Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended service hours for the Dubai Metro and Tram during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The services will operate continuously for 40 hours, starting from 8 am on December 31 for the Metro and 9 am for the Tram, until the end of January 1 and 1 am on January 2, respectively.
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The RTA aims to enhance public convenience by providing a fleet of 230 buses free of charge, reducing traffic congestion. Additionally, around 900 additional parking spaces in Al Wasl and Al Jafiliya have been arranged to accommodate increased vehicles attending the celebrations.
The RTA has also implemented improved signage systems for guidance, including road signs and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) signage for real-time information on road closures and alternative routes.
The initiative reflects the RTA’s commitment to enhancing Dubai’s transportation infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of citizens and guests.
The UAE has undertaken a significant humanitarian effort by sending over 1.6 million pieces of winter clothing and blankets to the Gaza Strip. This initiative, led by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) under the ‘Be their Warmth’ campaign, aims to alleviate the challenges faced by Palestinians during the ongoing conflict and severe winter conditions.
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The phased distribution of these essential supplies is crucial for those lacking adequate shelter amid dropping temperatures and the persistent Israel-Gaza conflict. The ERC is collaborating with Egypt to ensure the safe passage of aid through the Rafah border crossing, and a public donation campaign is ongoing to gather more winter items.
The UAE’s commitment extends beyond material aid, as the nation advocates for a permanent ceasefire, establishes a field hospital in Gaza, and pledges medical treatment for injured Palestinian children and cancer patients in UAE hospitals.
Additionally, numerous aid flights have been dispatched, delivering thousands of tonnes of essential supplies to Gaza.
Dubai is gearing up for an extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a dazzling array of events set to captivate both residents and visitors. From stunning fireworks displays at iconic locations to futuristic drone shows and live performances by international superstars, Dubai’s NYE festivities are shaping up to be truly spectacular.
As the clock strikes midnight, the night sky above Dubai will burst into a symphony of lights, with fireworks illuminating eight prominent locations across the city. The breathtaking displays will take place in alphabetical order:
Al Seef
Bluewaters
Burj Al Arab
Burj Khalifa
Global Village
Hatta
Palm Jumeirah
The Beach
Global Village is set to elevate the celebration by welcoming the new year seven times in a single night. Starting at 8 pm local time on the main stage, each midnight countdown will be accompanied by a unique fireworks display corresponding to different time zones, beginning with China and concluding with Turkey at 1 am.
Futuristic Drone Shows: Lighting Up the Night Sky
Adding a touch of the future to the festivities, two drone shows featuring over 800 coordinated drones will grace the skies over The Beach, JBR, and Bluewaters. The first show at 8 pm will pay tribute to Dubai’s rich past, while the second at 10 pm will offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s future. These drone displays are open to the public, promising a mesmerizing visual experience.
Star-Studded Concerts: International Icons Take Center Stage
Dubai’s NYE celebrations will be enriched with live performances by globally renowned artists at various venues across the city, listed alphabetically:
Atlantis, The Palm: English music legend Sting, accompanied by his 30-piece live band, will headline Atlantis, The Palm’s NYE gala, enchanting the audience with iconic hits like “Desert Rose” and “Every Breath You Take.”
Beach Festival at Zero Gravity Dubai: Rudimental, Sigala, and Nathan Dawe will headline the festival at Zero Gravity Dubai, creating a vibrant atmosphere by the beach.
Burj Al Arab: The Gypsy Kings, musical legends from southern France, will grace the Marine Garden of Burj Al Arab with their guitar-inspired hits.
Dubai Opera: American singer Fantastic Negrito, the Dubai Opera Big Band, and DJ Slim will entertain the crowd with upbeat sets. Guests can also enjoy the legendary Burj Khalifa fireworks from the venue’s promenade.
Rixos The Palm: English musician John Newman will take the stage, performing hits like “Love Me Again” and “Call Your Name” at Rixos The Palm.
With a diverse and thrilling line-up, Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations promise to be an unforgettable way to welcome 2024 with grandeur and joy.
Dubai’s renowned Global Village is gearing up for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, promising a unique experience with seven consecutive fireworks displays representing different countries. Rather than settling for a single countdown, visitors will have the opportunity to ring in the New Year seven times in one night as the park showcases festivities from China to Turkey.
Known for its cultural diversity, Global Village will illuminate the sky at the top of each hour from 8 pm to 1 am, aligning with the time zones of seven selected nations. Attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant New Year traditions of China, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, UAE, and Turkey.
