DUBAI // More than 650,000 people are expected to welcome 2017 in the shadow of Burj Khalifa as the official new year fireworks illuminate the night sky.
The annual display at the world’s tallest building is this year one of 160 locations across the emirate to host displays at the turn of midnight.
Of that total, 23 will be in the Downtown Dubai area, police said today. Other locations include Khaleej Al Tejari, Dubai Canal, Al Jaddaf, and Ras Al Khor.
Brigadier Abdullah Al Marri, director of Dubai Police’s protective security and emergency department, said efforts had been made “to ensure that people can reach the locations of events smoothly, so they can get back home safely after enjoying the fireworks,”
He urged members of the public to cooperate with the authorities and contact the nearest police stand in case of emergencies.
Brig Al Marri said there will be 26 tents across the emirate to offer first aid or help if a child gets lost.
“We urge people to get to head to the celebrations early and before 8pm, to follow the officers’ instructions, and avoid hindering traffic flow,” he said. “We are expecting six locations to be crowded, including the Burj Khalifa area with approximately 200,000 people and the Dubai Mall area with 400,000 people.”
Another 27,000 people are expected near the Address Hotel, 13,000 in Souk Al Bahar, 10,000 along the promenade, 1,800 in the Burj Plaza area, he said. More info
By Dana Moukhallati thenational.ae
