Families come early to celebrate NYE at Burj Khalifa

Dubai - Although there will be no fireworks to welcome 2018 at the world's tallest tower, the laser light show dubbed "Light Up 2018" is a Guinness World Record attempt.

Five hours before the clock strikes 12 midnight, thousands of people have already secured the most coveted places to get a vantage view to ring in the New Year at Burj Khalifa.
Visitors from The Netherlands, the Bouwhuis family, are one of those who have been 'comfortably seated' at one of the restaurants at the fountain area to witness the tallest building turn into a "dancing tower with a brilliantly choreographed laser light show that promises a dazzling experience that integrates music, lights and visuals."
"This is our first time to be here in Dubai and it's a dream come true for our kids to welcome the New Year at the foot of the world's tallest tower," mum and dad, Beata and Mark, told Khaleej Times.
"We came at around 2pm and we first went to The Top to have a magnificent view of Dubai and by 6pm we took our reserved seats at the restaurant," Beata said.
Fascinated with Dubai's skyline and after seeing a sort sneak peek of "Light Up 2018" spectacle at Downtown Dubai, Laurens, 10 said he wants to become an architect when he grows up.
His eight-year-old brother, Alex, said he can't wait to watch "the colourful laser light show."
Ghanaian businessman Katu Eli and his family have also arrived to take their reserved table at 6pm. Although they have been in Dubai several times, Katu and his wife, Roberta, said this year's celebration is extra special as they are joined by their four-month-old baby girl Skylar.
Although there will be no fireworks to welcome 2018 at the world's tallest tower, the laser light show dubbed "Light Up 2018" is a Guinness World Record attempt.
Celebrations at Downtown Dubai officially kicked off at 5pm, starting with The Dubai Fountain shows and live deejays providing entertainment to the huge crowd.
Areas restricted for families have been set up while bachelors also have dedicated areas to watch the show from giant screens spread across Downtown Dubai. People around the world can also watch the spectacle via live television broadcast real-time Twitter feeds.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai