A Dubai-based content creator offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into how secret camps and fireworks control zones are set up as the Burj Khalifa prepares for its iconic New Year’s Eve spectacle.
Hidden camps and fireworks hubs: Dubai creator shares behind-the-scenes look at Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve preparations
A signature spectacle for UAE residents and the millions who travel to the country each year, the Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve fireworks remain endlessly captivating, no matter how often they illuminate the night sky.
Preparations for the celebration begin long before December 31. Authorities roll out crowd-management measures that include phased road closures, extended metro operations, temporary station shutdowns and complimentary shuttle services. At the same time, hotels and restaurants unveil exclusive — and often extravagant — New Year’s Eve packages, prompting residents and visitors to carefully plan where they will watch the midnight display that signals the arrival of a new year.
What most people never see, however, is the extensive work happening inside the world’s tallest tower. Behind the scenes, teams dedicate countless hours to ensure that the brief fireworks show delivers an unforgettable experience.
Dubai-based influencer Omar Farooq recently offered his 5.7 million followers a rare look behind closed doors, guiding them through restricted corridors and hidden rooms where technology, precision and teamwork converge to bring the spectacle to life.
Footage from the video revealed rehearsals for parades and live performances planned for the night. In one striking moment, a falcon was seen moving between trees as it trained for its role, blending heritage elements with the event’s futuristic scale.
Viewers were also treated to glimpses of swimmers rehearsing in the Dubai Fountain, performers navigating rope walks between Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, and the ignition systems that trigger the countdown itself — scenes that left social media users amazed.
“There’s simply no rival to the Burj Khalifa,” one commenter wrote.
Yet the most important element of the celebration remains out of sight. Far from the city, a secure fireworks camp serves as the nerve centre of the operation.
The undisclosed site houses a command room, training facilities and around 20,000 fireworks stored under strict safety measures and used during testing phases. At its core is the firing system — machinery capable of launching a world-famous display with the press of a button.
Emaar representatives confirmed that this year’s show will introduce upgraded lighting effects, stressing the need to surpass previous editions annually. The fireworks will be synchronised with light and laser projections, Dubai Fountain performances and massive LED displays throughout Downtown.
“Staying at the top is never easy,” one official remarked. For Farooq, the behind-the-scenes tour ended soaked and exhilarated after venturing through extreme conditions “above the clouds and beneath the storm” at the base of the iconic tower — an experience few ever get to witness.
For the technical teams involved, preparation begins months in advance, with meticulous planning and repeated simulations. Engineers, pyrotechnics experts and safety officials collaborate to test every element, from firing sequences to wind resistance and emergency shut-off systems. Each firework is positioned with millimetre precision, and extensive weather monitoring ensures the display can be adjusted in real time if conditions change. The goal is not just spectacle, but absolute safety — both for those working on the tower and for the thousands gathered below. According to organisers, every rehearsal brings incremental improvements that contribute to a seamless final performance.
The choreography behind the show is equally complex. Designers synchronise fireworks with music, lights and fountain movements to create a fully immersive experience. Timing is critical, as even a fraction of a second can alter the visual impact. Lighting programmers work alongside sound engineers to ensure the tower’s LED façade responds perfectly to each beat. This coordination transforms the Burj Khalifa into a towering stage, where technology and art intersect. For viewers watching from afar or through global broadcasts, the result is a tightly orchestrated production that unfolds effortlessly — despite the enormous effort behind it.
For many in the crew, participating in the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve show is a point of pride. Teams often work long shifts through the night, driven by the knowledge that millions around the world will witness the final result. While the celebration lasts only minutes, its impact resonates far beyond midnight, shared through videos, photographs and live streams across continents. Organisers say this global reach is what motivates them to continually innovate. Each year’s show is seen not just as a celebration, but as a statement of Dubai’s ambition and ability to deliver world-class experiences.
