Can you see the Dubai New Years fireworks from the Airport?
I have a 12 hour layover in Dubai on New Years eve and I was hoping I would be able to see the fireworks from the airport or the hotel Emirates gave me for my layover. Does anyone know? Thank you!
Should you be careful of your belongings during New Years Eve crowded events?
Always be careful of your belongings no matter where you are. And, NEVER leave a drink unattended, alcoholic or not. If you go to the ladies room and a fresh drink is waiting for you from some nice man, ask the bartender to pour another one. You can never be too careful. You can also purchase little papers or sticks, not sure what they are called, to put in your drink to see if it has been tampered with.
How crowded is Ipanema Beach on New Year's Eve?
Crowded. Lots and lots of people on the streets. But not in a way that is hard to walk around crowded. This is reserved for Copacabana.Here's the thing. Copacabana is the main spot for New Year's eve street celebrations. People from all around the world, and from other parts of Brazil, come to see it. Very likely there will be more than 2 million people on the street. But Copacabana is very big too, it can accomodate. Ipanema also has fireworks but not as nearly as spectacular. There's no possible comparison. In Lagoa, where the huge Christmas Tree is located, there are also some amazing fireworks displays. And Ipanema sits right in the middle between Lagoa and Copacabana, so there will be a lot of people moving around, walking around the streets.It is very common that, right after the fireworks show finishes, people walk around the entire lenght of Copacabana, and then Ipanema.So yes, even in Ipanema, do expect a crowded (but not so much) and busy night.If you want the spectacular fireworks show (in Copacabana), you'll have to fight for a good spot on the sand, dont' expect wide open spaces, people will be drunk and walking around haphazardly; also be prepared to be bathed in champagne and other not-so-fancy beverages when the clocl ticks midnight. Keep in mind that brazilian people are very warm and welcoming (way too much sometimes), so expect to be hugged by complete strangers.Have fun, I'm sure you will. :)
What's it like to spend New Year's Eve on a plane?
My aunt experienced this very thing flying Emirates last year.She took off from Dubai just before midnight, and a big cheer erupted in the plane as midnight elapsed on the plane. The plane was full of mainly Australian’s going back to Adelaide, and so there were drinks being ordered all around.She said it was a great experience, and that the screens even had a little firework display appear on them as midnight ticked over.Good times!
What was your most memorable experience in the United Arab Emirates?
The time when for the first time I hit the Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, back then I wasn’t even aware of what it was called. As we traveled the crazy high skyscrapers that came in all shape and sizes left me baffled, with mouth gaping wide open. A metro system subtly minding its own business.To imagine a place that was literally nothing 30 years ago, today boasted a skyline equal to cities with almost hundred of years of evolution was in itself mind blowing.In the distance I could see Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, standing as a big middle finger to anyone who doubted this once small unknown piece of land and its people. The building stood as a testament of what good leadership can lead to. I still remember the building bathing in golden light as the sun set.I am not sure if my words or google searched images have been able to convince you, but this was probably my most memorable experience in the United Arab Emirates :)Peace.