As temperatures dropped on New Year’s Eve, Business Bay transformed into a bustling corridor of culinary commerce, with food establishments capitalizing on the massive pedestrian flow heading toward Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa celebrations. Cafeterias, food trucks, and supermarkets along the Business Bay stretch reported exceptionally brisk business, serving thousands of attendees preparing for extended outdoor viewing of the iconic fireworks display.
At Hubba Cafeteria, operating from a strategically positioned food truck, steam rose from paper cups as customers crowded around the counter, rubbing hands against the chill while placing orders. The atmosphere resembled a festive event in itself, with vendors reporting unprecedented demand for warm beverages and snacks.
Second Home Restaurant implemented amplified marketing tactics, with staff using microphones to advertise their tea, biryani, and sandwiches to pedestrians en route to the celebrations. The establishment’s owner projected sales exceeding 1,000 cups of tea alone, noting that the post-fireworks period typically brings the peak business surge between 1 and 2 AM.
Safestway Supermarket near Business Bay Metro Station adopted an innovative retail approach, deploying shopping trolleys piled high with popcorn bags, flanked by thermal flasks of tea and trays of samosas and kachodis. Staff continuously called out snack options, successfully capturing impulse purchases from passersby.
International visitors and residents alike emphasized the practical necessity of warm refreshments. ‘This weather makes tea non-negotiable,’ stated one Indian visitor, describing the karak chai as essential fuel for the hours of standing ahead. An Egyptian purchaser noted the dual benefit of thermal regulation and alertness maintenance during the extended outdoor event.
Business operators highlighted the precise timing dynamics of their New Year’s Eve revenue stream, with the post-fireworks exodus creating the most concentrated window of commercial opportunity during the early morning hours.