No plans for December 31? Here's a round up of a dozen of the hottest ways to see in the New Year with a bang.
Abu Dhabi
80s party at Twelve
Party hotspot Aloft showcases its new rooftop venue Twelve with an unashamedly retro-focused 1980s-themed New Year's Eve bash. One for the capital-dwellers who are missing out on the Masterjam festivities down the road.
• From 8pm. Dh600 (including food and drinks). Aloft Abu Dhabi, Capital Centre, 02 654 5000.
Asia de Cuba
This newly opened restaurant-lounge hybrid is amping up the volume for NYE, promising a party-on-the-beach courtesy of the Brazilian DJ Marise Cardoso, plus prime views of the fireworks. There is also a three-course dining option indoors.
• From 9.30pm. Dh550 (including drinks). Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche Road, 02 699 3333.
Jamie Jones at Blue Marlin
For Abu Dhabi's electronic- music fans, Blue Marlin's typically showstopping three-hander is a clear must. Topping the bill is the true scenester Jamie Jones, the man behind Hot Creations, who was awarded Best DJ by Resident Advisor in 2012. He'll have competition from the disco-influenced Richy Ahmed and the crowd-pleasing Ibellini, whose claims to fame include warming up the crowd for Pharrell's The Neptunes.
• From 8pm. Dh450 for women, Dh600 for men. Ghantoot, 056 113 3400.
Neari at People by Crystal
The deep and progressive house DJ Neari – whose real name is Yuri Omneari – headlines the Abu Dhabi branch of this club, which is always a reliable night out.
• From 10pm. Dh350 for ladies, Dh500 for gents. The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 050 826 9698.
O1NE's Masquerade Ball
The Yas Island club O1ne is set to make the most of the venue's huge 3-D mapping screens to set the mood at its winter wonderland-themed NYE masquerade ball. Masks are, of course, obligatory, while the night also boasts an all-white dress code – so this is definitely one for theatrical folk keen on glamming up.
• Dh300 for men (with three drinks), free for ladies. From 10.30pm. Yas Island 052 788 8111.
Saif and Sound at De La Costa
If you dig commercial sounds, then head over to Saadiyat spot De La Costa (formally Sea Lounge) to hear Radio 1 double act Saif and Sound do their thing. Expect floorfillers aplenty.
• From 9pm. Dh275 entry, Dh550 with drinks, free for diners at Safina. Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, 02 656 3500.
Dubai
Above and Beyond at Eden
Yes, you read that right, the gigantic trance duo who took post-midnight headline duties at Sandance NYE in 2011-12 are back, playing at the (markedly smaller) new Eden Beach Club to see in 2015. Here's a chance to see a huge name up close and personal. Expect euphoric tunes.
• Call for reservations. Rixos the Palm, 055 277 1477.
Catch at The Basement
Underground purists' hangout The Basement is keeping things simple for NYE, doing away with silly fees and inflated tabs in favour of a night that's about one thing – the music. Namely house music, with the resident and Dubai mainstay Smokingroove taking top billing alongside B?K Rogers, Rishi and Drinky – basslines positively guaranteed.
• From 9pm. Dh200 (Dh295 with drinks before 11.30pm). Boutique 7 Hotel, Tecom, 050 243 2014.
Dekadance
Perhaps the most exciting thing about this alfresco shindig is the promise of "DJs who will actually play your requests" (although there is the disclaimer "within reason"). Besides the presence of cheese-tastic DJ Cheddar, a competitive rate and easy access for New Dubai dwellers add to this night's hassle-free appeal.
• Dh395 (including drinks 9pm-11.45pm). The Dek on 8, Media One Hotel, 055 144 1549.
Kiko Navarro at Story Rooftop
He saw in the new year for the capital in 2012-13, and now the soulful Spanish decksmith Navarro, who is known for fusing Latin and Afro tones into his deep house sounds, plays this arty alfresco spot, which also boasts prime views of the midnight fireworks.
• From 9pm. Dh299. Holiday Inn Express, Knowledge Village, 04 365 9911.
Soulful Sessions at Dusk
The incredibly danceable local legend who is Schooly will be serving up his signature Soulful Sessions sounds all night long at Infusion's down-to-earth holiday happening. One for the music lovers, here quality tunes and a clued-up crowd are to be expected and embraced.
• From 7pm. Dh150 (entry only). Dusk Terrace, Radisson Blu Dubai Media City, 04 366 9111.
Superheroes at Level 41
Normally an open-air affair, Superheroes is moving things to the next level by taking over the huge, 1,500-capacity warehouse-style venue Level 41. Expect an unpretentious evening of quality garage, bass and house music from the residents Under the Moon, Somalie and more.
• From 9pm. Dh150. Media One Hotel, 055 829 6348.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
