From English and Arabic pop to opera, club anthems and one-hit wonders, the UAE's New Year's Eve celebrations will soon return with another fun and eclectic soundtrack. Concerts and club gigs cater to all tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The biggest names set to ring in the new year across the Emirates include Lionel Richie and Andrea Bocelli, while Arabic pop stars will also shine with shows by Najwa Karam and Mohamed Hamaki. For those looking to finish the year on the dancefloor, seasoned spinners like Roger Sanchez and Nervo will also be in the UAE for solo shows.
Here are some of the main gigs taking place on New Year's Eve.
1. Lionel Richie at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Dubai revellers will bid farewell to the year with Hello singer Lionel Richie. The Grammy Award-winning pop star will perform at Atlantis, The Palm’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Richie will perform a selection of his greatest hits from both his solo and the Commodores catalogue, including All Night Long, Dancing on the Ceiling, Penny Lover and Sail On.
Doors open at 6pm; dinner packages start at Dh4,500
2. Andrea Bocelli at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Say goodbye to 2024 and ring in the new year with the celebrated Italian opera star. Bocelli’s extensive catalogue includes classics such as Time to Say Goodbye, The Prayer and Ave Maria.
Doors open at 8pm; dinner packages start at Dh4,500
3. Tamer Hosny and Nancy Ajram at the Ritz Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre
Two titans of Arabic pop will team up to end the year in style with hits spanning three decades. Egyptian singer and actor Tamer Hosny will perform his best-known songs, including crowd favourites Ben El Eih and Heya Dih. Meanwhile, Ajram, dubbed the Queen of Arab Pop, will delight fans with hits such as Akhasmak Ah and Ah W Noss.
Doors open at 10pm; dinner packages start at Dh2,100
4. Mohamed Hamaki at Mother of the Nation Festival, Abu Dhabi
Since entering the limelight with his moderately received 1997 debut album Leqa' El Nogoom, the 49-year-old has diligently built a career with consistent album releases and a steady supply of hits, including the romantic ballad Ma Balash and the summery Ajmal Youm. Hamaki will bring his on-stage charm to Abu Dhabi on the back of new singles Leely Taal and Howa El Asas.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh295
5. Marwan Khoury, Najwa Karam and George Wassouf at InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Three artists embodying some of the dynamism and diversity of Arabic popular music come together for a grand New Year's Eve celebration. Crooner Marwan Khoury is known for his evocative balladry and songwriting acumen, having composed hits for pop stars Elissa and Carole Samaha. Fellow Lebanese singer Karam fuses her pop with elements of thumping Levantine folk, as heard in renowned songs Ma Fi Noum and Saharni. Veteran Syrian singer Wassouf will also showcase his pedigree with regional hits Sehert El Leil and El Hawa Sultan.
Doors open at 8pm; dinner packages start at Dh550
6. Assi El Hallani and Adam at Le Meridien, Dubai
Two generations of Lebanese pop hits will be showcased when veteran Assi El Hallani teams up with Adam, also known as Wael Shehad, for separate performances. El Hallani, the main headliner, has a 35-year body of work including regional hits Bhibbek We Bghar and Jan Jnooni. Adam, whose crooning style pays tribute to the golden age of Arabic pop from the 1960s, will perform his own renowned tracks such as Ala Baly and Awal Habib.
Doors open at 8.30pm; dinner packages start at Dh630
7. Haifa Wehbe at Palazzo Versace, Dubai
Lebanese singer and actress Haifa Wehbe has more than enough hits to headline a New Year’s Eve gig, with songs like the cheeky Boos El Wawa and the breezy Agoul Ahwak perfect for the occasion.
Doors open at 7pm; dinner packages start at Dh1,899
8. Rahma Riad and Abadi Al Johar at Liwa Village, Abu Dhabi
Rahma Riad, daughter of popular Iraqi singer Riad Ahmed, first made a splash in 2010 by appearing on the TV talent quest Star Academy before launching a successful career with hits like Al Kawkab and Waed Menni. The latter, released in 2018, has garnered more than 200 million streams on YouTube. No stranger to grand occasions, she also performed at the opening ceremonies of the Qatar World Cup and Arab Cup football tournaments. She will be joined by Saudi singer Abadi Al Johar, whose virtuosity has earned him the nickname “the octopus of the oud".
