Organisers have explained the decision.
Earlier in December, we reported that this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Burj Khalifa would look a little different. Rather than the fireworks many of us expected, the Downtown landmark will play host to a light show called Light Up 2018.
It soon came out that JBR, La Mer and Al Seef were following suit, opting for other ways to ring in the new year.
Read:
No, there won’t be any fireworks at this Dubai spot on New Year’s Eve
There’s a light show coming to Downtown Dubai this NYE…
Now, though, we’re getting a little bit more detail on how the decision came about. Brigidaire Abdullah Ali Al Ghaith, director of the general department of organisations, protective security and emergency, spoke to Gulf News on the matter.
“Lasers are safer than fireworks. The New Year’s Eve lasers have been places all over Dubai. The aim is to facilitate all simple traffic and ensure flow,” he said.
Traffic has tended to be a bit of a nightmare in the area on previous years, so we can see where he’s coming from.
Also on Gulf News, Emaar Properties managing director Ahmed Thani Al Matrooshi said that yes, they would be replacing the fireworks with a laser show.
“We wanted to introduce something new to stop using old methods. It will bring about a lot of fun and amusement to the properties and spectators,” he told the site. “Emaar seeks to utilise this event, to spotlight the Burj Khalifa, the downtown area and Dubai as an emirate.”
Whatever happens, we’re sure it’ll still be a great night. And if you’re still not sure what to wear, we have some suggestions…
Images: Getty
