A fireworks diaplay at Burj Khalifa. File

Gulf Today Staff Reporter

The UAE is all set to welcome the year 2021 with pomp and gaiety after having a glum year with the coronavirus pandemic that wreaked havoc on communities and businesses around the world.

The UAE authorities have planned to make the year-end celebrations a special one with fireworks and laser shows.

But the authorities have also urged residents and tourists to abide by social distancing rules and precautionary measures.  

Marking the beginning of a New Year in grand style has remained a hallmark of the UAE and this year is no different.

Spectacular fireworks in scores of locations will light up not only the skies, but also the hearts of the people across the country.

Yas Island to be showered with light to celebrate 2021.

Gulf Today reveals the places where residents and visitors can see the fireworks and usher in a new decade. 

Abu Dhabi

Yas Island, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations, will light up in colour and festivities to mark the beginning of 2021 with firework celebrations that are due to kick off on the Island at 12:00 am on 31st December 2020.

Residents of Abu Dhabi and the UAE will be able to enjoy the superlative fireworks show over Yas Island with a range of different viewing options available, including viewing fireworks from restaurants in Yas Marina.

Zayed Heritage Festival

Abu Dhabi is all set to host the record-breaking New Year’ Eve fireworks show at Al Wathba.  
The Zayed Heritage Festival organizers said that this year it is going to attempt a Guinness World Records with longest fireworks display.
The Abu Dhabi Calendar, which keeps track of all the festivities in Emirate, said on Twitter, “Welcome the new year at @ZayedFestival with a fireworks show spanning over 35 minutes & breaking two Guinness World Records.

Dubai

A series of fireworks have been planned for New Year’s Eve in Dubai.
The Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Global Village, Palm Atlantis, Dubai Festival City Mall and Al Seef Dubai will showcase some of the best fireworks display in town.

Al Seef authorities said the popular waterfront promenade will host a three-minute dazzling fireworks display to delight New Year’s Eve revelers at the destination.

A fireworks display at Global Village. File

Strict health and safety protocols are in place, in line with Dubai Government guidelines and directives, with PA announcements in Arabic, English and Urdu.

Bluewaters will be hosting two fireworks show— one on Dec.31 at 12, and on Jan.1 at 8pm.
Taking the comfort of residents and revellers into consideration, the Dubai Metro authorities decided to run services continuously.

Sharjah

The Majaz Waterfront will welcome 2021 with a mega fireworks show.

The Waterfront authorities urged residents and visitors to book a table overlooking the Sharjah Musical Fountain and enjoy the mega fireworks show for your safety due to coronavirus pandemic.

All entrances will be closed and only authorised entry will be granted.

Ajman

Ajman Tourism Development Department is organising two fireworks display at midnight on Dec.31 to welcome New Year 2021.

The spectacular fireworks will be launched from two locations.

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.

Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

It will be a five-minute display of mind-blowing fireworks that will be a gaze worthy view for the onlookers.

The general public can enjoy the Al Zorah fireworks at the Marina 1, the perfect spot to click amazing pictures.

Ras Al Khaimah

There’s nothing more exciting than welcoming in the New Year with a massive fireworks display. Ras Al Khaimah, recently named the Gulf Tourism Capital for the second consecutive year is all set to host one of the world’s largest pyrotechnics performances to welcome 2021 in lavish style.

Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

The Emirate’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks will feature various shapes and themes rising above the sea near Al Marjan Island over a 4km stretch, in tune with special musical arrangements for a total of 10 minutes, to welcome the New Year.

With no on-ground activities or general viewing areas allocated for the celebrations this year, in compliance with the Emirate’s social distancing protocols, the fireworks display will be broadcast live via television networks, social media channels and on raknye.com, for the world to tune into, starting at 11.45pm on the Dec.31, 2020.