6 perfect spots to watch Dubai's 'sunrise at midnight' NYE fireworks

From special RTA water buses to midnight picnics on the beach, here are the top places to catch the dazzling display in the night sky on December 31

As Dubai gears up for one of the biggest nights of the year, several residents are scrambling to locate the perfect vantage point to watch the stunning vista as the emirate sets a new Guinness World Record with a fireworks and pyrotechnic spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

Organisers of Dubai World Record 2014 have confirmed a six-minute extravaganza that will stretch across 100km of shoreline, including The Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands, with 400,000 fireworks being set off from 400 locations. Must read: Your guide to watch Dubai's world record NYE fireworks across 100km of shoreline.

Adding to this master effort will be a technological marvel that will create a ‘sunrise’ at midnight, with a flying falcon taking off into the horizon as the world’s largest pyrotechnic flag in the sky will come to life, stretching across 29,250 square meters.

Meanwhile, further down the road will see the imposing Burj Khalifa bring its own fireworks display to life at the stroke of midnight, with vantage areas peppered across downtown to watch the world’s tallest building light up in a majestic sparkfest.

With residents spoilt for choice this historical December 31 evening, Emirates 24|7 finds for you the best seats in the city to catch these stunning vistas as they explode across the night sky.

Marine ride

By far the best seat in the house, the Roads and Transport Authority are offering people the chance to watch the fireworks being set off from The Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab from its ‘celebration point’ in the waters off the coast of Dubai.

For just Dh75, a special round trip aboard the RTA water bus will start from Dubai Marina Mall Water Transport Station before it sets sail from the Marinal Canal to the coastal waters of Dubai.

The water bus will stop in front of The Palm Jumeirah for 20 minutes at a special ‘celebration point’ around midnight from where those on board will be able to catch the fireworks display across the four major landmarks of the emirate.

Tickets are on sale with the RTA at the Al Ghubaiba, Al Seef and the Marina Mall water stations. For in-depth information on the water-view, read: One way to enjoy fireworks at Palm, Burj Khalifa & Burj Al Arab on NYE all at once.

Party on The Palm

A seat for a gig at any of The Palm Jumeirah gala events and parties will be the hottest ticket of the night, with all the major hotels on the manmade island, including Atlantis The Palm, the Anantara, the Sofitel, the Kempinski, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and the Rixos, are hosting special gala events and parties that will include a ringside seat to the world record attempt.

The biggest gig on The Palm, of course, remains Sandance NYE on Nasimi Beach, which is expected to host over 17,000 people on the night.

While VIP tickets and tables have already sold out, the regular Dh450 tickets are still up for grabs before those too may run out.

Those attending Sandance beware though, as the only way to attend the gig would be on a RTA bus that will depart from the American University of Dubai from 5pm onwards on December 31.

Due to the access restrictions on The Palm on the day, hotels are liaising with guests to ensure they have the entry pass or access to private shuttles to make it to the venues.

House party

While several residents on The Palm Jumeirah have vented their frustration at the entry restrictions imposed on the island due to the NYE fireworks display, organisers of Dubai World Record 2014 have reiterated that each household will be given event passes to shuttle friends and family.

Residents can use their passes to bring in their guests, providing they follow the permitted access timetable.

From 8am to 9pm, access to event pass holders in their personal vehicles and passengers in taxis holding event pass.

From 9pm to 10.30pm, access to passengers in taxis holding event pass only.

Between 10.30pm and 1am access will be stopped for the purpose of safety and security. However, provisions will be made only for emergency situations.

As parking space on the Fronds is limited, residents are advised to limit the number of guest vehicles to a maximum of five vehicles per villa. Each vehicle will have a car pass.

Walking around The Palm Jumeirah will be restricted from 10.30pm onwards to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the show.

However, even with the restrictions in place, a spot on The Palm this NYE will still be a coveted spot to catch the fireworks.

Beach soiree

Forget the parties and the galas if your idea of fun is a night on beach with friends and family, while the world erupts in celebrations around you.

The Burj Al Arab and the Kite Beach will serve as great vantage points to hunker down earlier in the evening for a picnic dinner before the night erupts in a dazzling array of fireworks at the stroke of midnight.

If a party is still the order of the hour, then almost all the beachside hotels along Jumeirah and Al Sufuoh Road are hosting special parties and gigs that will offer you a similar vista with all the frills of a celebratory NYE.

