When it comes to ringing in the New Year in the UAE, there's one show-stopper everyone's after - the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa Fireworks. This record-breaking spectacle is the world's highest and largest New Year's display, featuring a mind-blowing array of pyrotechnics. The choreography? Insanely intricate, with 2,800 different firework burst directions, all synced up using cutting-edge tech.
Sure, being inside the Burj Khalifa during the show sounds cool, but you'd miss out on the epic photo ops! That's why we're here to list down the 12 best spots to catch this dazzling display. Trust me, this year's fireworks are set to kick off the new year with a serious bang!
Ready to witness this glow-up? Here's your ultimate guide to Burj Khalifa fireworks viewing.
Know before you watch the 2025 Burj Khalifa Fireworks
- Duration of Burj Khalifa Fireworks : The approximate duration of the display is 20 minutes, making it one of the world’s longest and largest fireworks displays.
- Timings : The fireworks are lit just after the stroke of midnight, but be sure to arrive as early as possible in the evening to catch a good spot to watch from.
- Getting There : The Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, next to the Dubai Mall. It is accessible by public buses as well as taxis. The Dubai Metro also provides a convenient option to reach the spot.
12 best spots to watch the Burj Khalifa Fireworks
1. Burj Khalifa Fountain / Dubai Mall
Undoubtedly the best spot to watch Burj Khalifa's fireworks is from the footsteps of Burj Khalifa, either at the Dubai Fountain or from the Burj facing balconies at Dubai Mall ( Apple Store has a great view!). Be warned, this area will be swamped even 5 hours before the fireworks, so make sure you come in early on 31st December and catch yourself a good spot by evening around 6pm.
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- Make a day of it and go upto the 125 or even 148th floor of the Burj while you wait for the clock to strike midnight!
- If you are coming from other parts of the city or from other Emirates in the UAE, arrive as early as 6pm to grab a top spot, or make a reservation at one of the many Burj facing restaurants.
- Plan ahead as roads and access to the Downtown Dubai are restricted after 8pm for crowd control.
2. Souk al Bahar
This is a dining and lifestyle destination across the bridge from the Dubai Mall. Indulge in some arabic-style shopping and browse through antiques, carpets, jewellery and other luxury authentic artefacts to while away time before midnight strikes. Make a reservation in one of the many restaurants in Souk Al Bahar atleast a few weeks in advance if you intend to dine with your friends or family and enjoy the fireworks as you ring in the new year.
3. Dubai Opera House
Located at a walking distance from Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Opera House is a great place to view the Burj Khalifa fireworks. The first-ever opera house in the United Arab Emirate, the Dubai Opera House hosts an electic collection of concerts, theater, conferences, operas, ballet performances and exhibitions. Built to look like a traditional Arabian dhow, the building’s unique architecture is sure to catch your eye.
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Catch an opera show or go for the highly recommended Dubai Opera Tour while you wait on the New Year!
4. Kite Beach
Pack a picnic and cozy up on Kite Beach for a chill fireworks view. The Burj Khalifa may be distant, but the quieter vibe makes up for it. Watch the iconic tower light up while the booms echo from afar. Feeling peckish? Hit up one of the beach cafes for a bite. Alternatively, you can also show up early and dive into some water sports - Kite Beach is a hotspot for aquatic fun. Just brace yourself for chilly waters if you're taking the plunge! Whether you're lounging on the sand or riding the waves, Kite Beach offers a unique way to ring in the New Year with Burj Khalifa's dazzling display as your backdrop.
5. Dubai Canal
Dubai Canal's a sweet spot for catching those Burj Khalifa fireworks! The water reflects the light show, making it twice as awesome. Grab a spot on one of the bridges for a killer view of the Burj and all the New Year's buzz. While places like Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall are jam-packed, the Canal area's got more breathing room. Bonus: The Dubai Fountain runs a show every 30 minutes till midnight, so you won't get bored waiting for the main event.
6. Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional souk with a touch of modern Dubai, is located right next to the Burj Al Arab. It is a destination within a destination, with 3 lavish hotels, over 50 restaurants and a lot of open spaces that make it a popular spot to watch the fireworks from. You can choose to stay the New Year's eve at Madinat Jumeirah or you can take dhow cruise on New Year's night!
7. Al Khazzan Cadillac Park
Al Khazzan Cadillac Park, located across City Walk, is one of Dubai’s newest parks that UAE residents can access for free. The close proximity of the Park to the Burj Khalifa makes it a great spot to watch the fireworks display.
8. Dubai Design District
The distance of the Dubai Design District from Downtown Dubai offers a crowd-free view of the Burj Khalifa. The District provides a great spot for a relaxing experience while watching the show. This perfectly positioned spot also happens to be amongst the lesser know spots to watch the Burj Khalifa Fireworks, so spend your day admiring the works of artists around the world and shopping at the promenade before catching a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
9. Black Palace Beach
Unless you're a student ( or a teacher) chances of you having ventured to Knowledge Village Dubai are rather slim. However, this is what makes this an ideal spot to catch the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Though it might seem a rather far from Burj, you get a great panaromic view from the rarely visited stretch of Black Palace Beach sand behind Knowledge Village.
10. Bay Avenue
Located near the Dubai Canal, Bay Avenue provides a unique vantage point of the Burj Khalifa. After the Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek, the Dubai Canal is the new waterway in town and pulls many towards its curtain fountains and pictursque dhow cruise rides.
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To make the best of your NYE, take the Dubai water bus or water taxi and clock in New Years from the sea! Behold the Burj Khalifa fireworks while you're gliding across the canal.
11. South Ridge Park
Just a stone's throw from Burj Khalifa, South Ridge Park offers a killer view of the fireworks without the crazy crowds. This well-kept green space is perfect for families and groups looking to spread out and enjoy the show. It has an open layout so you'll get unobstructed views of the fireworks. While it can get busy, it's way less packed than other hotspots. Easy to reach from Business Bay metro station too. Just keep in mind, you won't see the Burj's screen side from here.
12. Gate Village, Dubai International Finance Center (DIFC)
Located just far enough from the Burj Khalifa to fit the entire building into your smartphone camera, the Gate Village, DIFC provides a view of the fireworks that will leave you wonderstruck. At Gate Village, look for the corner where posh galleries and Christies' auction house are located. This is the exact spot that gifts you an outstanding view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Keep mum, because we don't want our secret spot to be too crowded, do we!
