Happy new year 2026

Dubai’s 48 New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Private individuals are not allowed to buy, sell, or use fireworks in Dubai without an official permit. Both the sale and use of fireworks require authorization, and violations can lead to fines starting from 100,000 AED and even imprisonment.

Dubai is famous for hosting some of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks, and for the 2025–2026 celebrations the city will stage 48 separate firework shows across 40 different locations. This is a massive, emirate‑wide operation that requires months of planning and the work of thousands of professionals.

What makes the event unique?

– The fireworks are spread across the city to distribute crowds and traffic more evenly.

– The shows are overseen by the Event Security Committee, SIRA, and Dubai Police, who manage safety and logistics.

– The entire operation is part of Dubai’s largest annual security and crowd‑management effort.

How much do the fireworks cost?

Dubai does not publish official cost figures, but estimates can be made based on previous years and international pricing for large‑scale firework productions.

Estimated total cost

– A typical large city‑level firework show costs USD 300,000–1,000,000.

– Dubai’s mega‑shows (Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis) are significantly more expensive, estimated at USD 1.5–3 million per show.

– Smaller neighbourhood shows cost approximately USD 100,000–300,000.

Estimated total budget for Dubai’s 48 shows

– USD 20–30 million (approximately EUR 18–27 million).

Dubai views these displays as an investment in tourism, global visibility, and city branding.

How many fireworks are launched?

Dubai does not release exact numbers, but estimates can be made from previous years.

Estimated number of fireworks

– The Burj Khalifa show typically uses 15,000–20,000 fireworks.

– Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis together use an estimated 20,000–30,000 fireworks.

– The remaining 45+ shows use 1,000–5,000 fireworks each.

Total estimated number

– 80,000–120,000 fireworks across the city.

Dubai has previously broken Guinness World Records for the scale of its New Year’s displays, so these figures are consistent with the city’s ambitions.

Most iconic firework locations:

– Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai – the world’s most watched New Year’s Eve show.

– Palm Jumeirah – multiple simultaneous displays.

– Atlantis The Palm – a massive beachfront show.

– Burj Al Arab – an iconic coastal display.

– Dubai Creek Harbour – modern skyline backdrop.

– Bluewaters Island & Ain Dubai – fireworks over water and around the giant wheel.

– Dubai Festival City – family‑friendly atmosphere.

– Global Village – international theme and colourful fireworks.

– Expo City Dubai – futuristic setting.

– Palm Jebel Ali – a new addition to the fireworks map.

How the 48 shows are structured

– 40 locations → some host multiple short shows throughout the night.

– The timings are coordinated so that fireworks can be seen across the city almost continuously.

– Authorities release a detailed map each year to help residents and visitors plan their movements.

What visitors should know:

– Arrive early to the most popular areas.

– The metro runs extended hours throughout New Year’s Eve.

– Expect road closures and special traffic arrangements.

– Fireworks can be seen from far away thanks to Dubai’s open skyline and excellent visibility.

We were watching the fireworks at Dubai frame. We went there on foot because we knew that going by subway would not be possible due to the amount of people.

The distance was about 50 meters.

We queued for the best seats for about five hours and our legs started to really hurt, but it was worth it to queue and stay to see that amazing show. There must have been many thousands in the audience.

There were so many people that many pushed each other and tried to get to the front to watch. And while people were trying to get to the front row, they were trampling all the plants to pieces trying to straighten through them.

Everyone had fun. People cheered, sang and danced while waiting for the year to change and even after that. People were also sober and not drunk as usual.No one argued or fought as is usually done in Finland, simply everyone had a good time.

The show started with texts written by drones about the organizers of the show, after which the countdown towards the turn of the year began. The fireworks itself lasted about 3 minutes, but the whole show lasted about 15 minutes

It was incredibly wonderful and probably exceeded even our expectations.

At the end, the drones wrote Happy New Year in many different languages!

We left the place in good time before the worst traffic jam, but still the mass of people was incredible.

We tried to walk away, but the peoples behind us just pushed and tried to make the mass move faster.

we were like little worms among others.

At some point we managed to escape to the side and along the small sidewalks back to the hostel.