Abu Dhabi's Al Maryah Island will once again host one of the country’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations with a large fireworks display over the promenade and free performances by pop stars Tamer Hosny and Nancy Ajram. A large crowd is expected, so here are some things to know before you set out to party.
Where to park
Al Maryah Island has parking for up to 5,000 vehicles. If you plan to use the parking available then you need to arrive when the doors open at 5pm. Once the car park reaches full capacity, all vehicles will be directed off island with only taxis, public transport and emergency vehicles allowed access. When it comes to parking at the island's key hotels, the Rosewood and the Four Seasons, valet parking is only available for guests who either booked a room or made restaurant reservations. There will be no valet service for The Galleria Mall on New Year's Eve.
Road Closures
Zayed the First St (where the Rosewood is located) and Hamdan Bin Mohammed St (where the Four Seasons is) bridges, as well as the roads across Zayed the First St and Hamdan Bin Mohammed St from Reem Island, will be closed on Tuesday, December 31. Al Falah Street and 10th Street will be open to traffic.
Performance times
The promenade, where the festivities will take place, will be closed until 5pm. Those who arrive early can enjoy the plethora of stalls and food options until the celebrations kick off at 7pm.
First up on the main stage at around 8pm is Nancy Ajram. With a near three-decade career, the singer, 35, remains one of the biggest names in the Arabic music industry with more than 30 million albums sold and massive pan-Arab hits including Akhasmak Ah and Ya Salaam.
Tamer Hosny will perform at 10.30pm. The Egyptian is one of the biggest Arab pop stars in the world, while he has also made a splash overseas, thanks to collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Akon and Shaggy. With his upbeat pop hits and charming stage presence, he is an apt choice to keep up the excitement until the midnight firework display.
Access to toilets
There will be no toilets available outdoors on the promenade. Instead, they are all located inside The Galleria Mall.
More information is available on www.almaryahisland.ae
