Dubai: Fireworks lit up the sky over the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the delight of onlookers, while nearby Ras al-Khaima sought to enter the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s longest fireworks show.
Residents of other middle countries also celebrated on the New Year’s eve. Almost eight years into Syria’s civil war, people in Damascus celebrated their first New Year’s Eve since regime forces expelled the last rebels and jihadists from the capital’s suburbs earlier this year.
Russia saw in the new year over several time zones. In his New Year’s address, President Vladimir Putin urged people to work together “so that all citizens of Russia… feel changes for the better in the coming year.”
In Paris, “fraternity”-themed fireworks and a light show were held on the Champs-Elysees, with a few “yellow vest” anti-government protesters mingling joyfully with the 300,000-strong crowd.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a televised address, acknowledged his government “can do better” but said “I believe in us.”
In Berlin, music lovers partied at the Brandenburg Gate.
London ushered in the new year by celebrating its relationship with Europe, despite Britain’s impending departure from the European Union. Mayor Sadiq Khan said the capital would remain “outward looking” after Brexit.
With inputs from AFP