Category: Business Segments

Are you a start-up entrepreneur, a freelance consultant or a professional looking for an alternative space to meet, work, brainstorm and co-create? An innovative initiative by e25, Emaar’s in-house innovation lab for under 25-year-olds, brings a brand-new approach to Dubai’s co-working spaces, tailored just for you.

letswork, the first start-up rolled out by e25, has transformed some of the city’s chic venues to create inspiring, affordable and flexible co-working spaces, a trend that is fast shaping the future of work globally with even large tech firms leveraging such flexible work spaces to have better access to innovators, innovation and talent.

letswork simplifies the notion of co-working spaces for its members with an array of benefits including unlimited tea, coffee, water and wi-fi, reserved seating with plugs, meeting room access, free parking and a 20 per cent discount on F&B at all its venues.

Co-founded by e25 Partners Omar AlMheiri and Hamza Khan, letswork currently offers six inspiring locations including Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera, Rove Downtown, Rove Healthcare City, Rove City Centre, Rove Trade Centre and Molecule at Dubai Design District – all set in central locations in the city and among the most desirable pitstops to charge up your entrepreneurial flair.

Ambience is key, with the bright, relaxed environs curated thoughtfully to make every meeting, and every work-session as breezy as it can get. More locations are being added.

Membership is as simple as logging on to www.letswork.io. You can opt for a daily (AED 39), weekly (AED 209) or monthly (AED 490) package proving to be among the most affordable alternative work environments outside a typical office environment.

The packages make business-sense: According to reports, alternative spaces, such as coffee shops are emerging as meeting places for business executives, with about AED 25-35 being the average spend on coffee, and 25 to 35-year-olds being the most popular age demographic at these venues.

With letswork, you not only have unlimited coffee or tea at just AED 17 if you sign up for a monthly package, you also have the unbeatable value of being at a relaxed, trendy venue, where you can conduct business or work at your pace with none of the fuss of crowded cafes.

What: letswork, the new co-working space in Dubai
Where: Six locations and more coming
For details: log on to: www.letswork.io
Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @letsworkdxb

Rise in the joy of giving. Rise in the cheer of sharing. Rise in the spirit of inclusiveness.

Shams Emaar, the corporate social responsibility team of Emaar, welcomes you to RISE Dubai Creek Harbour on Saturday, March 3, 2018, to celebrate a magical day of inclusiveness with People of Determination.

The new social and lifestyle hub of the city, RISE Dubai Creek Harbour at Dubai Creek Harbour by Emaar, is hosting another #BuildingCommunities event by Shams Emaar, this time, supporting the UAE Vision 2021 and the National Strategy for Empowering People of Determination, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Welcoming People of Determination, families and the public to a fun-filled event, RISE Dubai Creek Harbour will showcase a perse assortment of activities – from live performances to unique food concepts, children’s activities, workshops for young and old, and a vibrant pop-up market.

A memorable day that will celebrate the joy of togetherness and the spirit of inclusivity, there is much more fun in store for all – from karaoke to drum circle performances, talent shows and as the evening comes to a close, an open air cinema screening.

The special showcase at RISE Dubai Creek Harbour underlines the focus of Shams Emaar to promote activities that integrate People of Determination in everyday activities. It complements the #BuildingCommunities campaign, which kicked off during the Holy Month of Ramadan last year.

Shams Emaar hosts quarterly events that raise awareness on important causes and engages the people. The RISE Dubai Creek Harbour event is its first this year.

Shams Emaar is an initiative of e25, the dynamic and autonomous team of under 25-year-olds at Emaar, defining the future of Dubai. e25 is on a single-minded mission to #MakeThingsHappen and in making the world an easier, better and happier place to live in.

Follow the event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/169097717045630/

Visitors to RISE Dubai Creek Harbour can arrive and depart at their convenience with discounted rides via Careem to and from Dubai Creek Harbour using the promocode RISEDCH. Visit www.risedubaicreekharbour.com for the full schedule of its week-round activities.

