Burj Khalifa might be open but you can't really enter the building right now. And if you're wondering what that sound is, yup, the building is not completely ready yet.

There is activity still around the main entrance of the tower with workers rushing back from their lunch break. There's even a significant excavation site close by, hidden behind roadside boards. Construction vehicles are moving in and out of

the site, carrying equipment and building materials.

Workers on the site say it could take up to a year to complete just the final touches on the building itself. The downtown area though, will continue to be subjected to the noise of heavy vehicles and other machinery for a while longer as other buildings come up.

Dubai: The public in the UAE can attend the opening of Burj Dubai on Monday, the fourth anniversary of the accession of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Ruler of Dubai.

Major General Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency Department at Dubai Police, said: "His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum orders the opening of the gates for the public to the opening ceremony of Burj Dubai."

"Now we are going to open three gates for the guests and public - the north entrance of the Burj, the south entrance from Souk Al Bahar and one through Dubai Mall."

The schedule for the grand opening is:

• The opening ceremony is expected to start at 8pm
• Entertainment shows available in the vicinity from 7:30am
• Television coverage will be on local Dubai TV and Dubai One channels, starting from 1:30pm to 9pm, plus Sama Dubai, Dubai One and Noor Dubai
• Other TV stations including international broadcasters in Arabic, English and Indian amongst others will have coverage of the Burj Dubai opening.

Entertainment program:

Film

• Short documentary on Dubai’s development & construction of Burj

Lights, water and music show

• 1st Show: ‘From desert flower to Burj Dubai’ - The inspiration of hymenocallis in designing the Burj
• 2nd Show: ‘Heartbeat’ - The stages of constructing the Burj
• 3rd Show:'From Dubai & the UAE to the world’

Fireworks

Public vantage points to watch the show:

Burj Park Island

The public will also be able to watch the opening programme from Burj Park Island, where there will be a stage set aside for the guests invited by Dubai Ruler Court, he added.

The gate to Burj Park Island will be opened at 4pm and will be closed once the space is full.

All systems go

Meanwhile, It's all systems go for the grandiose opening of the Burj Dubai.

As Dubai gears up for this historic event, security plans are already in place for the official opening ceremony of Burj Dubai on Monday.

The inauguration will be open to the public. Around 6,000 visitors are expected to attend and parking space for more than 7,300 vehicles will be available as confirmed by Mohammad Eid Al Mansouri, Director of the Organisation Protective Security and Emergency Department at Dubai Police. More than 1,000 security personnel have also been deployed to secure the area.

With a large number of people looking forward to witnessing this historic event, one of the biggest challenges will be to find a vantage point to watch the festivities and the surprises that are in store for the unveiling of Burj Dubai.

With this in mind, Gulf News has scouted for vantage points where people can watch the opening, be it for free or for a fee.

For those who don't want to pay and are eager to witness the spectacular event, especially the fireworks, which is said to be the first of its kind, we have identified the places to go.

Festival City Boulevard

Located off Rabat Street in Dubai Festival City. Fashioned along the lines of a sailing yacht, the place cuts a striking silhouette rising from the south bank of Dubai Creek. The place will be an ideal place to watch the fireworks on January 4.

Zabeel Park

Located to the northeast of the Dubai World Trade Centre, it is located on three separate plots bounded by DWTC, Al Quta'eyat and Za'beel Road. The park is open from 8am to 11pm and is a perfect place to catch the fireworks display in the evening.

Jumeirah open beach piers

For beach lovers and those who want to witness the fireworks display, the Jumeirah open beach piers are a great viewing place.

Open beach beside Jumeirah Beach Park

Located on Jumeirah Beach Road, the open beach park offers a great location for watching fireworks.

Safa Park

Situated between the second interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, near Metropolitan Hotel. It is open daily from 8am to 11pm. Those waiting for the fireworks display can enjoy the large green park that has been divided into sections and play areas.

Desert area near Meydan

While waiting or watching the fireworks display, one can enjoy the tranquility of the desert and even have some barbecues for those who want to party along with the historical opening.

Promenade outside Burj Residences facing Towers 1, 3 and 5.

People can station here before roads are closed for security reasons. This is also one of the better places to witness the opening.

Burj Dubai Boulevard

Is an open vantage point in front of the Burj Dubai and worth checking with police if the road is open to pedestrians. It's between the Palace Hotel and the residences buildings.

Boulevard Bridge

Open to public on a first-come-first-serve basis. The bridge will be an access that will lead on to the Burj Island, where guest are allowed by invitation only.

Burj Dubai Island

The island can accommodate around 2,000 spectators and is open on a first-come-first-serve basis. The island will have one retail souvenir kiosk where one can buy Burj Dubai souvenir items. To fill in your empty stomach, the place also features five-restaurant kiosks.

Al Quoz Park

Those living in the area may head to Al Quoz Park.

Al Khail Road

For those who happen to be on the road and using the Al Khail Road, they may stop in a safe place and take a glimpse of the one-of-a-kind fireworks display.

For those who are really excited and willing to spend some money to witness the opening, here are some of the places to head to.

Neos Sky Lounge, The Address Hotel

The striking sky lounge is a perfect destination on January 4. Located on the 63rd floor, Neos offers stunning city views.

Pax Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hotel

Overlooking the heart of Dubai, Pax is another place to be and have an enjoyable evening with families and friends celebrating another Dubai first.

Fairmont Hotel

Try the Rooftop Pool Bar in the Fairmont Hotel on Shaikh Zayed Road.

Saha Cafe, The Address Hotel

A contemporary lakeside coffee shop of the The Address Downtown Burj Dubai. It offers picturesque views of Burj Dubai and The Dubai Fountain.

Restaurants at Dubai Mall waterfront area

One of the nearest areas to be during the opening. Aside from the fireworks display, one can view all the opening activities by broadcasts on a flat screen placed just outside the Burj Dubai.

The Palace Hotel

It has an open-air terrace overlooking the Burj Dubai.

Are you looking forward to the launch of the Burj Dubai? When do you plan to visit the observation deck?