It promises to be the world's most impressive New Year's Eve fireworks display, but front row seats for the Burj Khalifa's display will cost Dubai's diners – a lot.
The Dubai Mall and adjacent Souk Al Bahar boast dozens of restaurants and terraces designed to make the most of their proximity to the world’s tallest building, and the stunning Dubai Fountain show which takes place below.
And with the Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve celebrations for 2019 reportedly set to be bigger than ever, these restaurants are charging a lot for the privilege of an outdoor seat.
Dh1,500 for Five Guys and Dh2,000 for Tim Hortons
A table at fast food chain Five Guys, based on the waterfront promenade, will cost Dh1,500 per person, with unlimited burgers, hotdogs, fries, milkshakes or sodas throughout the evening. For a seat further back from the action, the package will cost Dh1,200. Still, considering the normal price of a burger is around Dh40 – you’d have to get through a lot of food to make up that cost.
At Tim Hortons, a five-course meal and a premium seat beside the water will cost Dh2,000 – or the price of 2,222 Timbits – while that price goes down to Dh1,500 for general outdoor terrace seating, and Dh1,000 for a seat inside.
Across the water, a table at luxury pan-Asian restaurant Karma Kafe actually comes in cheaper than Tim Hortons, with a terrace package costing Dh1,899 for a five course tasting menu and unlimited drinks. Neighbouring Italian restaurant Serafina’s most expensive package will set diners back Dh3,500. For that price, they get a seven-course tasting menu, premium drinks and a seat on the lower terrace.
Dubai has previously been ranked as the world’s most expensive city for New Year’s Eve, with the average person spending Dh2,200, according to a 2016 report from Travelex. And that price seems about right for anyone who is planning to head to Dubai Mall to see in the New Year with fireworks and food.
Of course, you could just watch the display from the promenade, although expect it to be extremely busy. Another option for those wanting to take in the view for free is to head to Satwa or one of the suburbs that look over at the Burj Khalifa from across the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road, or somewhere like Ras Al Khor (you can, after all, see the Burj Khalifa from most of Dubai).
Here is a rundown of some of the packages on offer:
Five Guys
Unlimited burgers, hotdogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, fries, milkshakes or soft drinks.
Front terrace: Dh1,500pp
Back terrace: Dh1,200pp
Tim Hortons
A five course set-menu including an appetiser, starter, main course and soup and dessert of the day.
Beside the water: Dh2,000pp
Outdoor terrace: Dh1,500pp
Indoor seating: Dh1,000pp
Maison Assouline
The luxury publishing house, which has just opened on Fashion Avenue, has a café terrace at the back overlooking the Burj Khalifa, which will be hosting a four-course ‘Dinner in the Library’.
Adults: Dh1,200pp
Children: Dh800 pp
Todd English
The Todd English food hall is offering diners a six-course set-menu, and will be sending them home with a 25 per cent off voucher for their next visit.
Terrace: Dh2,000pp
Indoor: Dh1,500pp
Social House
Social House is offering diners three separate packages all based on view. Each package includes a four-course set menu and soft drinks.
Diamond view: Dh1,900pp
Gold view: Dh1,500pp
Silver view: Dh1,100pp
Hurricanes Grill
Hurricanes Grill will be offering its customers five course and soft drinks.
Terrace: Dh995pp
Indoor: Dh795pp
Children: Dh500pp
Wafi Gourmet
Wafi Gourmet will be serving up a Lebanese tasting menu including hot and cold mezze and barbecued meats.
Terrace: Dh1,250pp
Scoozi
Italina chain Scoozi is offering its diners a set menu featuring appetisers, salads, mains, desserts and soft drinks.
Downstairs terrace: Dh2,500pp
Inside: Dh1,500pp
Karma Kafe Dubai
Karma Kafe will have a number of different packages available for New Year’s Eve revellers, from drinks to five-course tasting menus.
Open bar: Dh499pp
Lounge (canapés and drinks): Dh899pp
Indoor: Dh999pp
Terrace: Dh1,899pp
Serafina
The Italian restaurant will host a seven-course set menu and premium drinks.
Lower terrace: Dh3,500pp
Upper terrace front: Dh2,500pp
Upper terrace side: Dh2,000pp
Bice Mare
Bice Mare’s package includes a six-course set menu with drinks.
Outdoors: Dh3,000
Indoors: Dh2,000
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Read more:
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