• What: People of Determination meet at RISE Dubai Creek Harbour
• Where: Dubai Creek Harbour
• Date/Time: Saturday, March 3, from 2 to 10pm
• Price: Activities are free for all to enjoy

FY 2017 revenue increased by 21% to AED 18.812 billion (US$ 5.122 billion)Shopping malls, hospitality and leisure and entertainment businesses account for 34% of revenue at AED 6.351 billion (US$ 1.729 billion)Successful listing of Emaar Development PJSC on Dubai Financial Market (DFM) by selling 20% of shareholding though initial public offering (IPO)Exceptional Dividend of AED 4 billion (US$ 1.089 billion) from the proceeds of Emaar Development IPO
Dubai, UAE; February 14, 2018: Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM: EMAAR) recorded a net operating profit of AED 5.704 billion (US$ 1.553 billion) during full-year (January to December) 2017, a growth of 16 per cent over the FY 2016 net operating profit of AED 4.917 billion (US$ 1.339 billion). Total revenue for FY 2017 increased by 21 per cent to AED 18.812 billion (US$ 5.122 billion), over FY 2016 revenue of AED 15.540 billion (US$ 4.231 billion).

In 2017, Emaar successfully listed its UAE build-to-sell property development business, Emaar Development, by selling its 20 per cent stake through IPO and raised AED 4.824 billion (US$ 1.313 billion) and also announced AED 4 billion (US$ 1.089 billion) of exceptional dividend from the proceeds of the IPO.

Emaar Development (DFM: EMAARDEV), majority-owned by Emaar Properties, reported total revenue of AED 8.863 billion (US$ 2.413 billion), a growth of 28 per cent compared to AED 6.899 billion (US$ 1.878 billion) in FY 2016. The Company also achieved record sales of AED 18.03 billion (US$ 4.91 billion) in FY 2017, an increase of 25 per cent over FY 2016 sales of AED 14.4 billion (US$ 3.92 billion). Emaar Development now has a sales backlog of around AED 41 billion (US$ 11 billion) as of December 31, 2017, highlighting the robust fundamentals of the company with more than 24,000 residential units to be delivered over the coming years.

Underpinning the success of Emaar’s business segmentation, its shopping malls, hospitality and leisure and entertainment businesses together accounted revenue of AED 6.351 billion (US$ 1.729 billion) representing 34 per cent of the total revenue of FY 2017, 6 per cent higher than FY 2016 revenue of AED 5.976 billion (US$ 1.627 billion).

Revenue from Emaar’s international development operations was AED 3.603 billion (US$ 981 million) during FY 2017, a growth of 35 per cent over FY 2016 revenue of AED 2.665 billion (US$ 726 million); global operations now account for 19 per cent of Emaar’s total revenue.

During the fourth quarter (October to December) 2017, Emaar Properties recorded a revenue of AED 5.360 billion (US$ 1.459 billion), 21 per cent higher than Q4 2016 revenue of AED 4.437 billion (US$ 1.208 billion). Emaar recorded a net operating profit of AED 1.357 billion (US$ 369 million) during the same period, 5 per cent higher than the net operating profit earned during fourth quarter 2016.

A commitment to value creation

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the company’s strategic growth initiatives, underlined by the Emaar Development IPO as well as the expansion of its shopping malls and hospitality business, highlight Emaar’s commitment to long-term value creation for its stakeholders.

“The growth of our businesses in 2017, across all markets, reflects the success of our focus on delivering high quality lifestyle choices. Setting benchmarks in design, build quality and the choice of amenities, our property developments are sought-after by investors while our malls business is setting retail trends by serving as retail and leisure destinations of choice. Emaar’s hospitality and leisure operations have also gained further traction through geographic expansion and the creation of innovative experiences,” said Alabbar.

He added: “With our significant sales backlog and a robust development pipeline in the UAE and in high-growth international markets, we will continue to deliver on our founding objective of ‘shaping the future.’ In this journey, we derive our inspiration and guidance from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and remain committed to the transformational growth of our nation as a global business, leisure and investment hub.”

Creating prime property assets

A driver of the company’s growth, Emaar’s property development business achieved new milestones in project delivery during 2017. To date, the company has handed over 45,900 residential units in Dubai and global markets since 2002, with over 34,800 units delivered in UAE alone.

In 2017, Emaar rolled out many new residential launches in Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Hills Estate, Emaar South, Arabian Ranches II and Downtown Dubai, all of them reporting strong investor response.

