Welcome to 2014!

As surreal as it is to write, it’s equally as unbelievable to comprehend that it is now the year 2014. Despite the fact that we are not driving flying cars or living like The Jetsons quite yet, there are many things to celebrate and look forward to in this brand new year. For instance, there will be plenty of personal resolutions that we will each be working hard at to achieve in the next 365 days. Some will be easy and some will be hard. It’s possible that there will even be a couple that will have staying power beyond January. For me, there are several in which I intend to use every single available day to make happen.

With so much joy and happiness spread around the world today, January 1, 2014, it’s important to remember what hard work and perseverance can bring. In certain circumstances, an entire year may be required to pull off an achievement or spectacle so grand that it goes down in history as the best ever.

In the case of the shining Middle Eastern metropolis known as Dubai, their hope and extraordinary effort just may be rewarded with the title of “greatest ever.” Last night, the city attempted to pull off the world’s largest fireworks display. NPR online had a good description of what was being attempted in the night sky of the United Arab Emirates.

Starting precisely 20 seconds before midnight local time, over 500,000 fireworks are set to be used during the display which is set to last around six minutes, with Guinness World Records adjudicators on hand to officiate the attempt.

Covering a distance of over 94km (61.6 miles) of the city’s seafront, the display will incorporate some of Dubai’s top landmarks, including Palm Jumeirah, World Islands, the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. 

Having been in Dubai for New Years several years ago, it’s an incredible sight to see the glistening city light up in all directions. To give you a taste of what it’s like to experience it first-hand, below are two videos showcasing last night’s fireworks display.

Enjoy!

Here’s to Our Own Record-Setting Year!