Not everyone wants to spend money to catch the Burj Khalifa fireworks, and honestly, you don’t have to. Standing near the Dubai Fountain is one of the most popular free options, and it comes with its own bonus, the fountain show itself, water shooting up to the height of a four-storey building, all synced to music. It’s a favourite with couples for a reason, there’s something about the lights, the music, and the anticipation building toward midnight that makes the whole area feel electric. You can walk the promenade, grab a spot near the water, or even hop on one of the small boats on Burj Lake for a slightly different angle. Just know that this is one of the most crowded viewing spots in the city on NYE, so if you’re set on this option, plan to arrive early and expect the walk back to take a while too.