In a transformative shift from previous years, hundreds of Dubai’s essential service workers experienced New Year’s Eve celebrations firsthand rather than working behind the scenes. The massive gathering in Al Quoz marked a significant departure from tradition for the cleaning and maintenance staff who typically spend the holiday clearing celebration debris.
Abdul Raqeeb, a maintenance company employee who arrived in Dubai two years ago, represented this dramatic change in experience. Last year, he prepared for extensive post-celebration cleanup while others counted down to midnight. This year, he joined thousands of residents in recording celebratory videos to send home while enjoying musical performances.
“Last year, I cleaned after the celebration,” Raqeeb noted quietly. “This year, I am celebrating it.”
His colleague Wasim emphasized the unusual nature of their experience: “Usually, this time is busy for us. Today, we are not working. We are just sitting, enjoying the night and welcoming the new year in a grand way.”
The workers, dressed in simple clothing and carrying phones to capture the moment, gathered in groups of colleagues and friends who have worked together for years with minimal recognition. Their participation in the festivities represents a growing acknowledgment of the essential workforce that maintains Dubai’s glittering public spaces during major events.
The celebration continued with the Dubai Fountain extending its New Year shows through January 7, though some regular displays remain temporarily suspended to accommodate the extended holiday programming.