Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa will be welcoming in 2012 with a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Tonight, Emaar Properties, the Burj Khalifa’s development company, is expecting hundreds of thousands if visitors to what has become the focal point for Dubai’s New Year’s Eve festivities.

Government bodies claim the event is integral to securing Dubai’s position as a “global hub for events”. Authorities are putting plans into place to ensure the celebrations can be enjoyed by visitors seamlessly.

Emaar is urging people to arrive before 10pm, and is working alongside bodies including the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police to prepare for the crowds.

Last year an estimated 600,000 New Year revellers watched the display as the Burj Khalifa put on the world’s highest pyrotechnic display, which caused tremendous traffic problems.

The police in Dubai are hoping to overcome these difficulties to deal with the overflow of people to enable over 500, 000 people to visit and enjoy the celebrations.

Visitors will be offered the option to gather at Burj Park or other areas including the Waterfront Promenade near Dubai Mall, Burj Plaza, The Pavilion art centre and lounge, and Emaar Boulevard.

According to reports, police will split the roads leading to the Burj Khalifa into lanes designated for private vehicles, buses and taxis, and for emergency vehicles.