• Fireworks and light shows have lit up Burj Khalifa for years. Photo: Ralph Larmann / Emaar
    Fireworks and light shows have lit up Burj Khalifa for years. Photo: Ralph Larmann / Emaar
  • Burj Khalifa has been the centre point for fireworks in Dubai on New Year's Eve since its opening in 2010. Photo: Emaar
    Burj Khalifa has been the centre point for fireworks in Dubai on New Year's Eve since its opening in 2010. Photo: Emaar
  • It was also lit up by fireworks during its opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. AFP
    It was also lit up by fireworks during its opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. AFP
  • The fireworks at Burj Khalifa are always extensive and colourful.
    The fireworks at Burj Khalifa are always extensive and colourful.
  • New Year's Eve 2013. Pawan Singh / The National
    New Year's Eve 2013. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Dubai's spectacular New Year's Eve show attracted a record crowd in 2013. AFP Photo
    Dubai's spectacular New Year's Eve show attracted a record crowd in 2013. AFP Photo
  • Fireworks explode from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper at Emaar Square after Dubai was named the host city for Expo 2020. Christopher Pike / The National
    Fireworks explode from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper at Emaar Square after Dubai was named the host city for Expo 2020. Christopher Pike / The National
  • People watch as Dubai celebrates the new year with a light and sound extravaganza at midnight at Burj Khalifa on January 1, 2015. Karim Sahib / AFP Photo
    People watch as Dubai celebrates the new year with a light and sound extravaganza at midnight at Burj Khalifa on January 1, 2015. Karim Sahib / AFP Photo
  • Every year, the display just gets bigger and better. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
    Every year, the display just gets bigger and better. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
  • The world's tallest tower draws in the crowds every year, even during the pandemic, but with safety rules in place. Pawan Singh / The National
    The world's tallest tower draws in the crowds every year, even during the pandemic, but with safety rules in place. Pawan Singh / The National
  • New Year's Eve celebrations in 2018 consisted of fireworks and a light show. Victor Besa / The National
    New Year's Eve celebrations in 2018 consisted of fireworks and a light show. Victor Besa / The National
  • People attend 2018 New Year's Eve celebrations in Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
    People attend 2018 New Year's Eve celebrations in Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

Lifestyle

Things to do

How to watch the Eid Al Fitr 2022 Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain shows

Never-before-seen displays are taking place throughout the holiday

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

May 02, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Throughout the long weekend for Eid Al Fitr 2022, there are new shows taking place at Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

A dazzling, never-before-seen LED light display is illuminating the world's tallest tower, taking place at 8pm every night to mark the end of Ramadan.

Downtown Dubai visitors can also catch the new choreographed Dubai Fountain shows every hour between 2pm and 5pm, then every 30 minutes between 6pm and 11pm.

The Dubai Fountain is one of the world's largest choreographed fountains, which daily performs shows set to music.

Both performances promise to give onlookers "an unforgettable experience", said property developer Emaar.

Visitors looking to see the shows can gain access to these via The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Burj Khalifa.

They are free to watch.

Firework displays across the UAE

Among the Eid festivities are free firework displays throughout the Emirates.

Yas Bay will have fireworks over the first three days of Eid, starting at 9pm. In addition to the pyrotechnics show, there will also be Eid concerts at Etihad Arena, which include Amr Diab on Tuesday and Sherine Abdel-Wahab and Kadim Al Sahir on Wednesday.

Visit The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah to see a fountain show and a fireworks display on the first day of Eid on Monday at 9pm.

Bluewaters Island will have a fireworks show on the second day of Eid at 9pm.

Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall will host a spectacular three-minute fireworks show on Tuesday at 9pm. It will take place alongside Imagine, a colourful light, laser and sound show. There will also be a ticketed concert by Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad taking place on the South Side. Tickets start at Dh195.

The family favourite destination will have a fireworks display every day over Eid, starting from 9pm. The attraction will also extend its opening hours from 5pm until 2am from Saturday, until it closes its doors on May 7.

30 things to do during Eid Al Fitr in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and more — in pictures:

