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Wed, Jan 21, 2026 | Shaban 2, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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Fireworks from home: Dubai residents turn rooftops into New Year’s Eve front-row seats
For many families, celebrating at home has evolved from a convenient choice into a deeply personal tradition, blending comfort, connection, and views of city landmarks
When the countdown to midnight begins on December 31, and Dubai prepares to usher in another year, thousands head to public viewing areas to witness the city’s world-famous fireworks.
However, away from traffic, crowds, and long waits, quieter celebrations are unfolding above residential buildings — on rooftops and balconies that offer residents a front-row seat to the sky.
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For many families, celebrating New Year’s Eve at home has evolved from a convenient choice into a deeply personal tradition, blending comfort, connection, and breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks. Salma Alflasi, who lives near Burj al Arab, told Khaleej Times that the decision to celebrate on her rooftop is rooted in both geography and sentiment. Her family home overlooks the famous hotel, a location renowned for its dramatic New Year’s fireworks. Alflasi says the rooftop has become the heart of their celebrations.
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“I choose to celebrate on the rooftop so I can enjoy the fireworks without going to another place,” she said. “The view is incredible, but what really makes it special is being with my family.”
Each year, Alflasi gathers with her family and cousins to welcome the New Year together, a ritual that has continued for more than five years. For her, celebrating at home offers a sense of calm and intimacy that public events cannot always provide. “I find celebrating at home more comfortable,” she explained. “You can truly enjoy the moment without feeling rushed or crowded.”
As midnight approaches and the first sparks light up the sky, the atmosphere shifts. Cheers replace countdowns, and phones are briefly forgotten as families pause to take in the spectacle. “Seeing the fireworks makes me feel really happy,” Alflasi said. “Watching them with my family makes the New Year begin with pure joy and togetherness.”
Her wish for the year ahead reflects the simplicity of the moment. “I wish to live this moment every year with the people I love, without loss,” she said.
A similar sense of anticipation fills rooftops in other parts of the city. In Al Quoz, Dubai resident Shan Mohammed has discovered that his rooftop offers one of the most expansive New Year’s views in the city. From his home, he enjoys sweeping 360-degree panoramas that capture multiple fireworks displays as soon as the clock strikes midnight.
“From my rooftop, I can see fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, and a couple of other locations,” he said. “My family and I stand in the middle of the roof and slowly turn around wherever we look, the sky is alive with fireworks. It’s an amazing scene.”
For Mohammed, the appeal goes beyond the visuals. Celebrating at home allows his family and guests to experience the city’s celebrations at their own pace, moving freely, sharing food, and enjoying uninterrupted conversations as fireworks erupt across the skyline.
Arwa Almazrouei
Arwa Almazrouei is an Arabic editor passionate about storytelling and journalism, and creating impactful content that highlights culture, society, and the inspirational.
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