The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in countries world over imposing precautionary measures ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations. In light of this, Emaar has laid out a bevy of guidelines which all citizens must adhere to if they eager to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks and laser show. All guests are expected to register on the free-of-cost U By Emaar application. Following the registration process, the guests will be given a QR code that will be required to access Downtown Dubai. Pre-registration is also necessary, whether you are in a hotel, at a restaurant or at the family viewing area. Access to Downtown Dubai will be through five gates and all guests will be asked for the QR code to access the viewing areas. Tents will be put up for first aid, lost-and-found assistance and access to ambulances as well.
According to Gulf News, the QR codes are in six different colours, based on the different categories. For hotel guests, the QR code is gold. For restaurants, the QR code colour is blue. For restaurants and eateries, the QR code colour is light blue. For Dubai Opera, the QR code colour is dark red. For the public areas — Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard — the QR code is black. “While there will be clear signages throughout Downtown Dubai, directing people where to go, it’s important that guests familiarise themselves with the correct gate and zones. Dubai Mall will remain open to shoppers, but access to the viewing areas will be closed,” Emaar said in a statement.
It is mandatory for all guests to wear masks at all times. Emaar noted it will carry out complete sanitisation of Downtown Dubai. Public access will be along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. The family viewing areas on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will offer breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. Hand sanitiser stations will also be available at each gate. The boulevard will be divided into zones to ensure that social distancing is maintained. The zones will open at 3pm on December 31. Those who pre-register will be assigned a particular zone and gate from where to access the Downtown area.
The Burj Park area of Downtown Dubai will be reserved for residents of Burj Khalifa and Armani Hotel residents and guests. Those residents planning to attend the show are required to register through the U By Emaar app as well. Roads around Downtown Dubai will be closed from 4pm on New Year’s Eve. There will be parking available on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, in Dubai Mall and Dubai Mall Zabeel. Guests are urged to arrive early. For public transport arrangements, please follow announcements from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Those who are hesitant to leave their homes can watch the fireworks from their homes by tuning in to www.mydubainewyear.com. Emaar said up to 50,000 people from around the world will join on Zoom calls to witness the New Year’s Eve celebrations.