A spectacular show featuring drones, fireworks, and ‘dancing’ skydivers will light up Dubai’s night sky on December 13. According to event organizers, pyro-drones — drones equipped with fireworks — will take off over Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, as skydivers perform stunts mid-air, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Kaltham Al Shamsi, Assistant Manager of Events Planning at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRA), said, “As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Dubai Shopping Festival, this special pyro drone show will blend advanced drone technology with pyrotechnics for two unique performances on December 13 and January 11.”
On December 13, the show will feature around 150 pyro drones launching at 8 PM, followed by a synchronized skydiving performance, with another show scheduled for 10 PM.
Marco Niedermeier, CEO and producer of AO Multimedia and Drones, shared insights about the collaboration with Skydive Dubai. “We’ve designed two extraordinary displays where drones illuminate the sky with fireworks as skydivers jump from 10,000 feet. These elite skydivers, equipped with pyrotechnics and lights on their suits, will perform a visually stunning aerial ‘dance,’ manually controlling the effects to deliver a mesmerizing experience,” Niedermeier explained.
AO Drones, based in Dubai, operates a fleet of 6,000 drones and has orchestrated iconic displays like the New Year’s Eve show at Burj Khalifa and the Chinese dragon performance around Burj Al Arab. The DSF drone show was choreographed under the creative direction of German art director Jan Ising, alongside a multimedia team of 3D animation specialists.
Highlighting the technology behind the show, Niedermeier added that the drones can perform even in winds up to 8 m/s. “Each drone is powered by advanced micro-engines and innovative software, enabling captivating light effects and intricate 3D animations. The unique integration of fireworks with LED lights adds to the precision and impact of the display.”
Al Shamsi elaborated on the show’s theme, which celebrates three decades of the Dubai Shopping Festival. “The performance takes the audience on a visual journey, showcasing iconic milestones, unforgettable memories, and the festival’s influence on Dubai’s cultural and entertainment scene.”
Daily Drone Shows Throughout DSF
In addition to the special pyro-drone performances, the regular Dubai Shopping Festival drone shows — which began on December 6 — will continue until January 12. The shows run twice daily at 8 PM and 10 PM.
Al Shamsi described the performances as a combination of “cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and innovative live entertainment.” Over 1,000 drones, powered by more than 4,000 propellers, are precisely choreographed with specialized software to deliver a stunning visual experience across Dubai’s skies.