Continuing its track-record of on-schedule project management, Emaar has made significant progress in the construction of Dubai Creek Tower, the new global icon that will create a new skyline for the nation.

Creating prime property assets Redefining the retail and hospitality landscape

Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls and retail business majority-owned by Emaar Properties, recorded FY 2017 revenue of AED 3.629 billion (US$ 988 million), a growth of 12 per cent over FY 2016 revenue of AED 3.227 billion (US$ 879 million). Together, the malls and retail centres of Emaar Malls welcomed 130 million visitors in 2017, 4 per cent higher than the visitor turnout of 125 million during FY 2016.

The Dubai Mall, the flagship retail and leisure destination of Emaar Malls, welcomed 80 million visitors in 2017, similar to visitors it has welcomed annually since 2014. The Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue Expansion and the new Springs Village are set to open this year. In addition to the planned high-end retail district in Dubai Creek Harbour and the ongoing expansion of The Dubai Mall, Emaar announced the Dubai Hills Mall in Dubai Hills Estate. Emaar has also expanded its retail and leisure footprint in international market by opening of Emaar Square mall in Turkey in FY 2017.

Emaar’s hospitality & leisure, commercial leasing and entertainment businesses recorded revenue of AED 2.722 billion (US$ 741 million) in the FY 2017.

With three hotel brands – Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts and Rove Hotels (joint venture with Meraas) – Emaar’s hospitality business recorded an average occupancy of 79 per cent, higher than Dubai’s industry average. Emaar Hospitality Group opened three new hotels in 2017 – Address Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, Rove Healthcare City and Rove Trade Centre – and will mark several new openings in the coming years. The Group now has a number of upcoming hotel projects in the UAE and other international markets including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain and The Maldives.

It was a historic first: Joining the over 1.39 billion Chinese nationals across the world and underpinning the strong UAE-China bilateral ties, Emaar Properties ushered in the Chinese New Year in Dubai with a dazzling dragon-themed ‘Light Up’ show on the iconic Burj Khalifa.

With the New Year message coming to life on the façade of Burj Khalifa, one of the most-visited global attractions by the Chinese, Emaar presented a spectacular theme-show with lights and laser, witnessed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in Downtown Dubai. Joining the celebration were the Chinese Consul-General in Dubai Li Lingbing and senior diplomats as well as Emaar’s senior management.

The ‘Light Up’ show on Burj Khalifa started with a flying dragon taking flight from the Great Wall of China. It soared high in the sky, and toured over Dubai’s landmarks including the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower before marking a splash at The Dubai Fountain.

The ‘dragon’ then swirled up and encircled the tower before releasing a shining pearl from its mouth to the top of Burj Khalifa’s spire – at a height of 828 metres (2,716.5 feet). Shining bright atop the tower, the resplendent pearl of light was a majestic show-stopper before the ‘Happy New Year’ message was splashed on the façade.

The ‘Light Up’ Chinese New Year show on Burj Khalifa will continue from 8pm to 10pm daily until February 24, complementing the ongoing celebrations at The Dubai Mall. Several activities are lined up at the mall that take visitors on a journey through China’s vast provinces with music, traditional dance, arts, crafts and cultural performances.

With over 250,000 Chinese residents in the UAE and thousands of tourists from China arriving to join the celebration, the ‘Light Up’ show was a perfect tribute to the cultural and trade ties that the two nations share.

Downtown Dubai and its attractions including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Fountain are among the most popular destinations for Chinese visitors. According to the Dubai Tourism 2017: Performance Report, Dubai welcomed over 764,000 Chinese tourists in 2017, a growth of 41 per cent over 2016, especially following the introduction of visa-on-arrivals for Chinese nationals in the UAE.

For details, visit: www.emaar.com; Follow on: www.facebook.com/emaardubai; www.twitter.com/emaardubai; www.instagram.com/emaardubai

EMAAR PROPERTIES IS MARKING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH A SPECTACULAR DRAGON-THEMED LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW ON BURJ KHALIFA, THE GLOBAL ICON.
From February 16 to 24, 2018, visitors to Downtown Dubai can experience a newly produced and captivating show that pays tribute to the thousands of Chinese residents in the UAE as well as guests from China. Set to mesmerise visitors, the show has a unique dragon-theme, in keeping with the Chinese cultural symbols and traditions.

