Post date: Dec 30, 2013 4:39:28 PM
Dubai prepares to break the world record for the biggest fireworks display when it ushers in 2014.
DUBAI, UAE (DECEMBER 25, 2013) (REUTERS) - Dubai is poised to herald the New Year with a world record breaking extravaganza.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve an explosive display, featuring more than 400,000 fireworks, will light the skyline of Dubai's iconic island resort, Atlantis, The Palm.
Organisers hope to make it to the Guinness World Records with the six-minute show that will illuminate the skies above two of its man-made islands, The Palm Jumeirah and The World.The United Arab Emirates, which is home to the world's largest man-made island and the tallest building, is vying to secure its place on the tourist map as the hub for entertainment in the Middle East.
The committee that has been set up to oversee the world record attempt held a meeting on Wednesday (December 25) to discuss the logistics of their ambitious project.
Dima Ayyad, deputy executive manager for marketing and events at Dubai's Atlantis resort, said the world's largest firework display was bound to attract a larger number of tourists.
"We are expecting 27,000 visitors, of course with the fireworks scoring a new Guinness World Record, it will very much help to increase the number of visitors from all over the world to Dubai, because Atlantis (Resorts) is one of Dubai's attractions, we have been (working) for five years and we are looking forward to it," said Ayyad.
She added that Dubai's extravagant celebrations only got better with each year.
"Dubai always meets its promises and it makes it even better; the second element is that Dubai has plenty of hotels and good weather that is considered to be one of the best in the world at this time of the year."
The fireworks display will be accompanied by a musical soundtrack that has been 'specially choreographed' for the event, according to a government statement.
Over 200 pyrotechnicians will be responsible for the fireworks being launched from 400 locations, the statement added.
The current Guinness World Record for the largest firework display is held by Kuwait City, Kuwait, which in 2012 celebrated the 50th anniversary of its constitution with a show that featured 77,282 fireworks stretching over 5 kilometres (3.11 miles) of seafront and which lasted 64 minutes.