  • A new hot-air ballooning experience has launched in Ras Al Khaimah in time for Eid Al Fitr. Photo: RAK Airventure
    A new hot-air ballooning experience has launched in Ras Al Khaimah in time for Eid Al Fitr. Photo: RAK Airventure
  • Visit Dubai's Global Village during Eid Al Fitr as it closes for the summer on May 7. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Visit Dubai's Global Village during Eid Al Fitr as it closes for the summer on May 7. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Time Out Market Dubai will feature live music during Eid Al Fitr. Photo: Time Out Market
    Time Out Market Dubai will feature live music during Eid Al Fitr. Photo: Time Out Market
  • Enjoy the colourful spectacle of more than 150 million flowers before the season ends at Dubai Miracle Garden on Sunday, May 15. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Enjoy the colourful spectacle of more than 150 million flowers before the season ends at Dubai Miracle Garden on Sunday, May 15. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • There will be a new Burj Khalifa light show and a new Dubai Fountain show to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National
    There will be a new Burj Khalifa light show and a new Dubai Fountain show to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Pods opens on May 1 at Bluewaters Island. Photo: The Pods
    The Pods opens on May 1 at Bluewaters Island. Photo: The Pods
  • Musical 'Umm Kulthum and the Golden Era' will make its regional premiere on May 3, after being launched with a one-off show at the London Palladium in the West End in 2020. Photo: Dubai Opera
    Musical 'Umm Kulthum and the Golden Era' will make its regional premiere on May 3, after being launched with a one-off show at the London Palladium in the West End in 2020. Photo: Dubai Opera
  • The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah will mark Eid with a fountain show and a fireworks display on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, May 2, at 9pm. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah will mark Eid with a fountain show and a fireworks display on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, May 2, at 9pm. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Head to the Coca-Cola Arena for the one-two electro house punch of Afrojack and Steve Aoki. Getty Images for Mdlbeast Soundstorm
    Head to the Coca-Cola Arena for the one-two electro house punch of Afrojack and Steve Aoki. Getty Images for Mdlbeast Soundstorm
  • Until May 4, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities as they shop for fresh food at Waterfront Market, including a tanoura dance performance, and Arabic coffee and sweets served in a traditional majlis. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Until May 4, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities as they shop for fresh food at Waterfront Market, including a tanoura dance performance, and Arabic coffee and sweets served in a traditional majlis. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Cultural sites in Al Ain will celebrate Eid with special Al Ayyala and Al Harbiya traditional performances at Al Ain Palace Museum and Al Ain Oasis. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Cultural sites in Al Ain will celebrate Eid with special Al Ayyala and Al Harbiya traditional performances at Al Ain Palace Museum and Al Ain Oasis. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Visit the theme parks on Yas Island for family-friendly Eid entertainment as live Al Ayyala dancers will be present at all the attractions. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Visit the theme parks on Yas Island for family-friendly Eid entertainment as live Al Ayyala dancers will be present at all the attractions. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Amr Diab will make his concert debut at Yas Island's Etihad Arena on May 3. Getty Images for Mdlbeast Soundstorm
    Amr Diab will make his concert debut at Yas Island's Etihad Arena on May 3. Getty Images for Mdlbeast Soundstorm
  • The Abu Dhabi Edition is hosting its first vegan brunch. Photo: Edition Hotels / Marriott
    The Abu Dhabi Edition is hosting its first vegan brunch. Photo: Edition Hotels / Marriott
  • A Tyrannosaurus rex called Stan — the most expensive fossil to be sold at auction — is on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat. EPA
    A Tyrannosaurus rex called Stan — the most expensive fossil to be sold at auction — is on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat. EPA
  • Al Ain Oasis was the first Unesco World Heritage Site in the UAE, and is a beautiful spot to while away a few hours under the shade of thousands of date palms. Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
    Al Ain Oasis was the first Unesco World Heritage Site in the UAE, and is a beautiful spot to while away a few hours under the shade of thousands of date palms. Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
  • Enjoy a day in the sunshine at Cove Beach Abu Dhabi. The beach club will have live DJs playing from 1pm until 4pm on Monday and Tuesday, which will provide the soundtrack to brunch inside at Two.0 restaurant.
    Enjoy a day in the sunshine at Cove Beach Abu Dhabi. The beach club will have live DJs playing from 1pm until 4pm on Monday and Tuesday, which will provide the soundtrack to brunch inside at Two.0 restaurant.
  • On the first day of Eid Al Fitr, there will be a sound and light show at Qasr Al Watan. Victor Besa / The National
    On the first day of Eid Al Fitr, there will be a sound and light show at Qasr Al Watan. Victor Besa / The National
  • Home to a huge and varied array of Arabian wildlife, the centre in Sharjah remains a hidden gem. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Home to a huge and varied array of Arabian wildlife, the centre in Sharjah remains a hidden gem. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • You don't have to spend money to check out this eerie "ghost town" of Al Madam in Sharjah, just a hardy 4x4 to cross the terrain. Photo: Mohammad Azizi
    You don't have to spend money to check out this eerie "ghost town" of Al Madam in Sharjah, just a hardy 4x4 to cross the terrain. Photo: Mohammad Azizi
  • For the Eid Al Fitr holiday, entry to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is free for adults and children. Photo: National Geographic
    For the Eid Al Fitr holiday, entry to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is free for adults and children. Photo: National Geographic
  • Opened in February, the sprawling Sharjah Safari park covers an area of eight square kilometres in Al Bridi Nature Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid, Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Opened in February, the sprawling Sharjah Safari park covers an area of eight square kilometres in Al Bridi Nature Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid, Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Suwaidi Pearls in Ras Al Khaimah hosts regular tours teaching visitors about the history of pearl diving. Pawan Singh / The National
    Suwaidi Pearls in Ras Al Khaimah hosts regular tours teaching visitors about the history of pearl diving. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Try kayaking in the Al Zorah Nature Reserve, Ajman. Photo: The Luxury Collection
    Try kayaking in the Al Zorah Nature Reserve, Ajman. Photo: The Luxury Collection
  • French Riviera Dubai has a sharing breakfast menu on offer during Eid Al Fitr. Photo: Instagram / @frenchrivieradubai
    French Riviera Dubai has a sharing breakfast menu on offer during Eid Al Fitr. Photo: Instagram / @frenchrivieradubai
  • 'Physiognomy, Land and Territory' by Emirati multidisciplinary artist Ahmad Al Dhaheri is available to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi until May 15 and as part of the Eid programme. Photo: Louvre Abu Dhabi
    'Physiognomy, Land and Territory' by Emirati multidisciplinary artist Ahmad Al Dhaheri is available to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi until May 15 and as part of the Eid programme. Photo: Louvre Abu Dhabi
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While you're here
Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

The British in India: Three Centuries of Ambition and Experience

by David Gilmour

Allen Lane

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 

While you're here

Pad Man

Dir: R Balki

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte

Three-and-a-half stars

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

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

At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020

Launched: 2008

Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools

Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)

Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13

 

Impact in numbers

335 million people positively impacted by projects

430,000 jobs created

10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water

50 million homes powered by renewable energy

6.5 billion litres of water saved

26 million school children given solar lighting

TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court

Starting at 2pm:

Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]

Not before 7pm:

Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)

Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]

 

Court One

Starting at midday:

Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)

Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)

Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)

Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)

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Updated: May 02, 2022, 6:37 AM
DubaiEid Al Fitr 2025Burj Khalifa