As an iconic representation of China, the dragon’s arrival to Dubai symbolises the warm relations shared by the UAE and China. The show starts with a flying dragon taking flight from the Great Wall of China, soaring high in the sky, and touring over Dubai’s landmarks including the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower before marking a splash at The Dubai Fountain.

After its fun and frolic in the fountain, the dragon, in all majestic grace, swirls up and flies around Burj Khalifa. At the pinnacle of the tower, the dragon releases a shining pearl from its mouth on to the spire.

The resplendent pearl will be one of the show-stopping attractions as it shines brilliantly from atop Burj Khalifa, its radiance spanning through the city. Following this scintillating display, a ‘Happy New Year’ message in Chinese will come to life on Burj Khalifa’s façade bringing the display to a remarkable close.

Similar to the ‘Light Up’ 2018 spectacle on New Year’s Eve that won the Guinness World Record title for the ‘largest light and sound show on a single building,’ the brand-new ‘Light Up’ show is set to create another stunning attraction that will welcome visitors from around the world.

The Chinese New Year celebration at Burj Khalifa by Emaar complements the celebrations at The Dubai Mall, where many activities have been lined up that will take visitors on a journey through China’s vast provinces with various region-specific artforms including music, traditional dance, arts, crafts and cultural demonstrations.

Downtown Dubai and its various attractions including Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall are among the most popular destinations for Chinese visitors, with the number of Chinese tourists recording a growth of 46 per cent in the first 11 month of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

China is Dubai’s biggest trading partner and the UAE’s second largest trading partner, with the UAE also serving as a growing link in China’s One Belt, One Road initiative. The UAE has over 4,200 Chinese companies while over 253,000 Chinese nationals live in Dubai.

For more, visit: www.emaar.com; Follow us: www.facebook.com/emaardubai; www.twitter.com/emaardubai; www.instagram.com/emaardubai

What: Chinese New Year @ Burj Khalifa
Where: Downtown Dubai
When: Daily from February 16 to 24, 2018, at 8pm and 10pm
Entry: Free for the public

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the progress of Dubai Creek Tower, the global icon in the heart of the 6 sq km Dubai Creek Harbour.

His Highness was accompanied by Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, HE Abdullah Al Habbai, Chairman of Dubai Holding, and high-ranking government officials and the senior managers of Emaar. The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed coincides with Emaar setting a new milestone in the construction of Dubai Creek Tower.

With the placement of concrete for the pile cap commencing in September last year, the core of the pile cap has now reached its highest point. Over 50 per cent of the pile cap has now been finished with completion scheduled for mid-2018.

Dubai Creek Tower’s pile cap is an approximately 20m thick multi-layered, tiered reinforced concrete top that covers and transfers the load to the foundation barrettes. To date, about 25,000 cubic meters of concrete has been poured, weighing about 60,000 tonnes or half the weight of the CN Tower in Canada. About 12,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement has also been placed, nearly twice the weight of the Eiffel Tower.

In October 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed marked the ground-breaking of the tower, with the foundation work accomplished in a record time. The tower’s 145 barrette piles were tested to a world record load of 36,000 tonnes and laid 72 metres deep to firmly secure the super-structure. In all, about 50,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used to fully cap the foundation piles.

Over 450 skilled professionals from across the world are working on site highlighting the global collaboration that marks the construction of the new iconic structure. Designed by Spanish/Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava Valls, Dubai Creek Tower will feature several observation decks such as the Pinnacle Room and VIP Observation Garden Decks.

Dubai Creek Tower will add incredible economic value to Dubai Creek Harbour, a mixed-use development located near the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to over 67 species of water birds and is protected by the UNESCO Ramsar Convention.

Emaar Beachfront is a gated island destination offering residents exclusive access to a private beachSale of first residences in Emaar Beachfront record strong investor response with all 375 residences launched sold out
Emaar Development (DFM: EMAARDEV) has recorded total sales worth approximately AED 1 billion at the launch of the first residences in Emaar Beachfront, the restricted island destination in the Arabian Gulf, following the overwhelming response from UAE-based and international investors.

