The Burj Khalifa is illuminated during Dubai's famous New Year's Eve celebration.
Dubai's midnight celebration around Downtown Dubai features the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building since its completion. The tower is covered with coordinated lighting and visual displays, while fireworks and other effects may form part of the wider program. The exact production changes from year to year.
The building opened in 2010 and stands in the development surrounding the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. Its height and highly visible location make it a natural focal point for televised and streamed New Year's celebrations. Crowds gather in public viewing areas, while many others watch from hotels, homes, or official broadcasts.
The Burj Khalifa event is sometimes described simply as a fireworks show, but modern productions can combine pyrotechnics, LEDs, lasers, music, and projection-style effects. The tower itself is the landmark that identifies the celebration, even when the program includes several nearby venues.