Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi was a beacon of celebration this New Year's Eve after playing host to a spectacular firework display, which lit up the sky of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) capital at midnight. More than 8,000 visitors descended on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi's business and lifestyle destination, to see in 2016. They enjoyed an unforgettable night of family fun and entertainment, which saw live performances from DJs and musical acts, Zeina Aftimos and Hamami Trio. Thousands of fireworks were launched from buildings in Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, the commercial heart of Abu Dhabi's international financial center, and barges in the Arabian Gulf. Visitors were virtually connected to festivities from around the world, with live footage being displayed on a variety of screens, and an interactive earth globe that lit up when a new country welcomed in the New Year in its time zone. An assortment of festive food trucks, shopping and casual dining at The Galleria, five star feasts at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, a Winter Fair and a dedicated Kid's zone, were also enjoyed throughout the night. Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure, sai, "we're delighted to have hosted yet another successful New Year's Eve celebration on Al Maryah Island. It was a magical evening, enjoyed by residents as well as local and international guests, and a fitting start to what promises to be an exciting 2016 for Abu Dhabi. I'd like to thank everyone involved for making the event so special."
