One of the highlights of UAE National Day for many people is the massive fireworks display held at the Corniche every year and this 40th anniversary celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Even so, plenty of people throughout the UAE enjoy shooting off a few festive fireworks of their own – sometimes with disastrous results, such as the case of the five year old girl who was left permanently disfigured in September last year after a firecracker discharged from the wrong end.

If you do plan on celebrating National Day with fireworks, be sure to play it safe by following these tips from the experts:

• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Obey local laws – if fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them
• Always have a water hose or bucket full of water handy
• Only use fireworks as intended – don't try to alter or combine them
• Never relight a "dud" firework – wait 20 minutes and then soak in a water bucket
• Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle fireworks of any type
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – they can kill! Report illegal explosives to the authorities

Laura Fulton