Shah Rukh Khan to Lead Dubai’s Spectacular New Year Celebration
Dubai is set to welcome the New Year with its most extravagant celebration yet, as Shah Rukh Khan brings a Bollywood touch to Downtown Dubai’s festivities. For the first time, New Year celebrations in the city will extend beyond a single night, running for eight days from December 31 to January 7. Emaar has announced a full week of live performances, fireworks, immersive installations, light shows and an elaborate parade that will sweep through the heart of Downtown Dubai.
A major highlight of this year’s festivities is the special experience at Burj Park, which introduces a Bollywood-themed celebration curated in collaboration with Frontstage, part of Red Chilies Entertainment founded by Shah Rukh Khan. This partnership brings a cinematic flair to the event, offering high-energy performances exclusive to Burj Park ticket holders. While Emaar confirmed that Shah Rukh Khan curated the Bollywood segment, further details about the actor’s involvement are yet to be revealed. The superstar, known as “King Khan,” has a strong connection with the UAE and previously served as Dubai’s tourism ambassador.
Downtown Dubai will also host a grand parade featuring towering floats, striking puppets and captivating performers that reflect the city’s culture and its forward-looking spirit. The celebrations will stretch across iconic landmarks including Burj Park, Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Mall promenade and the façade of Burj Khalifa itself, with entertainment unfolding both on the ground and in the sky.
Visitors can expect a mix of live shows, aerial performances, fireworks, advanced visual effects and interactive installations. Families will also find dedicated entertainment zones, kids’ workshops, food stalls and easy access through pre-issued badges to ensure a smooth experience throughout the week.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, said the New Year celebrations aim to offer a spectacle unlike anything seen before in Dubai. He described the event as a showcase of the city’s ambition, creativity and spirit, designed to leave a lasting impression on viewers around the world.