Doors open at 8.30pm; tickets start at Dh225
9. Nassif Zeytoun and Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo, Festival Arena Dubai
Arabic pop will meet Catalan rumba at this eclectic gig. Syrian singer Nassif Zeytoun, known for ballads Bel Ahlam and Majbour, will share headlining duties with Tonino Baliardo from the Gipsy Kings, who will perform some of the celebrated group’s massive hits, including Bamboleo and Djobi Djoba.
Doors open at 8.30pm; tickets start at Dh195
10. Mahmoud El Esseily at Dubai Festival City
The popular family destination will host end-of-year celebrations on its promenade. Among the features will be a purpose-built stage for a performance by Egyptian singer Mahmoud El Esseily, whose hits include Keda Keda Bayza and Shebr W Nos.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh100
11. Ramy Ayash at JW Marriot Hotel Marina, Dubai
The seasoned Lebanese singer will dip into his four-decade discography for a glitzy New Year's Eve performance. Expect to hear favourites such as Habibi Ana, Albi Mal and Mabrouk.
Doors open at 10pm; dinner packages start at Dh750
12. Back to the '90s featuring No Mercy and 2 Unlimited at Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Party like it’s 1992 at one of the world's ritziest hotels. As part of a lavish New Year’s Eve bash, a string of 1990s Europop acts will perform their most recognisable hits before a large firework display. Some of the acts include 2 Unlimited, No Mercy, former Ace of Base singer Jenny Berggren and Fab Morvan from Milli Vanilli.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh6,500
13. Roger Sanchez at Bohemia, Five Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
The American DJ is no stranger to the UAE, having performed in various clubs and festivals for over a decade. Known for club anthems such as his 2003 hit Another Chance, he is also a four-time DJ Awards' Best House DJ winner and has created remixes for superstars Madonna, Daft Punk and the Police.
Doors open at 9pm; tickets start at Dh350
14. Lost Frequencies at Terra Solis Dubai
Celebrate the new year at this desert party spot. A mainstay of DJ Mag’s Top 100 list, this year Lost Frequencies climbed two places to rank 20. The Belgian DJ is known for his celebrated remake of the Europop hit What is Love by Haddaway. According to Spotify, he is the most listened to Belgian artist on the platform this year.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh250
15. Yo Yo Honey Singh at Budour, JA Resorts, Dubai
One of India's biggest hip-hop stars, Yo Yo Honey Singh has built a distinctive sound blending Punjabi rhythms with modern hip-hop elements. Tracks such as Brown Rang and Blue Eyes have become club favourites as well as appearing in Bollywood films.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh150
16. Jonas Blue and Fedde Le Grand at Rixos Premium Dubai
Dance-pop, house music and 1990s nostalgia will dominate the playlist at the hotel in Dubai's JBR. British DJ and producer Jonas Blue, known for chart-topping hits Fast Car and Perfect Stranger, will lead a bill that includes Dutch spinner Fedde Le Grand and French DJ Willy William. Swedish Europop star Dr Alban, known for the global smash It’s My Life, will also perform.
Doors open at 9pm; tickets start at Dh3,000
17. Nicky Romero at Barasti, Dubai
Ranked 24th on DJ Mag’s Top 100, the Dutch spinner is a regular on the European festival circuit and is known for high-energy tracks like I Could Be the One and Symphonica.
Doors open at 6pm; tickets start at Dh169
18. Nervo at the Sphere, One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai
Australian sibling duo Nervo are behind rave anthems Hold On and Revolution. Their high-octane sets and infectious stage presence are the perfect tonic to end the year on a high note.
Doors open at 9pm; tickets start at Dh500
19. Julio Iglesias Jr at La Nina, Dubai
Son of the famed Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias, the singer has followed his father's footsteps in melding traditional Latin balladry with modern pop music. Expect a set list heavy with renditions of Julio Iglesias's hits, including Amor, Amor, Amor and All the Girls I Loved Before.
Doors open at 8pm; tickets start at Dh2,000
20. Mathame at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience
The electronic music duo will headline end-of-year celebrations of the Dubai mega club. Known for their hits For Every Lover and Skywalking, their expansive tracks are upbeat and cinematic.
Doors open at 6pm; dinner packages start at Dh195
21. Charlie Sloth at The Penthouse Dubai
The British DJ and radio personality will bring his energy to Dubai. Known for creating the influential "Fire in the Booth" series, where rappers ranging from Drake to Stormzy enter his studio to perform, Sloth is viewed as an ambassador of the UK hip-hop scene.
Doors open at 8pm; dinner packages start at Dh1500
