2bn TV viewers set to watch Burj Dubai ceremony

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OPENING DATE: About 2 billion TV viewers are expected to watch the Burj Dubai opening. (Getty Images)

An estimated two billion people around the world are expected to watch live TV coverage of the inauguration of the Burj Dubai, the tallest man-made structure on the planet.

All preparations for the grand celebration on Monday have been completed to give the best detailed close-up coverage of the event using the latest digital High Definition (HD) transmission technology, said Ahmad Al Sheikh - managing director, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) and media escort to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Two HD TV mobile production units equipped with state-of-the-art equipment will be on location with teams to cover the event, news agency WAM reported.

Some 400 representatives of local, regional and international media and news agencies will cover the inauguration, it added.

Separately, the Dubai Fountain will perform to a new song written especially for the inauguration of Burj Dubai on Monday, it has been announced.

The inauguration of the world’s tallest building developed by Emaar Properties marks the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai.

The uplifting song Inshed An Aldar (Ask about home) is the second Emirati composition to be added to the hugely popular repertoire of The Dubai Fountain, which attracts thousands of visitors to the Waterfront Promenade of The Dubai Mall each evening.

The fountain currently performs to nine songs including Sama Dubai, a tribute to the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed.

The new song is inspired by the festive spirit of dancing and happiness, and reflects the UAE’s proud musical traditions.

The water patterns of The Dubai Fountain, described as the world’s tallest ‘performing fountain’, have been carefully choreographed to capture the nuances of Inshed An Aldar.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, UAE, Emaar Properties, said: “In its design and engineering, Burj Dubai is on the cutting edge of technology, but it also borrows heavily from the local traditions of Dubai and the UAE. The tower design is inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis and reflects regional motifs. That is why it is fitting to compose another Emirati song to accompany the hugely popular performances at The Dubai Fountain.”

The Dubai Fountain was designed by California-based company WET, which also created the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The Dubai Fountain can reach a height of 275 metres (900ft) and is equipped with powerful nozzles capable of shooting water higher than a 50-storey building.

The fountain can also be programmed to perform as many 1,000 different display sequences, or ‘expressions’. More than 6,000 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors further enhance the audio-visual experience.

The addition of the song celebrates the inauguration of Burj Dubai, which is more than 800 metres (2,625 feet) high and is the focal point of the 500-acre Downtown Burj Dubai community.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Relax and join in
Posted by Concerned, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 3 January 2010 at 21:18 UAE time


Instead of joining the celebration of Burj Dubai the World Tallest Icon in our midst - i find all being negative here. Let 2010 be a positive year - we can boast our city has the tallest manmade tower.
Till the records lasts - lets be proud and join in the fun...

Holiday??
Posted by Pissu on Sunday 3 January 2010 at 17:08 UAE time


So, 2 billion people will have no work, no office, no college, no business on Monday (a working day) 4th Jan 2010.. These 2 billion people will watch TV, which ever channel the inauguration ceremony of Burj Dubai is broadcast. But please let us know the channels and timings first. Thanq.

2 billion?
Posted by gerard on Sunday 3 January 2010 at 16:46 UAE time


That figure sound largely exaggerated. Sure 2 billion people will probably see it in news broadcasts but definitely not live.

Interesting Comparison
Posted by JinxUAE on Sunday 3 January 2010 at 16:04 UAE time


http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_was_the_largest_ever_worldwide_television_audience

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