As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, Downtown Dubai transformed into a global stage for New Year’s Eve celebrations, showcasing two distinct yet equally compelling experiences. While first-time visitors gazed in awe at the Burj Khalifa’s legendary fireworks display, long-term residents created intimate celebrations from their homes with panoramic views of the spectacle.
For newcomers like Philippines nationals Jaimee Manio and Paola Melendez Reyes, along with Puerto Rican colleague Gianelli Guimoc, the evening marked their inaugural encounter with Dubai’s iconic skyline. “People travel from all over the world to see this, and we are lucky enough to call Dubai our home now,” expressed Jaimee, capturing the sentiment of many recent arrivals. Gianelli noted the city’s remarkable cultural diversity, emphasizing how the celebration brought together global citizens in shared appreciation.
Indian tourist Meena Kalra, experiencing her first Dubai New Year, praised the city’s meticulous organization: “From field hospitals to free viewing areas, there’s so much happening. I have celebrated New Year’s in various countries but never been as impressed.”
The resident experience revealed a different dimension of the celebration. British expats Vasudha and Vivek Khandeparkar, residing in Southridge with clear views of the Burj Khalifa, have established a tradition of hosting friends and family. “I see it everyday, 365 days a year and never get tired of it. It is an unmatched beauty,” Vasudha remarked, highlighting how residents cherish the spectacle from their private spaces.
Farah Sarfraz, a six-year Downtown resident, described NYE as her favorite time of year precisely because it encourages staying home: “This gives us time to slow down and spend quality time with our friends and family. We see people of all backgrounds and cultures come together like no other time.”
At the Southridge public viewing area, families created festive campgrounds with tents, chairs, and picnic mats, some arriving as early as noon to secure prime viewing spots. Volunteers like Indian expat Ali Amjad ensured family-friendly environments by monitoring for prohibited activities, demonstrating the community’s collective effort to maintain the celebration’s spirit.