HAPPY NEW YEAR

The world welcomed 2014 in style last week, with excessive celebrations found across the globe as we all said ‘goodbye’ to 2013.

It was the year of the Royal Baby, the death and remembrance of Nelson Mandela, and the infamous Lee Rigby murder which has caused shockwaves throughout the country.

LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky above the Millennium Eye

In sport, the infamous Oscar Pistorius case was propelled onto television screens around the world, whilst the UK celebrated the first British champion at Wimbledon for more than 80 years, as Andy Murray revitalized the country’s passion for tennis.

In all, 2013 was of course as hectic as ever and will no doubt have had personal highs and lows for people worldwide yet no matter the circumstances, it didn’t stop the majority welcoming in 2014.

The UK held its annual firework display in London, eclipsing previous years with amazing displays.

DUBAI: Always having to be the biggest, the world’s largest firework display was found across the Palm Jumeirah

More than 400,000 fireworks were set off in just six minutes in Dubai as the country smashed the world record for the largest fire work display in history – more than five times as many as the previous record.

SYDNEY: Australia were one of the first countries to celebrate the clock hitting midnight, 11 hours ahead of the UK

The man-made Palm Jumeirah played host to an amazing synchronized display whilst the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, was lit up.

NEW YORK: Confetti rained from the sky as the US brought in the New Year

Elsewhere, New York’s classic glass ball countdown dropped to zero, with fireworks and confetti accompanying a live performance from 2013’s most controversial figure, Miley Cyrus, in Times Square.

CHINA: The great wall of China lit up with an array of laser displays

However you spent your New Year, everybody at the Asian Express wishes you the best for the next 12 months and hopes 2014 will provide everything you hope for.