E-Paper
Sign In
Thu, Jan 22, 2026 | Shaban 3, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
19.3°C
iPhone | iPad
Android
First-time awe to family bonding: How Downtown Dubai enjoyed 'unmatched' NYE fireworks
While visitors marvelled at the spectacle, residents of Downtown Dubai experienced the night very differently as they chose to stay indoors and spend time with family and friends
From tourists coming to the city for the first time to residents who keep coming repeatedly, the Downtown Dubai area was buzzing with colour, activity, and music on New Year’s Eve. For many, it was a novel experience; for others, it was the perfect occasion to host friends and family at home.
Philippines nationals Jaimee Manio and Paola Melendez Reyes and their colleague, Puerto Rican Gianelli Guimoc, arrived in the UAE just two weeks ago after landing a job in the city.“This is our first time seeing the Burj Khalifa,” said Jaimee. “People travel from all over the world to see this and we are lucky enough to call Dubai our home now. We are so excited to watch the fireworks live.”
Gianelli said that she was impressed by the cultural diversity of the city. “I have seen people from all over the world here,” she said. “It is so amazing to meet them and learn more about their culture.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
For Indian tourist Meena Kalra as well, it was her first time celebrating New Year’s in Dubai and she was impressed by the way the city handled the celebrations. “I have been around the Downtown area since 3pm and I am amazed by the way even the smallest detail were taken care of,” she said.
“From field hospitals to free viewing areas for public, there’s so much happening. I have celebrated New Year’s in various countries but I have never been as impressed as I am with Dubai.”
Residents experience a different night
While visitors marvelled at the spectacle, residents of Downtown Dubai experienced the night very differently. For Southridge residents Vasudha and Vivek Khandeparkar, this is a time when friends and family come together.
Their house has a clear view of the Burj Khalifa and fountains and for the last two years, the British couple have been playing host to various friends and family for New Year’s eve. This year, they have their friends Karan and Pratima Gupta visiting from Canada with their extended family. “I love watching the Burj Khalifa and the fountains,” said Vasudha.
“I see it everyday, 365 days a year and never get tired of it. It is an unmatched beauty. At NYE, we love hosting our friends and family so that we can all enjoy the beauty of the magnificent fireworks. Last year, we had 20 people at home. This year, there are only seven of us.”
Farah Sarfraz has been living in the Downtown area for over six years and NYE is her favorite time of the year. “On December 31, we usually stay home the whole day because of the traffic,” she said. “This gives us time to slow down and spend quality time with our friends and family. Also, it is such a festive time. We see people of all backgrounds and cultures come together like no other time.”
Camping
At the Southridge public viewing area, camping tents, chairs and picnic mats dotted the grassy patch. Families came out in large numbers with snacks, meals and camping supplies to enjoy the fireworks. While some rocked their babies to sleep, others played a quick game of badminton on the side, as others played card games with their friends.
Indian expat Ali Amjad walked around the area, ensuring people were okay. He was spending the New Year’s eve volunteering around the Burj Khalifa area. “This is the second year that I have volunteered and I really enjoy it,” he said. “My job involves ensuring that only families come to the area and regularly scanning the park to make sure that no illegal activities like barbecuing or drinking are happening.”
He added that some families had reached the viewing area as early as 12pm. “Because of the good view and spacious area, this is place is especially popular among families,” he said.
Nasreen Abdulla
Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
Don’t just scroll. Know it all. Sign up for your daily UAE news fix.
Get the top stories of the day right in your inbox.
