Dubai will celebrate New Year 2025 in a big way, with a landmark event organized by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) to honor the city's hardworking and diverse labor force. Held in the Al Quoz district on December 31, the celebration welcomed over 20,000 attendees from dozens of nationalities and ran from 2:00 PM through midnight.
A Celebration Built Around the Workforce
Organized under the theme "Celebrating Achievements: Building the Future," the event was co-hosted with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai. It marked the third consecutive year GDRFA Dubai has dedicated a major New Year event to recognizing workers' contributions to the emirate's growth and prosperity.
The programme featured 17 diverse global performances, including acrobatics, dance, opera, and DJ sets from artists around the world. Cultural presentations showcased the traditions of the many nationalities that make up Dubai's workforce.
Prizes Worth Over Dh500,000
One of the evening's highlights was a multi-stage prize draw offering more than Dh500,000 in awards. Prizes included cars, gold bars, travel tickets, and additional rewards — distributed through four raffle rounds held throughout the day.
Virtual Access via Blue Connect App
The event was designed in a hybrid format. Workers unable to attend in person could join through the Blue Connect app, which offered live streaming, digital engagement, and full access to the prize draws.
Celebrations also took place simultaneously at workforce accommodation areas in Jebel Ali and Muhaisnah, starting at 6:00 PM — extending the event's reach to workers across the city.
Al Marri: A Heartfelt Message of Gratitude
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, described the event as more than a New Year ceremony. "This celebration is a heartfelt message of gratitude and appreciation to every member of the workforce who has contributed to Dubai's success," he said. Al Marri added that the event reflects the UAE's humanitarian approach and that all measures had been taken to ensure the comfort and safety of participants.
Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor noted that the event represents "an institutional vision focused on social cohesion and recognising the humanitarian contributions of the workforce."
Midnight Fireworks
The festivities culminated at midnight with a fireworks display that lit up Dubai's skies, marking the start of 2025 on a hopeful and celebratory note.
GDRFA Dubai urged all community members to take part in the event, describing it as a moment to welcome the New Year while acknowledging the workers who drive the emirate's continued progress.
