Dazzling fireworks display as Abu Dhabi residents and visitors welcome in the new year

Residents and visitors to the capital welcomed in the new year with fireworks, large screens broadcasting international celebrations and, for some, fake snow.

Fireworks explode over the water at the Galleria mall promenade on Maryah Island. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI // Fireworks lit up the night sky, popping in brilliant colours over Emirates Palace, eliciting cheers and applause from thousands of New Year’s Eve revellers picnicking and strolling along the Corniche beach.

“Wow, that was amazing,” said Filipina Jocelyn Hizole of the five-minute spectacle. “No, we want more.”

A fireworks show at Saadiyat Island could also simultaneously be seen from the Corniche.

“Every year we celebrate here on the Corniche, we like to enjoy our last day of the year here,” said Fatima Al Ameri, whose family was drinking tea and Arabic coffee and eating sweets on an grassy patch of land near the water. “We like the fireworks, every year they do it here.”And anticipation was high for the stroke of midnight as hundreds of revellers waited to ring in the new year watching what was billed as the capital’s largest fireworks show on Al Maryah Island.

Mubadala, which owns the central business district on the island featuring the high-end The Galleria mall, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, four office towers, the city’s Financial Building and the soon-to-open Four Seasons Hotel, organised events in advance of the midnight fireworks show along its promenade.

As guests arrived at Sowwah Square they were handed noisemakers, bright New Year’s Eve hats and colourful leis to help them welcome the new year. Musicians performed on an outdoor stage on the promenade as children danced and twirled, throwing fake snow in the air.

Countdowns from Tokyo and other major cities were broadcast live on large screens throughout the complex, giving the audience in Abu Dhabi a chance to share in the international festivities and celebrations. Meanwhile, two emcees promised everyone “the biggest fireworks this year in the capital” and invited them to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #inwiththenew #almaryahisland.

Saed Arar, associate director for Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure, said he hoped the New Year’s Eve festivities on the island would gain momentum year after year.

“We’d like to compare ourselves to Sydney Harbour, Times Square [New York],” said Mr Arar. “Al Maryah Island, with it being the central business district, is definitely something iconic for Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi now is on the map so you will see more activities around the city. We’re complementing everything else in the city. We’re just a piece of the puzzle, but we would like to be an international piece of the puzzle.”

Sara Al Mazrouei, a 26-year-old Emirati, said in the past her family would go to the Corniche to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. She welcomed the change.

“We like it, it’s nice,” said Ms Al Mazrouei, who was accompanied by her sister, Meera, 22. “It’s a new experience.”

Ashik Dennis, a 22-year-old Indian who has lived most of his life here, said he enjoyed strolling along the promenade and Festival Market with his parents, sister and brother-in-law.

“It’s something for Abu Dhabi to cheer for,” Mr Dennis said of the new celebrations. The young man said last year had been a “roller coaster ride, but with more ups than downs”. He was looking forward to the new year.

“Although 2014 was good for us, it was not good globally,” said Mr Dennis. “There were a lot of tragedies and accidents, so I hope next year is better.”

Many revellers echoed the wish for world peace and safe travels.

“You know, because we had many problems, I hope that peace comes to the people in the region,” said Ms Al Mazrouei. “I hope no planes crash again. I think 2014 was very depressing. I’m happy to leave it behind.”

Rana Khabbaz pulled out her mobile phone to capture video of her young son twirling in front of the stage to recorded music.

“We just wish for peace and health and wealth,” the 31-year-old said.

Camille Hilmi sat along the promenade with his wife and daughter, watching passersby.

He hoped the new year would be “less disastrous than 2014”.

The President, Sheikh Khalifa, sent happy new year messages to “leaders of friendly countries”, wishing them health, prosperity and progress for their people.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also sent messages to the world leaders.