UAE's Sharjah bans New Year parties over Gaza but Gulf neighbours plan extravaganzas

Across the Middle East, Gaza's deadliest-ever war is casting a shadow over the countdown to the New Year. 

Authorities in Sharjah, the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have cancelled its customary New Year’s Eve celebrations - including all firework displays - in solidarity with Gaza. 

But no such ban has been announced anywhere else in the region. Nor are other emirates, renowned for their extravagant annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, announcing bans.

In Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is set to feature a record-breaking firework display lasting for a full hour.

Meanwhile in Dubai, several major displays have been planned, including at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Dubai’s Global Village confirmed on Wednesday that it will have no fewer than seven fireworks shows.

In Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, customary street parties and live concerts have been planned for the occasion, while multiple firework displays are scheduled for Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Likewise, Lusail City in Qatar will host laser shows and fireworks. Qatar recently marked its National Day on 18 December with significantly reduced celebrations in solidarity with Gaza. 

Outside of the Middle East, Pakistan has issued a “strict ban” on “any kind of event for New Year”, with caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar urging people to “show solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters”.

Read more: UAE's Sharjah bans New Year parties over Gaza but Gulf neighbours plan extravaganzas