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January 22, 2020
The process begins with conceptualizing the fireworks display, taking into account the occasion, theme, and desired impact. This involves brainstorming ideas, themes, and designs that will complement the event and resonate with the audience. The visual composition on the Burj Khalifa’s façade is meticulously designed by a crew of visionaries and technicians throughout 671 working days.
Each year’s show features a specific theme. For example, the 2025 New Year’s Eve show was titled “Beyond Dreams” and featured a stunning 9-minute performance designed to showcase dynamic light displays, lasers and fireworks.
Sources: Business Wire – November 2023 | Time Out Dubai – December 2024
Multiple stakeholders are involved in the planning process, including event organizers, pyrotechnics experts, safety officials, and government authorities. An international team of more than 110 experts from 11 countries comes together to create major shows like New Year’s Eve. The production requires seamless collaboration between Emaar Properties (the client), technical production companies, lighting designers, and local authorities.
According to behind-the-scenes information released by Emaar, a six-month preparation period leads up to each major fireworks event. The emirate’s police force focuses on refining security plans and updating strategies based on experiences from previous years.
Sources: Time Out Dubai – December 2024
A team of skilled technicians sets up the fireworks launch sites, pyrotechnic devices, control systems, and other technical equipment required for the display. The 2025 New Year’s Eve show featured over 15,600 pyrotechnics launched from 365 strategic firing positions, creating 2,800 unique firework burst directions.
A total of 100 technicians are required to set up for each major spectacle. Workers brave dizzying heights to place fireworks that run down the façade of the world’s tallest building. Approximately 1.6 tonnes of active material is used to create each display. The installation process involves transporting and installing heavy and unwieldy cabling, lighting and laser equipment through the building and onto its exterior.
Safety is of paramount importance during the execution of the fireworks display. Pyrotechnics experts conduct thorough risk assessments and implement safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. Fireworks are strategically placed to avoid structural damage while maximizing visual impact.
Safety barriers, evacuation plans, and emergency response teams are put in place to ensure the safety of spectators and personnel. Dedicated tents are set up in Downtown Dubai offering lost and found services, first aid, logistical support, assistance for lost children, and guidance for visitors.
The fireworks display is meticulously synchronized with music, visual effects, and the building’s LED facade to create a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience. Following the December 2024 upgrade, the Burj Khalifa features a groundbreaking RGBW lighting system with over 1.2 million addressable LEDs, replacing static lights with color-changing fixtures capable of billions of color combinations.
Each pyrotechnic element has a distinct firing sequence coordinated using state-of-the-art computer technology. Precise timing and coordination are essential to ensure that the fireworks burst in harmony with the accompanying soundtrack and visual cues created by the LED system.
Lighting designer Jerry P. Appelt directs the design, while a team of programmers and project managers work from a sophisticated pre-visualisation studio temporarily built in the basement of the Burj Khalifa. The front-of-house control is set up in the Dubai Mall with an ideal view to the Burj Khalifa’s facade.
On the day of the event, the fireworks display is executed according to the predetermined plan and schedule. Pyrotechnicians remotely ignite the fireworks at the designated launch sites from 365 firing positions, orchestrating a symphony of light, color, and sound that illuminates the sky and captivates audiences.
The technical production company AO Creative has been behind Dubai’s globally popular New Year event for multiple years. Over 150 specialist crew members work in sync to manage the show, with teams broken down into specialized units handling different aspects of the production.
The fireworks display is perfectly coordinated with the nearby Dubai Fountain. Under the expert direction of Peter Kopik, WET’s chief choreographer with nearly three decades of fountain choreography experience, the fountain show creates an awe-inspiring blend of water artistry, light, and sound in synchronization with Burj Khalifa fireworks.
The Dubai Fountain show features around 22,000 gallons of water fired into the air, over 6,600 lights, 127 strobe strings that illuminate the water, and 6,700 fog nozzles creating an ethereal atmosphere.
The production requires effective real-time visual communication enabling everyone from the client to the technical team to fully understand and interact with the project schedule and realization. Cloud-based communication software systems allow teams to coordinate efficiently during the live show.
Multiple control stations manage different elements: pyrotechnics firing, LED lighting sequences, laser effects, music synchronization, and fountain choreography all work together seamlessly through computer-controlled systems.
Weeks before the event, technicians conduct multiple tests to perfect timing and effects. Test runs ensure that the synchronization between fireworks, LED lights, music, and visual effects is flawless. These simulations allow the team to identify and resolve any technical issues before the actual event.
After the fireworks display, a debriefing session is held to evaluate the success of the event, identify any areas for improvement, and gather feedback from stakeholders and spectators. Lessons learned from the event are used to inform future fireworks displays and enhance the overall experience.
The production team reviews technical performance, timing accuracy, visual impact, and audience response. This continuous improvement process ensures that each subsequent show builds upon the success of previous displays.
AO Creative serves as the primary technical production company for Burj Khalifa’s major fireworks events. The company’s team of producers, project managers, riggers and engineers work with lighting designers and programmers to design, rig and programme the vivid light and laser show.
The company has developed specialized workflows and expertise for working at extreme heights on the Burj Khalifa, often in challenging weather conditions. Their experience includes installing tonnes of pyrotechnics on the building’s facade while maintaining strict safety protocols.
Teams of pyrotechnic experts from around the world collaborate on Burj Khalifa shows. These specialists bring expertise in large-scale displays, high-altitude installations, and complex synchronization systems. Some team members have worked on prestigious international displays including Olympic ceremonies and major landmarks worldwide.
The Burj Khalifa fireworks showcase Dubai’s thriving event production industry and the emirate’s capability to execute world-class events. Companies specializing in event management, technical production, pyrotechnics, and entertainment services find significant business opportunities in Dubai’s events sector.
The fact that shows involve 110+ experts from 11 countries demonstrates Dubai’s openness to international business collaboration and the opportunities for specialized service providers to work on high-profile projects in the UAE.
Dubai’s investment in cutting-edge technology, including the 1.2 million LED system installed in 2024, shows the emirate’s commitment to innovation. This creates opportunities for technology companies, engineering firms, and creative agencies to establish operations in Dubai.
Major events like the Burj Khalifa fireworks attract millions of visitors, generating substantial economic activity for hospitality, tourism, transportation, and retail businesses. This demonstrates the robust business ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs in these sectors.
The breathtaking fireworks displays at Burj Khalifa are the result of meticulous planning, precision execution, and creative vision, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to excellence and innovation in celebrating special occasions and delighting audiences around the world. With over 15,600 pyrotechnics, 1.2 million LEDs, and international teams of specialists, these displays represent the pinnacle of event production and demonstrate Dubai’s capabilities as a world-class destination for business, events, and entertainment.
For businesses setting up in Dubai, the city’s ability to organize and execute spectacular events at this scale highlights the infrastructure, technical capabilities, and international collaboration opportunities available in the emirate.
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