Dubai ushers in New Year with gusto

Dubai certainly welcomed the new year with a grand splash. However, if the side effects of the celebrations are any indication, the new year seems to be an extension to some of the troubles we have faced in 2007.

Tens of thousands packed both sides of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai to watch the fireworks display near Al Maktoum Bridge. The Al Seef road was jammed with vehicles, with few police patrol cars tried to clear the traffic near the British Consulate in Bur Dubai. A small girl who was apparently lost in the crowd was taken away by a policeman. The girl, wearing red frock was crying as she boarded the police car.

Fire works!

The great fire works display at Burj Al Arab also was the reason for a great traffic jam between interchange four and three. The two lanes turning into Jumeriah were completely blocked by cars that were trying to access that area. People actually stopped their cars on SZR, opposite the Burj Al Arab, to enjoy the fireworks display. This only makes us think that most of Dubai’s traffic problems are purely created from inquisitive rubberneckers who wouldn’t mind blocking an exit to look at anything worth gawking. Driving down the SZR at that time a number of fender bender accidents could be seen.

Costly service

Arriving one hour later from Diera at Al Barsha Golden Tulip hotel, a happy and cheerful crowd was greeting 2008. People hugging, dancing and celebrating was only tainted by another Dubai norm, every thing served or any service given was double priced on the night. The standard of service, which had a lot to be desired, proved the low quality of customer service when trying to highlight your establishment. A great three-DJ line up had the party warmed up. People overlooked the hefty price on the door and the double priced service, and danced the night away to have their own little gathering outside of the hotel where every one had a smile on their face and looked forward to the next twelve months.

Taxi troubles

Taxi arrogance surpassed any expectations on New Years Eve. Other than Dubai Transport taxis, which were not available even after an overload of calls, other cabbies kept picking and choosing passengers and destinations, infuriating a number of desperate street stompers who were frenziedly trying to get to their venues. Many were waiting from an early hour in the evening. The Dubai Taxi company lines were unusually busy from 8pm and traffic was another great spectacle.

Ragheb Alama

In another part of the city, tens of bodyguards couldn’t distract people who were dying to take pictures with the Arab super star singer Ragheb Alama. After 59 days of preparations, Grand Hyatt Hotel performed one of the most successful New Year’s Eve parties in town. The black and silver decorated hall was hosting a thousand of Ragheb fans who were dancing around the stage until dawn. The star was stirring up the audience going back and forth on the ten-metre stage; jumping, dancing to his famous songs.

While the fervent audience left their chair and gathered around the stage singing and dancing with him others were over the tables expressing their joys and happiness at the arrival of 2008. Besides Ragheb Alama, another Arab singer Dina El Haik preformed for two hours spanning the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008.

Art of Living

Art of Living, the service arm of the International Association of Human Values (IAHV), ushered in 2008 with song and dance on the lawns of a private villa in Jumeirah. Men, women and children danced to the playing of tabla, the traditional north Indian drum and harmonium. The songs invoked divine blessings for the welfare of people all around the world.

2008 is just another number on the calendar; hopefully a lot of changes to the better will be seen in our great city. Happy New Year.