Here’s what you need to know
Dubai welcomed 2026 in signature style with a jaw-dropping celebration that lit up the world’s tallest building and the skyline around it. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, New Year’s Eve unfolded with a spectacular mix of fireworks, lasers, drones and water performances that once again confirmed the city’s reputation for doing things bigger, brighter and bolder than anywhere else.
As midnight approached, thousands of residents and visitors poured into Downtown Dubai, filling viewing spots around the tower, Burj Park and the Dubai Mall promenade. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment: a perfectly choreographed fusion of technology, music and light that transformed the Burj Khalifa into a living canvas.
Restaurants with prime views were booked out well in advance, with some venues reportedly charging premium prices for tables overlooking the show. Yet despite the crowds and the buzz, not everyone managed to see it live on the night. If that sounds familiar, there’s good news.
The celebration didn’t end with midnight
While the headline-grabbing fireworks were exclusive to New Year’s Eve, much of the magic continues beyond the turn of the year. Visitors still have the chance to experience key elements of the celebration in person, without navigating the intense crowds that typically come with December 31.
The laser displays, drone sequences and synchronised fountain performances that made the night so memorable are running nightly until Wednesday, January 7. That means there’s a limited window to catch the essence of Dubai’s New Year celebrations in a calmer, more relaxed setting.
For anyone who avoided the packed streets on New Year’s Eve, or arrived in the city just after, this extended run offers a rare second chance to be part of the experience.
What exactly can you still see?
The ongoing shows focus on the visual storytelling that made the original celebration so striking. High-powered lasers sweep across the façade of the Burj Khalifa, creating animated patterns, messages and colour transitions that play across the entire height of the building. Above, coordinated drone formations add depth and movement to the sky, complementing the light show below.
At ground level, the Dubai Fountain joins the spectacle with synchronised water choreography. Jets of water surge and dance in time with music and lights, amplifying the atmosphere and drawing viewers into a fully immersive experience.
What you won’t see during the extended run is the fireworks finale. That element was reserved exclusively for New Year’s Eve itself. However, the combination of lasers, drones and fountain performances remains more than enough to deliver a memorable evening.
When and where to watch
According to Emaar, the nightly shows are scheduled to take place every evening until Wednesday, January 7, starting at 8.30pm. This consistent timing makes it easy to plan a visit, whether you’re fitting it in after dinner or building an evening around the show.
The best part is that, unlike many New Year’s Eve experiences, these performances are completely free to watch. Public viewing areas around the tower, including Burj Park and surrounding promenades in Downtown Dubai, offer excellent sightlines without the need for reservations or tickets.
Arriving a little early is still recommended, especially on weekends, but the atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed than on December 31.
A New Year celebration beyond the lights
The original New Year’s Eve event was more than just a visual show. Downtown Dubai came alive with a grand parade that featured colourful floats, live performers and oversized puppets weaving through the streets. This added a carnival-like energy to the evening and turned the entire district into a celebration zone rather than a single viewing point.
While the parade itself was a one-night-only experience, its spirit carries through the extended celebrations. Street performers, ambient music and the general buzz of visitors continue to give Downtown Dubai a festive feel throughout the first week of January.
For many, this creates a more enjoyable way to experience the area, allowing time to explore, take photos and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Why this is worth seeing in person
Watching clips of the Burj Khalifa New Year show online doesn’t fully capture its scale. Standing beneath the tower as lights ripple from its base to its peak is an entirely different experience. The sheer height of the building, combined with the precision of the lasers and drones, creates a sense of awe that’s hard to replicate on a screen.
The Dubai Fountain adds another sensory layer, with the sound and movement of water making the show feel alive. Together, these elements showcase the city’s ability to blend art, technology and architecture into a single, unforgettable moment.
Seeing it after New Year’s Eve also has its advantages. With smaller crowds, it’s easier to find a comfortable viewing spot, move around freely and truly appreciate the details of the production.
Planning your visit
If you’re planning to catch the show before it ends on January 7, consider making an evening of it. Many cafés and casual eateries around Downtown Dubai offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy the atmosphere before heading to a viewing area.
Public transport remains one of the easiest ways to reach the area, particularly during the evening hours when traffic can build up. Comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea, as you may want to explore different vantage points to see how the show looks from various angles.
Above all, remember that this is a limited-time experience. Once the final show wraps up on January 7, the Burj Khalifa will return to its usual nightly displays, and this specific New Year celebration will become a memory until the next big countdown.
Don’t miss the final nights
Dubai’s New Year celebrations are known around the world, and the extended Burj Khalifa laser, drone and fountain shows offer a rare opportunity to experience that magic without the pressure of New Year’s Eve itself. Whether you’re a resident who skipped the crowds or a visitor arriving just in time, these final nights are your chance to see one of the city’s most impressive productions up close.
Free to attend and easy to access, it’s a reminder that in Dubai, the celebration doesn’t stop when the clock strikes midnight.
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