Quality time with loved ones: Dubai residents enjoy priceless moments with family on first day of 2023

Quality time with loved ones: Dubai residents enjoy priceless moments with family on first day of 2023

People gather outside the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as they wait for the fireworks on the day of the New Year's Eve celebrations, in Dubai. Photo: Reuters

The UAE welcomed 2023 with record-breaking fireworks, drone shows, star-studded concerts and mind-boggling entertainment events that left residents and tourists almost out of breath.

On the first day of the year, many families decided to take it easy after the exhilarating experience and spend quality time with visiting relatives and loved ones while others ventured out. Khaleej Times, reached out to a cross section of expats to see how they spent their Januray 1.

For Malaysian expat, Adilatul, the first day took an unexpected turn in the morning when her visiting son surprised the family with a hearty breakfast. “Initially, we planned to go out for breakfast, but we abandoned that idea as we all slept late last night. When I went to the kitchen, I was surprised to see that my 17-year-old son, who studies in Canada and is home now for the winter break, was already up and had prepared a hearty breakfast for the entire family. I was so touched by this gesture,” she said.

Later in the day, the