Ring in the New Year Dubai-style, with mesmerising sparklers and Catherine wheels, thunderous rockets and eye-catching fountain shows. The emirate is known for its love of fireworks, complete with larger-than-life pyrotechnics as well as laser beams and facade displays.
This year is set to be bigger and better, with both old favourites and new venues gearing up to host spectacular displays. Here’s where you can catch them on December 31, as well as two on January 1.
Burj Khalifa
The big daddy of New Year’s Eve celebrations is not only putting on a cutting-edge fireworks display and laser show on its famed facade, but will also attempt to score a Guinness World Record for the largest laser display, and break the record for its light beams travelling the longest distance yet.
The end game, say organises, is to turn “the iconic tower into a shining beacon of hope, happiness and harmony for 2023”. The show will be about 10 minutes long.
For those who wish to witness the show first-hand, read our story on everything you need to know, including information on transport and parking and how to access Downtown Dubai amid road closures.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is another noteworthy fireworks venue in Dubai, with shows set to take place at not one but three spots this year.
Those at Club Vista Mare and Palm West Beach will start at midnight and last for three minutes each.
These will be best viewed by booking a table at one of the many restaurants, lounges, bars and cafes dotting the areas — from San Beach, Koko Bay and February 30 on Palm West Beach, to Rumba, The Tap House and Myrra at Club Vista Mare.
Elsewhere, Atlantis, The Palm is hosting its own fireworks spectacle that, organisers say, will be “one of Dubai’s largest and most stunning displays of pyrotechnics”. While most of the hotel’s restaurants are fully booked on December 31, tickets are still available for its New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner that is a fantastic viewing spot for the fireworks display to boot.
Festival Bay
Dubai Festival City Mall will put on one of the longest fireworks displays this year, firing up Festival Bay at midnight for a duration of five minutes. Viewers can also catch a one-off Imagine show — a laser and fountain display that prides itself on its original storytelling, often connected to the culture and traditions of the UAE.
The Festival Bay arena will also host a concert, starting with award-winning DJ Dany Neville at 10pm, followed by Iraqi artist Mahmoud Al Turky taking to the stage at 10.30pm.
Bluewaters Island
The man-made island will kick-start its three-minute-long fireworks show at 11.59pm, so revellers can welcome the new year against a backdrop of mesmerising light and sparkle.
While there are plenty of vantage points from which to catch the display — including the waterfront walk and the footbridge connecting Bluewaters Island and JBR — you can also book a spot at one of the restaurants on the island, including The London Project, Shi and Amici.
The Beach, JBR
On the other side of the bridge, The Beach, JBR, will also begin its fireworks show at 11.59pm, in tandem with Bluewaters. The display will last for three minutes, and can be viewed from the beach and various family-friendly restaurants in the area, such as PF Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory and Bosporus.
Global Village
While the joy of counting down to a new year is undeniable, Global Village will host not one, but seven fireworks shows through the evening on December 31.
The minute-long displays will begin at 8pm on the main stage (to coincide with midnight in the Philippines), followed by 9pm (Thailand), Bangladesh (10pm), India (10.30pm), Pakistan (11pm) and even one at 1am on January 1 (to coincide with New Year’s Eve in Turkey).
The main midnight fireworks display, meanwhile, will last for five minutes — making for a total of 11 minutes of fireworks at Global Village, which will be open from 4pm to 2am on December 31.
Dubai Parks & Resorts
This is another destination hosting two fireworks shows before the stroke of midnight — albeit this time to accommodate children. The displays will light up the sky at 7pm and 9pm, while annual pass holders can enjoy the view in a dedicated area at Riverland Dubai.
Al Seef
Enjoy a fireworks show amid traditional architecture and Creek-side views at Al Seef, which will put on its display at 11.59pm on December 31 for a duration of three minutes.
The venue is also planning a fireworks show on New Year’s Day. Head there on January 1, to catch the three-minute-long display that starts at 8.30pm.
TopGolf
The sport-meets-party spot is hosting a disco-themed do to ring in 2023, topped off with its own fireworks display. These will go off for a duration of three minutes from midnight, directly facing the Dubai Marina skyline.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Results
5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar
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Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