Downtown affair

While the main focus remains on the world record attempt, the other spectacular display remains the traditional Burj Khalifa fireworks by Emaar, which returns this NYE after the magnificent show on November 27, when Dubai won the Expo 2020 bid.

The ever efficient Emaar has uploaded a map on its Downtown Dubai website, which marks the exact locations where you will be able to witness the Burj Khalifa fireworks.

There are also special areas marked for those planning to visit with families and small children to ensure their safety amidst the crowds on the night.

Comfort of your couch

If the chaos that is bound to erupt on NYE is too much for you to handle, then the best option available is the comfort of your own couch.

A quiet night in with close family and friends may just prove to be the hottest ticket of the house.

All you need to do is tune into Dubai One on the night, which will be airing the fireworks display live on TV and you will be set for a Happy New Year indeed.

 

Your guide to watch Dubai's world record NYE fireworks across 100km of shoreline

Fireworks will also erupt on all continents on The World Islands; the largest pyrotechnic flag ever attempted will flash the UAE colours

An extraordinary extravaganza lies in wait for residents who will witness the live spectacle as Dubai puts forth its ambitious plan to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest firework display.

As part of Dubai’s commitment to excellence, the city is coming together to set a phenomenal pyrotechnic record on December 31 that aims to light up the city in an extraordinary show that will showcase a six-minute display choreographed across the whole of The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.

Over 200 expert pyro technicians, 400 firing locations and 100 computers networked to control the show down to the millisecond will be in position.

The world record-breaking attempt will cover a distance of approximately 100km of seafront and feature over 400,000 fireworks in a series of dramatic imagery designed exclusively for the event and set to a specially choreographed musical soundtrack.

The breath taking display, which includes a ‘Flying Falcon’, ‘UAE Flag’ and a ‘Sunrise’ scene, will begin shortly before midnight and showcase the city as one of the world’s premier locations for the global community to visit.

Visible from numerous vantage points across Dubai, all hotels on The Palm Jumeirah will be hosting events to celebrate their involvement in the Dubai World Record 2014 attempt.

Programme for the night

Over 400,000 fireworks will be placed along 100kms of seafront to achieve this world record.

Aside from The Palm Jumeirah, fireworks will also be set off from the seven continents on The World Islands in celebration of and an invitation to the global community to come to Dubai during the journey to World Expo 2020.

A Flying Falcon will open the programme, leading the countdown in English and Arabic digits – using the exclusive GrucciSkyEtching technology.

The display features seven 24-inch shells that will rise 600m above the seven World Island Continents, each spreading a canopy over 700m wide.  

A UAE flag will be presented at 225m wide x 130m high – using a patented PixelBurst technology that uses embedded computer chips for precision firing.  At 29,250 square meters, it will be the largest pyrotechnic flag ever presented.

Grucci has designed a ‘Sunrise’ scene that will awaken the World across nearly 10kms wide.               

The fireworks performance will be choreographed to music composed specifically for this event, but inspired by a local song

The performance, which has taken over 5,000 plus man-days to complete the attempt, will last six minutes in total, with over 400 firing locations.

The fireworks specially handcrafted for the programme in the USA, China and Spain.

Traffic management

As revealed earlier, restrictions will apply in terms of traffic movement and access to The Palm Jumeirah on December 31, which will include a pass system to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

Residents can use their passes to bring in their guests, providing they follow the permitted access timetable.

From 8am to 9pm, access to event pass holders in their personal vehicles and passengers in taxis holding event pass.

From 9pm to 10.30pm, access to passengers in taxis holding event pass only.

Between 10.30pm and 1am access will be stopped for the purpose of safety and security. However, provisions will be made only for emergency situations.

As parking space on the Fronds is limited, residents are advised to limit the number of guest vehicles to a maximum of five vehicles per villa.  Each vehicle will have a car pass.

Walking around The Palm Jumeirah will be restricted from 10.30pm onwards to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the show.

Image courtesy www.shutterstock.com

 

Dubai attempts to stun world with 400,000 NYE fireworks across 100km of shoreline

Fireworks will also erupt on all continents on The World Islands; the largest pyrotechnic flag ever attempted will flash the UAE colours

An extraordinary extravaganza lies in wait for residents who will witness the live spectacle as Dubai puts forth its ambitious plan to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest firework display.

As part of Dubai’s commitment to excellence, the city is coming together to set a phenomenal pyrotechnic record on December 31 that aims to light up the city in an extraordinary show that will showcase a six-minute display choreographed across the whole of The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.

