Majority Dubaites to stay at home on New Year's Eve

Crowds and a cacophony have played a starring role in the New Year’s eve plans for UAE residents, with more than half of respondents admitting they prefer staying indoors for tonight’s big celebration.

According to an Emirates 24|7 survey, 52 per cent of respondents have revealed they prefer staying at home on December 31, rather than braving the traffic jam and corresponding gridlock that ensues on the night.

With annual Burj Khalifa fireworks display being a top draw for crowds in Dubai, another 24 per cent have admitted they will attend a free public gathering to enjoy the midnight dazzle.

Dubai resident, Jhanvi Thaker, said: “I have two young children, which rules out attending any of the major concerts of parties that are taking place around town.

“We certainly plan to see the fireworks, but the traffic in the Downtown area is going to be a nightmare. So the best option was to head over to a friend’s home where we can even witness the Burj Khalifa fireworks without braving the drama on the streets.”

Peter Bates, a Dubai Marina resident, said: “We discussed heading to one of the concerts, dining at a restaurant, heading to a lounge, but looking at the ridiculous price tags that some of the places are charging for the night, it was preferable to stay at home and catch the fireworks on Youtube.”

Another 16 per cent of respondents stating they were planning on heading out to the beach or desert with relatives and friends to avoid the city chaos.

“We did the Sandance gig on The Palm Jumeirah last NYE and swore never again to a repeat performance – we were trapped on the roads for five hours,” stated Nadra van Reiker. “My friends and I are piling into the jeep and driving up to Fujairah open beach for a barbeque and overnight camping.”

Shaabaz Khan said: “I sat six hours in traffic last NYE, trying to see the Guinness World Record fireworks display across Dubai. All I ended up seeing was the trunk of the car in front of me, sitting in traffic.

“This year, I will be in the desert in Al Aweer with friends. We can enjoy the solitude and see the Burj Khalifa skyline from there for the fireworks. It’s win-win.”

However, not everyone plans on skipping out of the celebrations.

Six per cent of survey respondents have stated they plan on partying the night away at one of the many gigs around the UAE.

This year, two of the top billed December 31 celebrations including the DXBNYE event, featuring Pharrell Williams, Dimitri Vegas, Busta Rhymes, Paul Oakenfold, Charli XCX, Sky Blu and more.

The event will be held at Meydan.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will see Louder Entertainment’s Masterjam, featuring The Jacksons, Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Nile Rodgers, Jocelyn Brown, Kathy Sledge and more.

The remaining one per cent of respondents stated they will indulge in an exclusive dinner at one of the many restaurant specials.
 

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