As Dubai welcomed the New Year, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) marked the occasion with large-scale celebrations that put the spotlight firmly on people – the workforce that keeps the city moving.
More than 50,000 participants took part in events held across the emirate, as GDRFA Dubai rolled out a programme designed to reflect the spirit of the Year of Community. The celebrations combined cultural performances, live entertainment, fireworks and digital engagement, creating a festive atmosphere that extended well beyond traditional countdowns.
Senior officials said the initiative was rooted in appreciation. “This celebration is about recognising the contribution of our people,” an official involved in organising the events said. “Dubai’s success is built on the dedication of its workforce, and the New Year is the perfect moment to acknowledge that collective effort.”
Participants were rewarded with prizes worth more than Dh500,000, including gold bars, electronic gadgets, travel tickets and cars. For many attendees, the gesture carried symbolic weight. “It’s not just about the prizes,” said one participant. “It makes you feel valued and included.”
Cultural performances showcased the diversity of Dubai’s community, reflecting the emirate’s multicultural identity. Families, colleagues, and friends gathered at venues across the city, while others joined virtually through the GDRFA’s “Blue Connect” app, which enabled wider participation and real-time interaction.
Officials noted that blending physical and digital engagement was a deliberate choice. “Community today exists both on the ground and online,” one organiser said. “We wanted everyone to feel connected, regardless of where they were.”
The celebrations also underscored a broader message as Dubai steps into the new year – one centred on belonging and shared progress. As fireworks lit up the sky, organisers said the focus remained on unity rather than spectacle alone.
For many workers, the event marked a meaningful start to the year. “It reminds us that we are part of something bigger,” a long-time resident said. “That sense of appreciation motivates you.”
As Dubai moves forward in the Year of Community, GDRFA Dubai says similar initiatives will continue to strengthen engagement, reinforce shared values and recognise the people behind the emirate’s growth – ensuring that progress remains inclusive, human-centred and collective.