Over 200 expert pyro technicians, 400 firing locations and 100 computers networked to control the show down to the millisecond will be in position.

The world record-breaking attempt will cover a distance of approximately 100km of seafront and feature over 400,000 fireworks in a series of dramatic imagery designed exclusively for the event and set to a specially choreographed musical soundtrack.

The breath taking display, which includes a ‘Flying Falcon’, ‘UAE Flag’ and a ‘Sunrise’ scene, will begin shortly before midnight and showcase the city as one of the world’s premier locations for the global community to visit.

Visible from numerous vantage points across Dubai, all hotels on The Palm Jumeirah will be hosting events to celebrate their involvement in the Dubai World Record 2014 attempt.

Programme for the night

Over 400,000 fireworks will be placed along 100kms of seafront to achieve this world record.

Aside from The Palm Jumeirah, fireworks will also be set off from the seven continents on The World Islands in celebration of and an invitation to the global community to come to Dubai during the journey to World Expo 2020.

A Flying Falcon will open the programme, leading the countdown in English and Arabic digits – using the exclusive GrucciSkyEtching technology.

The display features seven 24-inch shells that will rise 600m above the seven World Island Continents, each spreading a canopy over 700m wide.  

A UAE flag will be presented at 225m wide x 130m high – using a patented PixelBurst technology that uses embedded computer chips for precision firing.  At 29,250 square meters, it will be the largest pyrotechnic flag ever presented.

Grucci has designed a ‘Sunrise’ scene that will awaken the World across nearly 10kms wide.               

The fireworks performance will be choreographed to music composed specifically for this event, but inspired by a local song

The performance, which has taken over 5,000 plus man-days to complete the attempt, will last six minutes in total, with over 400 firing locations.

The fireworks specially handcrafted for the programme in the USA, China and Spain.

Traffic management

As revealed earlier, restrictions will apply in terms of traffic movement and access to The Palm Jumeirah on December 31, which will include a pass system to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

Residents can use their passes to bring in their guests, providing they follow the permitted access timetable.

From 8am to 9pm, access to event pass holders in their personal vehicles and passengers in taxis holding event pass.

From 9pm to 10.30pm, access to passengers in taxis holding event pass only.

Between 10.30pm and 1am access will be stopped for the purpose of safety and security. However, provisions will be made only for emergency situations.

As parking space on the Fronds is limited, residents are advised to limit the number of guest vehicles to a maximum of five vehicles per villa.  Each vehicle will have a car pass.

Walking around The Palm Jumeirah will be restricted from 10.30pm onwards to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the show.

Image courtesy www.shutterstock.com

 

Illegal devices used to boost mobile reception

Dead spots force users to consider 'other' options

The device known as 'repeater' (Supplied)

Banned devices that can enhance mobile coverage are being sold in the UAE, mainly through internet for select customers. 

The device known as 'Repeaters' can enhance mobile coverage within a particular apartment or home and costs about Dh2,500 for a unit that boosts GSM signal and Dh5,000-6,000 for 3G signal enhancement. 

One agent who was trying to sell the product told this reporter that he could deliver the product at Bank Street in Bur Dubai. "The cost will vary depending on the number of units you require. Anything from Dh2,500 for just GSM to Dh5,000 for 3G connectivity and use of BlackBerry service. However, we are not responsible for any penalties by building owners or etisalat or du," the agent warned. 

The installation involves fixing two antennas, one inside the apartment and one outside. 

Repeaters captures and boosts a weak mobile signal through an antenna and amplifier and boosts coverage for areas up to 800 square metres, an online advertisement claims. 

However according to Aurad, another exporter of Repeaters, the sale of the device within the UAE is banned. 

“I have been told that it is banned by both the TRA and the telecom operators. I mainly sell the products to customers in Africa and other Middle Eastern countries,” he said. 

According to him there are several cases of mobile users of both operators facing difficulty in obtaining connectivity inside certain buildings and in parking areas. 

“Mobile signals are hardly available in some heavily concrete buildings. In Reem Tower in Makhtoum street, which is just behind the etisalat building I know people who have to come out of the building to make calls. There are many such cases across the Dubai and other emirates,” he said. 

Many residents in Tecom in Dubai have repeatedly complained to etisalat about no connectivity within the buildings. “We moved in to Tecom in March 2011. I was not able to get connectivity even in the balcony. Finally after several complaints Etisaalt did something and I am now able to get some signal, in some select locations within my apartment,” said Sangeeta T. 

