The Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve fireworks are a much-awaited spectacle every year. Photo: Emaar
The Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve fireworks are a much-awaited spectacle every year. Photo: Emaar
The Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve fireworks are a much-awaited spectacle every year. Photo: Emaar
The Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve fireworks are a much-awaited spectacle every year. Photo: Emaar

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Burj Khalifa announces New Year’s Eve fireworks show

The accompanying laser light show aims set two new world records

Panna Munyal
Panna Munyal

November 24, 2022

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The tallest building on the planet has also come to be recognised as one of the sites that puts on the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world. This pyrotechnic prowess reaches a crescendo on the last night of the year. And this year is no different.

On December 31, Burj Khalifa will host a cutting-edge laser light and fireworks show on and around its famed facade, with the hope of “turning the iconic tower into a shining beacon of hope, happiness and harmony for 2023”.

While the light and sound spectacle will dominate the Dubai skyline, The Dubai Fountain at the building’s base will also dance in sync with the show.

According to Burj Khalifa developer Emaar, the New Year's Eve celebrations will be seen on television by a billion viewers around the world.

The light show will set a new world record for the largest laser display, while the light beams will travel the longest distance yet recorded.

The light beams from the Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve laser show will purportedly set a new world record for travelling the longest distance. Photo: Emaar
The light beams from the Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve laser show will purportedly set a new world record for travelling the longest distance. Photo: Emaar

Details on additional viewing spots, timings, tickets and transportation options are yet to be revealed.

New Year’s Eve aside, the tower will put on a themed LED light show on December 2, as part of the UAE’s 51st National Day celebrations.

If fireworks are what you’re after this National Day, head to Al Seef, Bluewaters Island, Festival Bay, The Beach or The Pointe in Dubai; or Al Maryah Island, Emirates Palace or Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Scroll through the gallery below to see past Burj Khalifa firework displays

  • 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
The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 592bhp

Torque: 620Nm

Price: Dh980,000

On sale: now

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Bio

Born in Dubai in 1994
Her father is a retired Emirati police officer and her mother is originally from Kuwait
She Graduated from the American University of Sharjah in 2015 and is currently working on her Masters in Communication from the University of Sharjah.
Her favourite film is Pacific Rim, directed by Guillermo del Toro

Read
While you're here
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

While you're here
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

While you're here
Other promotions
  • Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
  • Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
  • Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications) 
Results

6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

Winner: Celtic Prince, David Liska (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer).

7.05pm: Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner: Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

7.40pm: Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m

Winner: Grand Argentier, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

8.15pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m

Winner: Arch Gold, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m

Winner: Military Law, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.

9.25pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner: Ibn Malik, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.

10pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

THE BIO

Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13 

Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier

Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife 

What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents. 

Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.

Recent winners

2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)

2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)

2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)

2007 Grace Bijjani  (Mexico)

2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)

2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)

2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)

2011 Maria Farah (Canada)

2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)

2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)              

2014 Lia Saad  (UAE)

2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)

2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)

2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)

2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)

Imperial%20Island%3A%20A%20History%20of%20Empire%20in%20Modern%20Britain
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Charlotte%20Lydia%20Riley%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Bodley%20Head%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20384%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Friday’s fixture

6.15pm: Al Wahda v Hatta

6.15pm: Al Dhafra v Ajman

9pm: Al Wasl v Baniyas

9pm: Fujairah v Sharjah

.

RACE CARD

6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm: Meydan Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (Turf) 1,000m

7.40pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (D) 2,200m

8.15pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,900m

8.50pm: Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m

9.25pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m

10pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Updated: June 21, 2023, 11:58 AM
Burj KhalifaDubai