Spectacular fireworks illuminate Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, as Dubai welcomes New Year.
http://youtu.be/2kyG8h8bz58Dubai is set to dazzle the world on New Year's Eve with what it pledged to be a record-breaking fireworks show, featuring the explosion of more than 400,000 fireworks, considered to be the largest in the world.
The UAE city is challenging Sydney's claim to the best fireworks show on earth.
Tonight, Dubai hopes to break the Guinness World Record for the largest firework display which will spread over the Gulf emirate's man-made islands and the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
Neighboring Kuwait currently holds the mark, set in 2011 with an epic hour-long show of 77,282 fireworks.
Dubai's fireworks are designed by U.S.-based Fireworks by Grucci, the same firm which designed the fireworks that celebrated Dubai winning the right to host Expo 2020 on Nov. 27.
Multiple celebrations
Thousands began arriving on Tuesday to several locations around the city to watch the fireworks.
At Dubai's The World islands, the show will begin with the "Flying Falcon," which includes an image of the UAE flag adorning Dubai's sky.
The UAE flag will span 29, 250 square meters, in what will also be considered the largest pyrotechnic flag ever displayed.
An additional firework display for 15 minutes will cover the city's Jumeirah beach, with the Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel as the backdrop.
Fireworks and a synchronized light and water show are also taking place at Dubai Festival City.
The spectacle is largely seen as a compliment to Dubai's recent World Expo 2020 win and another opportunity to showcase the young and growing city on the international stage as an attractive place to live and visit.
"The celebrations will mark the end of a momentous year for Dubai — a year which we will reflect on with pride and has laid the groundwork for a prosperous future," said Helal Saeed Al Merri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told Emirates 24/7