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Revellers enjoy New Years Eve celebrations around the world
Spectacular firework displays lit up skies around the world last night, from London to Dubai, as New Years revellers welcomed in 2012.
Setting aside their woes from 2011, including political upheaval in the Middle East, the devastation that was reaped in Japan following the earthquake and tsunamis and continued economic uncertainty, tourists and locals danced, drank and celebrated the end of 2011.
In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa - the world’s tallest building – lit up with a magnificent and extravigant firework display. Fireworks went off from the top floor in a display that lasted ten minutes. In Abu Dhabi, Coldplay gave a memorable performance to a 20,000 strong audience before the count down to the new year began. They played at the new purpose built Volvo Ocean Race ‘Destination Village’ to usher in the new year as part of celebrations for the emirate’s historic, fortnight-long hosting of the gruelling 39,000 mile round the world ‘Everest of Sailing’. London drew 250, 000 revellers who gathered to see the pyrotechnic firework display along the river Thames. 12,000 fireworks were exploded during the 11-minute and 15-second display. Crowds danced to music that was played by Radio 1 DJ Nihal.