New Year’s Eve 2020: registration required for spot to watch Burj Khalifa fireworks - what you need to know

Visitors will have to download and register with the U By Emaar app for access to the pyrotechnics this year

Emaar and Zoom have collaborated to stream the Burj Khalifa fireworks live. Courtesy Emaar

Dubai residents looking to end the year with sparkling views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks can now reserve a spot for themselves online.

With the world's tallest building promising a spectacular fireworks and laser show for New Year's Eve, developer Emaar has come up with a system to ensure easy access.

Visitors will be able to get a view of the pyrotechnics from the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, where social distancing rules will apply, by pre-registering with the U By Emaar App.

How it works

Visitors will have to download the app and tap on the “Registrations Open Now” purple banner displayed at the top of the home screen. They then have to click on “Register Now” and follow the required instructions.

The registration process will give guests a QR code to access the viewing areas in Downtown Dubai.

There are six different colours of QR codes for different categories of those in Downtown Dubai on the night. For hotel guests, the QR code is gold. For restaurants, the QR colour is blue. For hotel restaurants, the QR colour is light blue. For Dubai Opera, the QR code is dark red. For the public area – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard – the QR code is black.

Public access at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will have limited capacity and guests can book on the app for groups of up to 12 people, subject to availability.

The family viewing areas on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will be divided into zones to ensure that social distancing is maintained. The zones will open at 3pm on New Year’s Eve. Those who book to watch the show, which is free of charge, will be assigned a particular zone and gate from where to access. Guests are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the correct gate and zones.

Restaurant and hotel access

All restaurant reservations on the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, as well as Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Opera and The Dubai Mall Promenade will have to be made through the U By Emaar app as well. Even those who already have restaurant bookings are required to register on the app in advance, for access to the venues.

Health and safety

This year, Emaar has incorporated several health and safety measures for New Year’s Eve, including thermal cameras, social distancing, contactless payments and frequent deep cleaning and disinfection, in line with Dubai Government guidelines and directives. Guests will be required to wear masks throughout and hand sanitiser will be available at each gate.

Parking and transport

The roads in Downtown Dubai will be closed from 4pm on New Year’s Eve. There will be parking available on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, in The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Mall Zabeel. Parking spaces fill up fast, so guests are urged to arrive early. For public transport arrangements, follow Dubai RTA for announcements.

Meanwhile, those not keen on venturing out can still enjoy the show. Emaar NYE 2021 will be broadcast live globally and live-streamed from 8.30pm local time on mydubainewyear.com. At least 50,000 people will also be able to watch the New Year's Eve celebrations at the Burj Khalifa on Zoom this year, through a collaboration between Emaar and Zoom.

To access the live event on Zoom, register here.