Many residents in the area say they were forced to change their operator to Du due to etisalat’s lack of connectivity. 

“Du surprisingly has increased its mobile coverage, form being terrible to much much better during the last year or so,” says Santosh Kumar, a marketing professional. As part of my work I visit many areas and buildings across Dubai, meeting many clients and Du’s coverage ahs significantly improved. They still have issues in some parts especially in parking lots. But it is negligible,” he added. 

An etisalat spokesperson yesterday told 'Emirates24|7' that except Tecom where du has exclusive coverage rights it has had no major complaints from other areas in the UAE. 

“Tecom issue has to be addressed to the TRA. When we do receive complaints from other areas we do send our technical team and try and boost the signal.” The official also said that in special cases special antennas are placed on top of specific buildings located in a dense area. “We take permission from the owner of the building and even pay him charges for electricity usage in such cases,” the official said,

 

Dh37m ‘Royal Fantasy’ bra on display in Dubai Mall: Here’s how to buy it for Dh1,000

Victoria’s Secret garment displayed at Dubai Mall is studded with 4,200 precious jewels

A Dh37 million ($10m) bounty for a bra sounds, well, a bit much. But not lingerie maker Victoria’s Secret, who unveiled the ‘Royal Fantasy’ bra at Dubai Mall this week.
The garment is studded with more than 4,200 precious gems from around the world, all set in 18-carat gold by hand and has been designed by Swiss-based jeweller Mouawad.
The piece comes with complementary pink briefs and a gold belt, in case you were wondering.
Of course, a price-tag of Dh37 million, effectively, rules out 99 per cent of the population ever giving a serious consideration to buying it.
But wait, there’s another way to buy the garment – a Victoria’s Secret retail replica of the famous innerwear is available for about Dh1,000 ($295), but it’s embellished with rhinestones, not rubies.
Yes, even Dh1,000 sounds a lot for innerwear, but let’s tell you that the company has produced only 1,000 such replicas, so stocks are limited.
Back to the original piece, it comes complete with diamonds and sapphires, while the showstopper is the 52-carat pear-shaped ruby in the centre.
Unveiled globally last month by South African model Candice Swanepoel at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York, supermodel Adriana Lima jetted down to Dubai to showcase the garment here.
Lima, who has been a model for Victoria's Secret since 2000, has walked the ramp for the lingerie maker five times in the past, most notably when she strutted down the catwalk two months after giving birth.
Victoria’s Secret is selling the one of a kind piece if anyone is looking for unique Christmas gift ideas.

Dubai Duty Free 30th Anniversary offer: Get products at 1983 prices

Dubai Duty Free celebrates its 30th Anniversary on December 20, 2013, with the special day likely to set another sales milestone for the airport retailer when the operation extends up to 30 per cent discount across a wide range of merchandise throughout the 24-hour period.

“This is a major milestone for the operation and we want our customers to celebrate along with us and to thank them for supporting us for the past three decades,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free.
“Also on the anniversary day, we have identified and sourced seven different products which we will sell at 1983 prices and that’s just something special for our customers,” he added.
The discount offer will run from midnight on December 19 to midnight December 20, for all departing and arriving customers at Dubai International Airport and at Al Maktoum International Airport - Dubai World Central. The anniversary discount offer, which began with Dubai Duty Free’s 20th Anniversary in 2003, has proved so successful and popular that it has now become a much-anticipated travel day.
Traditionally a high sales period for Dubai Duty Free, the December 20 offer will undoubtedly ensure that the cash registers are kept ringing throughout the day. The Dubai Duty Free team will be hoping to surpass last year’s anniversary day when sales reached Dh76.91 million ($21 million).
“I think the big discount day is going to create a fantastic atmosphere at Dubai Duty Free for the entire 24 hours and it would be terrific to break the daily sales record on the anniversary day,” added McLoughlin.
As part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations, Dubai Duty Free will ensure a party-like atmosphere prevails throughout the retail operation on that day. Plans are in place to conduct a Millennium Millionaire, a Finest Surprise Luxury Car draw, the final ‘Shop and Win’ draw which ran for 30 days leading up to the anniversary day with the prize of a 30g gold coin being won each day.
When Dubai Duty Free opened for business on December 20, 1983, the operation had 100 employees, 44 of whom are still in active service and are referred to as the ‘pioneers’. The operation currently employs 6,000 staff comprising of 51 different nationalities.
Dubai Duty Free achieved $20 million sales on its first year of operation and is expected to record $1.8 billion by year-end.