With its unique value proposition of offering exclusive access to residents to a private beach, Emaar Beachfront opens to uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Dubai skyline. Bringing a Miami beach style living to Dubai, Emaar Beachfront delivers a new lifestyle choice that fulfils the aspirations of the discerning customers, who seek a serene residential getaway with access to beachside leisure and other luxurious lifestyle amenities.

Emaar Development’s recent launch of Beach Vista, a thoughtfully designed collection of homes set in a twin-tower development of 33-storeys and 26-storeys, recorded tremendous response from customers with all 375 residences launched sold out.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “With Emaar setting impressive property sales last year, the response to our first launch this year is a positive statement on the robust performance of Dubai’s property sector. It also underlines the credentials of Emaar Development in designing and delivering world-class homes.

“Emaar Beachfront is a trend setting destination and its exceptional location in the Arabian Gulf as well as the value-added amenities offered make it appealing to customers from the UAE and across the world.”

Maximising its location, Beach Vista residences open to spectacular views of the ocean and the Dubai skyline. Elegantly designed, the homes have luxury finishes and fittings. In addition to residential facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and parking areas at the podium, there will also be several high-end retail outlets at the ground level.

In addition to exclusive private beach access, residents of Emaar Beachfront can revel in a range of leisure and lifestyle attractions including F& B outlets, beachside play areas, retail pop-ups set along a promenade, and more. Emaar Beachfront has direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Palm Jumeirah.

Emaar Beachfront launches first residential community with homes opening to pristine ocean viewsBeach Vista in Emaar Beachfront offers direct access to a 1.5 km long beach and a wide range of lifestyle, F&B and retail attractionsHomes offer spell-binding views of the Arabian Sea, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the magnificent Dubai SkylineSale of Beach Vista homes in Emaar Beachfront to commence on January 20
Emaar Development (DFM: EMAARDEV) has unveiled a private gated island destination in the Arabian Gulf, offering residents the opportunity to experience Miami beach style living in Dubai.

With pristine views of the Arabian Sea and providing exclusive access for residents to a 1.5 km private beach, the new 10 million square feet Emaar Beachfront destination brings a never-before lifestyle choice to Dubai.

Apart from the location by the Arabian Gulf, Emaar Beachfront will stand out for its exceptional quality and design excellence that are characteristic of Emaar’s developments. A master-planned private island, Emaar Beachfront will feature a wide range of leisure and lifestyle attractions including F&B outlets, beachside play areas, retail pop-ups set along a promenade, and more.

Emaar now offers the first opportunity to be part of this vibrant island destination with the launch of Beach Vista, a limited selection of elegant residences. A twin-tower development of 33-storeys and 26-storeys, Beach Vista is thoughtfully designed to maximise its seafront location. Residents will have free access to the beach as well as take in spectacular views of the Arabian Sea, The Palm Jumeirah, the Marina, Burj Al Arab and the Dubai skyline from their homes.

The homes have glass facades and bask in natural sunlight, and feature large balconies overlooking the sea. Customers can choose from a selection of 1 to 4-bedroom apartments that celebrate beachside living with all urban amenities. Elegantly designed, Beach Vista residences have luxury finishes and fittings. In addition to residential facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and parking areas at the podium, there will also be several high-end retail outlets at the ground level.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar Beachfront is a one of its kind private island development that offers the opportunity to experience a new lifestyle by the Arabian Gulf. Its unique selling proposition is its location and the free access it offers for residents to a private beach. As the first residential community in Emaar Beachfront, Beach Vista is for those who value the finer aspects of life, and promises a relaxed lifestyle in a serene setting. It will appeal not just to UAE-based and regional investors but also international buyers who value the distinctive lifestyle choice it offers.”

Set on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, in the area between Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah, Emaar Beachfront has direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Residents become part of the 20 million sq ft Dubai Harbour, developed by Meraas, to feature a waterfront shopping mall, the Middle East’s largest marina with over 1,100 berths, a yacht club, luxury hotels and a choice of retail, dining and entertainment attractions.