The thrilling fireworks schedule is as follows:
China: 8 pm
Thailand: 9 pm
Bangladesh: 10 pm
India: 10:30 pm
Pakistan: 11 pm
UAE: 12 am
Turkey: 1 am
Global Village’s gates will open at 4 pm, and operating hours will be extended until 1 am on December 30 and 2 am on December 31. The New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31 will be exclusively dedicated to families and ladies, ensuring a welcoming and family-friendly environment.
As the enchanting displays illuminate the night sky, Global Village invites residents and visitors to partake in the festivities, creating lasting memories as they usher in 2024 with grandeur. Join the cultural journey and witness diverse New Year traditions right in the heart of Dubai, promising an unforgettable night of lights, celebrations, and joy.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently experiencing thick fog, leading to red and yellow weather alerts and a reduction in speed limits on certain roads.
The National Centre of Meteorology forecasts fair and partly cloudy weather with a slight decrease in temperatures. Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police have issued warnings to motorists about reduced visibility, advising caution and reduced speed.
The fog is expected to persist until 10 am, with low clouds appearing in the east later in the day. Humid conditions with fog or mist are anticipated on Friday morning. Wind speeds will be light to moderate, and temperatures range from 8ºC in mountainous areas to 30ºC in internal regions.
Comedian Jo Koy is making history as the host of the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, marking his first time leading the show.
The 52-year-old comedian, known for his roles in “Easter Sunday” and his autobiography “Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo,” expressed excitement, stating it’s a special moment to make his Filipino family proud.
The Golden Globes, a significant event launching Hollywood’s 2024 awards season, celebrates outstanding achievements in television and film. The ceremony, airing on January 7, 2024, on CBS, includes top-nominated productions like “Barbenheimer” and the final season of “Succession.”
The awards show transitions to CBS from NBC, aiming to rebuild credibility amidst past controversies within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain led the funeral prayer for the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Saeed Al Mu’alla, who passed away earlier in the day. The ceremony was attended by members of the Al Mu’alla family, senior officials, and both UAE citizens and residents.
Following the prayer, Sheikh Saud, along with dignitaries, proceeded to Umm Al Qaiwain Cemetery for the burial of the late Sheikh Ahmed. Condolences can be expressed at Al Ittihad Hall in Umm Al Qaiwain.
“Penduko” premiered in UAE cinemas on December 25, 2023, at the same time as its release in the Philippines. This was a big deal for fans in both places.
The movie is about Matteo Guidicelli as Pedro Penduko, a guy raised in America who goes to the Philippines after his dad dies. There, he faces curses and bad forces threatening a town.
The film also has Kylie Verzosa, John Arcilla, and Albert Martinez. Jason Paul Laxamana directed the movie, promising action, fantasy, and supernatural stuff with Filipino folklore. “Penduko” also hit screens in Saudi Arabia and Qatar on December 28, 2023.
Discover where to witness stunning fireworks and experience star-studded concerts in Dubai this New Year’s Eve as the city bids farewell to 2023. The skyline will be illuminated by fireworks at prominent locations like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab, each offering a distinct ambiance for revelers. Other venues, including Hatta, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach, and Global Village, promise diverse celebrations.
In addition to the fireworks spectacle, Dubai presents various entertainment options:
Drone Shows: Over 800 drones at The Beach, JBR, and Bluewaters at 8 pm and 10 pm, depicting Dubai’s past and future.
Concerts:
Atlantis, The Palm: Headlined by Sting.
Dubai Opera: Featuring Fantastic Negrito, Dubai Opera Big Band, and DJ Slim.
Zero Gravity Dubai: Performances by Rudimental, Sigala, and Nathan Dawe.
Rixos The Palm: John Newman presenting his hits.
Burj Al Arab: The Gypsy Kings delivering their unique sound in the Marine Garden.
This New Year’s Eve promises a dazzling combination of visual extravaganzas and musical performances, catering to a diverse range of preferences for both residents and visitors.
The Emirates Draw has announced a record-breaking cash prize of AED200 million, the largest ever offered in the UAE, as part of its Mega7 category. Participants can join the draw until 8:30 pm on December 31, with the jackpot going to the person matching all seven numbers drawn on Sunday.
The grand prize will be shared if multiple participants match all seven numbers. The Mega7 category offers two opportunities to win with every ticket, making it an attractive option for participants.
The draw’s New Year Grand Draw will also randomly select 15 Guaranteed Winners of AED10,000 each through their Raffle IDs. Participants aged 18 or above can purchase tickets online from anywhere in the world.
