The Burj Khalifa is lit during the annual New Year's Eve countdown in Dubai's Downtown district.
Dubai's celebration uses the world's tallest building as its central visual landmark. The Burj Khalifa is covered with large-scale lighting, video, and pyrotechnic displays that can be seen across Downtown Dubai. The spectacle is coordinated with events around the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and surrounding public spaces.
The skyscraper opened in 2010 and reaches a roof height of 828 metres. Its height and reflective exterior make it especially suitable for a citywide light display, while its location in a dense entertainment and shopping district allows large crowds to gather nearby.
Dubai's program has changed from year to year, sometimes emphasizing fireworks, lasers, projection, or other technology. The Burj Al Arab is another famous Dubai landmark and has also appeared in celebrations, but the Downtown countdown is specifically centered on the Burj Khalifa.