Emaar will launch the sale of Beach Vista homes on January 20, 2018. For more information, visit the Emaar Sales Centres in Dubai at Emaar Square, Building 3 in Downtown Dubai; the Dubai Creek Harbour Sales Centre in Ras Al Khor; Dubai Hills Estate Sales Pavilion located on Umm Suqeim Road and the Abu Dhabi Sales Centre on the ground floor of Al Nahda Tower on 4th Street, Al Muroor Road. The centres are open from Saturday to Thursday, 8.30am to 6pm.

Alternatively, call 800 36227 (UAE) or +9714 3661688 (International); or email: Sales_Enquiry@emaar.ae. Emaar offers long-term investors and homebuyers the opportunity to register for the Emaar Preferred Access programme, at www.emaar.com. More information on Emaar Beachfront and Beach Vista is also available through the new ‘ Online Sales Centre’ feature on Emaar’s e-Services App that can be downloaded on iPads and iPhones.

New GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title achieved for light and sound show on a single building with Burj Khalifa show spanning over 109,252 sq metresOver a million visitors join the never-before celebration highlighted by mesmerising laser, light and musical fountain showCelebration highlights the achievements of the UAE and marks the Year of Zayed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
The UAE once again captivated the world this New Year’s Eve with a dazzling spectacle to usher in 2018. Emaar’s ‘Light Up 2018’ Downtown Dubai celebration hosted more than a million visitors from across the world and reached an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide through live television broadcast and social media livestreams.

The mesmerising laser, light and musical fountain show not only had a spellbinding effect on spectators, but Emaar’s ‘Light Up 2018’ also clinched the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the ‘largest light and sound show on a single building,’ staged on Burj Khalifa, the global icon. The record beats that set in Hong Kong in 2013 on the ICC Building which was over an area of 46,641.52 sq metres. ‘Light Up 2018’ on Burj Khalifa, by contrast, spanned an impressive surface area of 109,252 sq metres (about 27 acres, the size of about 20 football fields) – more than double that of the earlier record set.

New Year’s Eve in Downtown Dubai was about much more than the record-breaking event that was one component of the show, as brilliant laser beams in multiple hues enveloped the night sky over Downtown Dubai, complementing the new LED panel displays of Burj Khalifa with over 1.1 million pixels, and the musical water performance of The Dubai Fountain.

Taking five months of constant preparation, ‘Light Up 2018’ put Dubai and the UAE in the global spotlight through its futuristic approach to New Year’s Eve gala celebrations. Environmentally-friendly, safe and spectacular, it served as a testament to the ‘can do’ ability of the nation with an international team collaborating to create a never-attempted-before feat.

A highlight of the show was the visual tribute to the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to coincide with the nation commemorating 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed’ to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “The UAE celebrates positivity and hope. The nation and its leadership inspire the world through breakthrough achievements while creating opportunities for people and businesses to thrive. The ‘Light Up 2018’ spectacle is our tribute to the nation, celebrating its accomplishments, and putting the UAE on the global map as a true hub where inspiring minds meet and connect.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, urges us to push our boundaries and to be innovative and creative. With ‘Light Up 2018,’ we have set a new template for New Year’s Eve galas, where the focus is on leveraging the newest technologies to present a spectacle that is novel and breathtaking.”

On the spectacular event, Talal Omar, Country Manager, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, said: “As the global authority on record-breaking we have seen fascinating things from all over the world. However, we are always keen to find out what records Emaar plan to attempt each year, and to support them as they continue to push the boundaries of technology and innovation in these attempts.”

Record Breaking Numbers
Breaking the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title with ‘Light Up 2018’ required a total installation of lights, beams and accessories weighing over 118.44 tonnes, and more than 28.7 km of cables – including 7.7 km of power cabling and 21 km of network and signal cabling.

The show transformed Downtown Dubai into one of the world’s brightest spots, measuring 76.3 million lumens of brightness. Carefully choreographed lasers certified as completely safe to human eyes and energy-efficient LED bulbs were rigged using 25.3 km of ropes and supported by 20 tonnes of special customised-steel mounting equipment.

In all, more than 40 specially modified outdoor lasers as well as 230 high power Xenon searchlights and 280 outdoor beam moving lights were deployed, underpinned by the highest searchlight installation and highest laser installations in the world at 828 metres – the height of Burj Khalifa. More than 300 professionals worked on-site including 100 rope-access experts; collectively they travelled over one million kilometres to join the project.

