New Year's Eve Spectacle: Fireworks and LED Display in Burj Khalifa

How can you wrap up an awesome year and how can you kick off a new year that you hope to be as good as the previous? I couldn't think of anything better than witnessing a record-breaking New Year celebration with my family!

A few days before 2014 ended, my news feed was full to the brim with announcements on Dubai's new year extravaganza. Aside from the annual spectacular fireworks of Burj Khalifa, LED lights and laser beams were added to its magnificent exterior cladding. Thus, Dubai bagged another Guinness World Record; the world's largest LED-illuminated facade.         

the majestic Burj Khalifa

Eight hours before 2015 began, our little family of four headed to Downtown Dubai donning big excited faces. We wanted to avoid the huge commuter crowd and have a good spot at Burj Park, so we went as early as we could. It went smoothly as planned; the train still had enough space for us to move and we arrived at a half empty Burj Park before sundown.

Burj Park was kept exclusive for families. Food stalls and portable toilets were set up beside the grass-covered area. Food prices were steep; 30 AED for a personal pizza, but it's better than having to walk to MBR boulevard to grab a meal. So, we opted to have pizza and chicken, and a slice of warm cheese kunafa (yum!) as our NYE dinner under the stars.

Burj Khalifa at dusk

excellent year-ender: family picnic at the foot of Burj Khalifa

prime NYE spot (photo taken with goPro in a superview setting)

After almost a dozen of fountain shows, Burj Khalifa's lights were turned off and the much-awaited New Year countdown was displayed on the LED panels wrapped around the world's tallest building. 

Then, this happened when the clock struck midnight:

WOW! Just wow!

Beyond the spectacular pyrotechnics was a breathtaking LED illumination showcasing a tribute to Dubai, to the UAE and to the whole GCC region. Complementing every burst of colors were various illuminations at the facade of the 828 metres high tower! 

Dubai did it again; surprising the world by doing the impossible.  

Happy 2015 #myDubai! 

Since my personal videos are crappy, here's an incredible video of the New Year celebration at Downtown Dubai from Dubai Media's YouTube channel:

As expected, taking the train after the grandest NYE celebration was kinda grueling. We had to endure an hour of waiting, pushing, squeezing in the middle of the massive crowd at Business Bay metro station. But, the exhaustion was nothing compared to the feeling of overwhelming joy. Yes, I'd happily do this again next year! :)     

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