THE UNITED Arab Emirates compete each year with ferocious displays of New Years Eve fireworks and elaborate pyrotechnics. Gulf states including Dubai and Abu Dhabi hold hour-long performances that cost millions - with more eye-popping laser shows and drone displays planned for tonight's celebration.
![[The 2024 fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in Dubai]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fireworks-explode-burj-khalifa-worlds-869120462.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The signature fireworks show in Dubai last year saw enormous sparks launched horizontally into the sky from the 830-metre Burj Khalifa. Meanwhile a giant turtle climbed the side of the tower, the world's biggest building. Footage from the country's sandy beaches and impressive marine life was splashed across the enormous building.
![[A pyrotechnic display in front of the Ain Dubai]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/new-years-eve-fireworks-erupt-702782811.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Spiralling fireworks were even shot out from the tip of the skyscraper and enormous strobe lights cast from the side of the building. Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi what looked like miles of fireworks were fired into the sky from above a huge span of water, reflecting the pyrotechnics.
![[Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai on January 1, 2014]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2014-celebrate-new-year-dubai-203219551.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The oil-rich capital of the UAE wheeled out thousands of tons of fireworks alongside an astounding 5,000-strong drone display. This year in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba is set to feature 53 minutes of nonstop fireworks. Light and laser tech will be wheeled out to break six new Guinness Records and a 20-minute show featuring 6,000 drones will light up the sky.
![[People watch fireworks exploding in front of the Atlantis Hotel at The Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, 2018]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/people-watch-fireworks-exploding-front-459013608.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Rulers of the two countries, the Al Maktoums and Al Nayhans, go head to head every 12 month in their attempts to outdo the other's outrageous displays. Property developer Emaar, which organises the Dubai show, wouldn't disclose how much they cost to The Telegraph.
![[Fireworks illuminate the night sky around the Burj Khalifa, 2017]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/epa05693362-fireworks-illuminate-night-sky-291668283.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