A dazzling show to remember
Emaar’s ‘Light Up 2018’ kicked off with on-ground celebrations from 5pm with performances of The Dubai Fountain every 15 minutes and a live DJ keeping audiences entertained in the run up to midnight.

At two minutes to the New Year, ‘Light Up 2018’ began. Following a glittering display on Burj Khalifa – with powerful laser beams and LED lights creating inspiring motifs and patterns in myriad hues flickering up and down the entire height of the tower – it was time for the countdown. In the darkness, Burj Khalifa was the hero, coming alive to the colours of the UAE flag – red, green, white and black – with the seconds remaining in 2017 ticking down on the tower’s façade.

Ushering in the New Year, the celebration continued with a tribute to the UAE and Dubai, a mark of solidarity to the friendly GCC nations, a spectacular display to mark the ‘Year of Zayed’ as well as an abstract depiction of the elements of nature. The display also featured the free-flight of a falcon and a rendering of the upcoming icon by Emaar, the Dubai Creek Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour.

Special viewing platforms were set up across Burj Park, the primary venue of the event, as well as across Downtown Dubai. For the first time, a dedicated space was curated for People with Determination in South Ridge, overlooking Burj Park, that accommodated more than 100 people, offering them direct views of the celebration.

The entire show was displayed on big screens in Downtown Dubai. Live feeds of the event were telecast around the world in addition to a live Twitter feed and an online real-time feed at www.mydubainewyear.com

Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence and Dubai Health Authority, among other governmental entities, supported the event.

AS EMAAR READIES TO WELCOME HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS TO DOWNTOWN DUBAI FOR THE ‘LIGHT UP 2018’ SPECTACLE, PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH THE SPECTACULAR SHOW – A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD TITLE ATTEMPT – ON THEIR HOME-SCREENS OR ON THE GO.
While live feeds of the event will be telecast by television channels around the world, there will also be live Twitter feed that will enable a global audience to catch up with all the action in real time on their mobile devices. The experience can also be watched online at www.mydubainewyear.com

More than 300 experts, including over 100 rope access professionals, are on site with five months of preparation going into the design and installation of the diverse aspects of the ‘Light Up 2018’ spectacle. Together the team would have travelled more than 1 million kilometres to arrive in Dubai for the preparations.

With over 7.7 km of power cabling undertaken, and over 25.3 km of rope used for rigging the various elements that go into the display, remarkable effort has gone in to make the celebration to be on a scale never-before witnessed.

‘Light Up 2018’ Downtown Dubai promises a dazzling experience that integrates music, visuals and the performance of The Dubai Fountain in a brilliantly choreographed show. As part of the preparation, several milestones have been reached by Emaar including the installation of the highest searchlight, while the entire length of network and signal cabling that traverses Downtown Dubai is more than 21 km.

Adding to the pride of the country, the entire show is choreographed to music by the UAE’s Dhabiwood Studios. More than 80 musicians from the UAE have come together for the musical composition that was recorded in studios in Dubai and Cairo.

Emaar has been working with the government authorities to ensure the seamless conduct of the event that celebrates the UAE’s achievements and pays tribute to the founding father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to mark the ‘Year of Zayed’ in 2018.

‘Light Up 2018’ celebrations will kick off at 5pm starting with The Dubai Fountain shows and live deejay, and continue till 1am. The public are urged to be at the venue before 6pm. The event will be broadcast live on televisions globally and beamed on big screens in Downtown Dubai. The experience can be watched online at www.mydubainewyear.com

The event can be followed live on Twitter at live.twitter.com/MyDubaiNewYear and on @MyDowntownDubai. Join the conversation with the hashtag #MyDubaiNewYear that will unlock a customised Dubai-inspired emoji.

The live stream will also be accompanied by a Twitter timeline, featuring the New Year’s Eve related real-time conversation. Emaar will also have a Twitter Direct Message (DM) experience to assist viewers throughout their New Year’s Eve celebration. Once people send a DM via Twitter to @MyDowntownDubai, they will be directed to a series of automated steps to easily learn more about what’s happening around the festivities.

What: ‘Light Up 2018’ Downtown Dubai

When: December 31, 2017

Where: Downtown Dubai