The Burj Khalifa, one of Dubai’s crown jewels and the tallest building in the world, is a major tourist attraction year-round.
The New Year’s Eve fireworks show is a highlight, attracting thousands in the city and millions of viewers worldwide.
Here’s what you need to know about watching the Burj Khalifa fireworks and the best spots for a stunning view.
Top Burj Khalifa Tickets
# At the Top ticket
# At the Top SKY TicketIt’s highly recommended to book your Burj Khalifa tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
About Fireworks
Every New Year’s Eve, Dubai puts on a spectacular visual display at the Burj Khalifa with its renowned fireworks show.
This dazzling display of colorful lights, fireworks, and visual effects on LED screens marks the city’s grand welcome to the new year.
As midnight approaches, the sky lights up with a magical choreography of fireworks and music, filling the air with sparkles and pyrotechnics.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, watching the Burj Khalifa fireworks has become a must for celebrating the New Year in the Middle East.
Here are a few top-rated tickets for your visit to the Burj Khalifa:
# General admission ticket
# VIP ticket
# Sky Views and Burj Khalifa combo ticket
# Visiting Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa on the same day
# Fountain Show with Lake Ride
Why do fireworks happen only on New Year’s Eve?
Fireworks play a significant role in New Year’s Eve celebrations, symbolizing new beginnings and creating hope and excitement for the future.
This tradition originated in ancient China, where fireworks were believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Today, fireworks are a universal way to celebrate, providing a shared experience across cultures and time zones.
They represent joy and celebration, drawing people together in public spaces for a communal experience.
Their visual appeal captures the imagination, and extensive media coverage in iconic locations like Sydney, New York City, and Dubai adds to the excitement.
These events also boost local economies by attracting tourists and encouraging spending, benefiting cities and towns.
Other occasions for Fireworks
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai hosts spectacular fireworks displays not just on New Year’s Eve but also on several other special occasions throughout the year. Here are some of the key events:
UAE National Day: The UAE National Day is celebrated with grand fireworks displays, patriotic music, and lighting shows on the Burj Khalifa’s LED façade, honoring the country’s unification.
Date: December 2
Eid celebrations: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are significant Islamic holidays often marked with beautiful fireworks shows at the Burj Khalifa, adding to the festive atmosphere in Dubai.
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): The Dubai Shopping Festival includes a series of fireworks displays as part of the festivities, with the Burj Khalifa serving as a central location for some of the most impressive shows.
Date: Annually, usually in January and February
Major events and anniversaries
Expo 2020: During Expo 2020 Dubai, the Burj Khalifa hosted several fireworks displays to celebrate various milestones and special events associated with the Expo.
Special anniversaries: Dubai’s significant anniversaries, milestones in its history, and major achievements are often celebrated with fireworks at the Burj Khalifa.
Special performances and festivals
Diwali: The Indian festival of lights is sometimes celebrated with fireworks displays at the Burj Khalifa, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural community.
New Year celebrations in the Chinese calendar: The Chinese New Year is occasionally marked with themed fireworks and light shows.
Unsure about where to eat during your Burj Khalifa visit? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top dining options in and around Burj Khalifa to ensure a memorable culinary experience:
# At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa
# Dine at Burj Club
# The Lounge
# Restaurants at Burj Khalifa
Timings of the fireworks
The fireworks at the Burj Khalifa are a breathtaking sight, lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors and patterns.
The display lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and is set to start at around 11.58 pm on December 31st of every year.
Arriving early to secure a perfect spot is essential to enjoy this magical event fully.
For a unique experience, you can watch the fireworks while rowing on a traditional wooden boat called an abra, with a view of the Dubai Fountain show.
The Fountain Show runs every half hour from 5.45 pm to 10.45 pm daily.
Tickets for the 30-minute boat ride, including the fountain show, can be purchased online.
Best spot to watch the fireworks
Burj Khalifa Fountain
The best spots to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks are from the Dubai Fountain or the Burj-facing balconies at the Dubai Mall, with the Apple Store offering a particularly great view. Arrive two hours before the fireworks to secure a good spot, as these areas get crowded quickly. You can also make a day of it by visiting the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors of the Burj Khalifa before the show or make a reservation at one of the many Burj-facing restaurants.
You should arrive by 9 pm on December 31st to ensure a prime viewing location for the spectacular display.
Image: Getyourguide
Souk al Bahar
Souk Al Bahar is another excellent spot to view the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Located across the bridge from the Dubai Mall, this dining and lifestyle destination offers a fantastic view of the fireworks while allowing you to spend the day exploring local antiques, carpets, jewelry, and other authentic luxury items. Indulge in Arabic-style shopping and browse through unique artifacts to pass the time before midnight. To enjoy the fireworks with your friends or family, make a reservation at one of the many restaurants in Souk Al Bahar at least a few weeks in advance.
