said. Other locations include Khaleej Al Tejari, Dubai Canal, Al Jaddaf, and Ras Al Khor.
Brig Abdullah Al Marri, director of Dubai Police’s protective security and emergency department, said efforts had been made “to ensure that people can reach the locations of events smoothly, so they can get back home safely after enjoying the fireworks”.
Brig Al Marri said there would be 26 tents across the emirate to offer first aid or help if a child gets lost.
“We urge people to get to the celebrations early and before 8pm, to follow the officers’ instructions, and avoid hindering traffic flow,” he said. “We are expecting six locations to be crowded, including the Burj Khalifa area with approximately 200,000 people and the Dubai Mall area with 400,000 people.”
Another 27,000 people are expected near the Address Hotel, 13,000 in Souk Al Bahar, 10,000 along the promenade, and 1,800 in the Burj Plaza area, he said.
Al Saada Road will close beginning with the Al Murooj Rotana intersection leading to Burj Khalifa and tunnel at 6pm; Zabeel Intersection at 8pm; Emirates Towers roundabout leading to Al Saada Road at 10pm; Al Asayel Road at 4pm, although public transport and VIP access will continue; and Al Sukook Road at 8pm.
Brig Al Marri said that there would be three paths for pedestrians from the metro stations to Burj Khalifa.
“There will be two paths from the Burj Khalifa metro station, one for families, and will lead to the promenade and the area behind Burj View, while the second one will be for bachelors and will head towards South Ridge,” he said. “Another path will be from Financial Centre station, and a third from Al Khaleej Al Tejari station.”
In Sharjah, tens of thousands of people are expected at the Al Majaz Waterfront to watch a 10-minute fireworks display.