The Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration, titled “Beyond Dreams”, mesmerized audiences worldwide with its breathtaking fireworks, synchronized Dubai Fountain performances, and advanced light and laser displays. The event, organized by Emaar Properties, was the result of nearly a year of planning and the collaborative efforts of over a thousand individuals from around the globe, including a Filipino multimedia artist who contributed to its success.
Joshua Tolentino Arizala, a Dubai-based creative professional, was among the diverse team that worked tirelessly to bring the spectacle to life. Arizala described the process as a large-scale collaboration, saying, “This event brought together experts from various fields and nationalities. My role involved working with the team and agency to support the creative communication for the show while ensuring that key moments were captured seamlessly.”
A global collaboration for excellence
The “Beyond Dreams” event showcased over 15,600 pyrotechnic elements, more than 200 advanced lasers, and dynamic light displays that illuminated Dubai’s skyline. Arizala emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting, “The success of this event was made possible by the collective efforts of a talented team, each contributing their expertise to create an unforgettable experience.”
Arizala also highlighted the extensive preparation behind the event, explaining that nearly 11 months of planning and collaboration were required to deliver a show that stood out on a global stage. “The Burj Khalifa is an iconic landmark, and it’s always a privilege to be part of an event that brings people together to celebrate,” he shared.
While proud to have been part of such a significant project, Arizala was quick to acknowledge the collaborative nature of the endeavor. “This was a team effort through and through, involving experts from various disciplines. I was fortunate to contribute and learn from the process.”
For aspiring creatives, Arizala offered this advice: “Embrace challenges, stay curious, and always value collaboration. Opportunities like this remind us of the power of teamwork and the importance of striving for excellence.”