Image: Visitdubai
Dubai Opera House
The Dubai Opera House, an architectural marvel within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa, is a fantastic base for watching the fireworks. As the first-ever opera house in the UAE, it offers an eclectic array of activities, including opera shows, concerts, theater performances, conferences, exhibitions, and ballet performances. Built to resemble a traditional Arabian dhow, its unique architecture adds to the experience, making it an excellent spot to enjoy the Burj Khalifa fireworks while indulging in various cultural events.
Image: Visitdubai
Al Khazzan Cadillac Park
Al Khazzan Cadillac Park, located across from City Walk and close to the Burj Khalifa, is one of Dubai’s newest parks and a great spot to watch the fireworks.
As a relatively new location, it offers a spectacular view with less crowd interference.
UAE residents can access the park for free, making it an excellent place to grab a seat and enjoy the magical fireworks display of the Burj Khalifa as it unfolds right before your eyes.
Image: Whatson.ae
Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, located near the Burj Al Arab with a view of the Burj Khalifa, is a prime destination for watching the spectacular fireworks. This lavish spot features three luxurious hotels, over 50 restaurants, and plenty of open spaces, making it one of the best places to enjoy the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
Madinat Jumeirah blends the charm of a traditional souk with modern Dubai, offering a unique experience. You can stay there for New Year’s Eve or take a Dhow cruise on New Year’s night for an unforgettable celebration spectacular display.
Image: En.wikipedia
Kite Beach
Kite Beach is an ideal spot to witness the fireworks if you’re in the city with your family. Famous for its water activities, you can spend the day enjoying fun adventures before settling down to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Arrive early to choose a great spot, pack a picnic basket, and snuggle under a blanket as you gaze at the night sky lit with fireworks. Alternatively, you can dine at one of the many cafes by the beach. For an adventurous end to New Year’s Eve, brave the cold and dive into the waters before the fireworks begin.
Image: Tripadvisor
Bay Avenue
Enjoy the Burj Khalifa fireworks from the unique vantage point of Bay Avenue in Business Bay. This popular location, near the Dubai Canal, offers picturesque curtain fountains, dhow cruise rides, and a stunning view of the fireworks against the night sky. Known for its waterways and scenic rides, Bay Avenue provides an excellent spot to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
The new Dubai Canal adds to its charm and draws many visitors to its beautiful curtain fountains and cruises.
Image: Constructionweekonline
Gate Village
Watching the fireworks show from Gate Village in DIFC offers a unique advantage: it’s just far enough from the Burj Khalifa to capture the entire building in your camera frame. This prime location provides front-row seats to the spectacular fireworks display and is one of the most sought-after spots for an outstanding view. For the best vantage point, head to the corner where posh galleries and Christie’s auction house are located. This secret spot ensures a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks—keep it quiet so it doesn’t get too crowded!
Image: Visitdubai
Read more about planning your visit to Burj Khalifa:
# Ways to reach Burj Khalifa
# What to see inside the Khalifa Tower
# Observation decks
# Burj Khalifa at night
# Opening hours at Burj Khalifa
Transportation and parking
When visiting the Burj Khalifa, there are various transportation and parking options to consider, especially during special events.
From the Dubai Metro and buses to taxis and parking at Dubai Mall, it’s important to plan ahead due to high demand and potential road closures.
Transportation
Dubai Metro: The closest stop to the Burj Khalifa is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station on the Red Line. The metro often runs extended hours on special event nights, but be ready for large crowds and wait times.
Buses: Several routes go to Downtown Dubai, with convenient drop-off points near the Burj Khalifa. Check the RTA website for the latest schedules and routes.
Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis are easy to find, but expect long waits and higher prices. Uber and Careem are also available but can face the same issues with high demand and road closures.
Parking
Dubai Mall parking: Dubai Mall offers extensive parking facilities, but these fill up quickly during major events. Arrive early to secure a spot. Note that certain areas may be restricted or closed due to the event.
Paid parking lots: Several paid parking lots around Downtown Dubai offer alternatives. Prices can be high during events, and spaces are limited, so early arrival is crucial.
Hotel parking: If you are staying in one of the nearby hotels, use the hotel’s parking facilities. Confirm in advance, as some hotels may restrict access to guests only during major events.
Here are a few essential guides to your Burj Khalifa visit:
# Exhibits at Burj Khalifa
# Tips for visiting Burj Khalifa
# Views from the world’s tallest building
Safety and regulations
Safety and regulations are a top priority during the fireworks at Burj Khalifa to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Clear signage and barriers will guide the crowd, and security personnel will be present to manage the flow of people and handle any emergencies.
It’s important to follow their instructions and stay within designated areas.
Avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items, as security checks will be conducted.
Arrive early to secure a good spot and avoid last-minute crowds.
By following these guidelines, everyone can safely enjoy the spectacular show.
Recommended reading:
# Facts about Burj Khalifa
# Floor map
# Popular attractions near the Khalifa Tower
