Chinese New Year is one of the world’s most widely celebrated festivals, marked by vibrant traditions, family reunions, and spectacular festivities.
Celebrated primarily in China and by Chinese communities across the globe, this event signifies the beginning of a new lunar year.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its cultural diversity, joins in with grandeur, offering a variety of exciting activities to mark the occasion. This year the festivities in Dubai promise to be just as dazzling, particularly with the spectacular free fireworks displays taking place across the city.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. This marks the beginning of a 15-day celebration that culminates with the Lantern Festival.
While the holiday is most widely celebrated in China, it is also a major event in countries with large Chinese communities, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. The UAE is no exception, hosting several cultural events, performances, and exhibitions to ring in the New Year.
The Year of the Snake
2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The snake symbolises wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Those born in the Year of the Snake are believed to possess great intelligence, resourcefulness, and adaptability. These qualities are said to offer a sense of mystery, with a deep connection to the unknown.
As the world transitions from the dynamic Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Snake brings a calmer and more strategic energy, encouraging reflection and personal growth. It is a time for embracing change and renewal, making this year's festivities even more significant.
Chinese New Year fireworks
This time, Chinese New Year is beginning on January 29 and will end on February 12. The festivities are anchored in traditions like family reunions, ancestor worship, and the celebration of new beginnings. But perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the celebrations, especially in cities like Dubai, is the grand fireworks displays that light up the skies.
Here's your guide to the best locations to enjoy these free events.
Dubai Festival City Mall
- Date: January 30, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM
One of the most anticipated fireworks shows is at Dubai Festival City Mall. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the waterfront, this display promises to be a dazzling spectacle. It’s free to attend, but be sure to arrive early to secure the best spots as the location can become quite crowded.
Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts
- Date: January 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM
Riverland Dubai offers a family-friendly atmosphere for a night of fireworks fun. With a view that extends over the picturesque Riverland area, this free event will bring vibrant explosions of colour to the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts. Entry to Riverland is Dh15, but it’s free with a valid ticket to any of the theme parks, including Legoland and Motiongate.
Burj Al Arab Aerial Display
- Date: February 10, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM
For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Burj Al Arab aerial display. This event is a fusion of traditional Chinese elements and cutting-edge technology, featuring a 300-meter-long Chinese dragon made up of drones soaring through the sky. This stunning drone show will be visible for free from the surrounding areas, offering a remarkable view of modernity and tradition blending together in the night sky.
Global Village
- Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM
Global Village is known for its multicultural atmosphere, and this Chinese New Year, it will host a spectacular fireworks display. This event celebrates the unity of global traditions and is included with the Global Village entry ticket (Dh20 for adults). Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking pyrotechnics while soaking in the cultural diversity of the venue.
Burj Khalifa
- Date: January 31, 2025
- Time: 10:00 PM
No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the grandeur of Burj Khalifa, and this Chinese New Year, it will be the focal point of a grand fireworks show. Set against the iconic skyline, this display promises to be a breathtaking experience. The best viewing spots are in Downtown Dubai, but for a more premium experience, several nearby restaurants and rooftop lounges offer exclusive packages.
Tips for watching the fireworks
To make the most of these stunning fireworks displays, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive early: Popular venues like Dubai Festival City Mall and Downtown Dubai tend to fill up quickly. To secure a good viewing spot, it’s advisable to arrive at least an hour in advance.
Consider your viewing experience: Whether you prefer to watch from a public spot or enjoy a more luxurious experience from a nearby restaurant, there are plenty of options to suit your style.
Check accessibility: For a hassle-free experience, ensure you know the parking availability and public transport options for each location ahead of time.