Burj Khalifa goes Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan joins Dubai’s 8-day New Year celebration
Ticketed Burj Park offers premium access with Bollywood-themed performances
DUBAI is set to welcome the New Year with a dazzling Bollywood twist as Shah Rukh Khan has landed in the city to produce the Burj Khalifa NYE show.
Eight days of celebrations, running from December 31 to January 7, will transform Downtown Dubai into a vibrant open-air stage, featuring fireworks, light displays, parades, and live performances.
Emaar Properties has teamed up with Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment to bring cinematic flair to the world’s tallest building. The partnership highlights Khan’s long-standing friendship with Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar, who also developed Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and the Burj Khalifa itself.
Downtown Dubai fireworks
The Burj Khalifa fireworks remain the centrepiece, combining LED visuals, laser projections, music, and fountain choreography. Free public viewing areas are available along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and nearby streets. Managed access gates open on a first-come, first-served basis from 4pm, and spaces fill quickly. Visitors are advised to arrive early and use the Dubai Metro for convenient access.
Burj Park experience
Burj Park, located beside the tower, offers ticketed premium access. Guests enjoy food trucks, seating areas, children’s activities, DJ sets, and Bollywood-themed live performances. Tickets cost Dh950 for adults and Dh550 for children aged 5-12, while children under five are admitted free but still require a ticket. Badge and wristband systems manage entry, ensuring smooth access to different areas.
Week-long festivities
The celebrations extend beyond New Year’s Eve, with aerial displays, art installations, parades, and technology-driven performances across Downtown Dubai. Nightly lighting shows and choreographed drone formations are designed for both on-site attendees and global audiences via live streams. Last year, around 1.7 million visitors attended in person, with broadcasts reaching over 2 billion viewers worldwide.
Parade and entertainment
A parade featuring floats, illuminated figures, and performers will travel through Downtown Dubai, offering shareable moments for attendees and social media. Ticketed and free zones alike will host music and multimedia entertainment, creating a festival atmosphere throughout the district.
Shah Rukh Khan’s presence is expected to enhance the excitement, making this NYE celebration one of Dubai’s largest and most elaborate to date.