When it comes to how to spend New Year's Eve in the UAE, there is almost too much choice.
Whether you want a low-key dinner with your significant other, a family-friendly activity or a lively night out with friends, there are hundreds of options to choose from. To make things a little easier, we've selected some of the best things happening across the UAE this December 31.
See our picks below:
Luxury at the Burj Al Arab
There's no better way to experience the Burj Al Arab fireworks than from the hotel itself – so, it's lucky that the seven-star venue is welcoming Dubai residents and visitors to celebrate New Year's Eve for the first time (it was previously limited to in-house guests). Guests can choose between dining at venues Al Muntaha (Dh9,000 per pax), Al Mahara (Dh8,000 per pax) and Scape Restaurant (Dh7,250 per pax). All restaurant celebrations include access to the Burj Al Arab terrace, complete with live entertainment.
Fireworks views? Yes. The Burj Al Arab will have its own fireworks display.
Tuesday, December 31, Dh7,250 onwards; Burj Al Arab, Dubai; 04 301 7777, www.jumeirah.com
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed party at Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace Dubai is being inspired by the beloved Roald Dahl novel this New Year's Eve. Guests dining in any of the hotel’s three restaurants – buffet at Giardino, a five-course dinner at Vanitas or family-style dining at Enigma – can expect quirky decor and a sugar rush. After dinner, head to the poolside dancefloor for the New Year’s party.
Fireworks views? Dubai Festival City is hosting fireworks, which is right next door.
Tuesday, December 31, 7pm-2am; from Dh690 with soft drinks, Palazzo Versace, Dubai; 04 556 8805; www.palazzoversace.ae
Enjoy an 80s themed gala dinner at QE2
You can expect 180-degree views of the horizon and a good far-away vantage point for the city's fireworks from Dubai's floating museum hotel. This year, the QE2 is hosting an 80s gala dinner across its decks. Expect an international buffet, free-flowing beverages, a five-piece band (and a DJ later on) as well as a dedicated area for the little ones.
Fireworks views? You'll get a good distant view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks from here, as well as La Mer (if they have them this year).
Tuesday, December 31, 8pm-3am; from Dh595, QE2, Mina Rashid, Dubai; 04 526 8888; www.qe2.com.
Dinner at Black Goose
Newly-opened Black Goose is inviting guests to enjoy sprawling views of Bluewaters and the fireworks at the easy-going industrial-style restaurant. Guests will get a chance to enjoy classic American dishes from an outdoor grill as well as house beverages. Dine, drink and dance the night away.
Fireworks views? Yes, Bluewaters will have its own display, so you'll be right in the action.
Tuesday, December 31, 7pm onwards; from Dh399, Black Goose, Bluewaters, Dubai; 043153861
Canapes with a view at LookUp
Ring in the New Year with a really good view of the Burj Khalifa and the fireworks from La Ville Hotel & Suites’ rooftop lounge. There will be live entertainment, canapes and house beverages to help you start the year on the right note.
Fireworks views? Yes, City Walk offers a great vantage point for the Burj Khalifa.
Tuesday, December 31, 8pm onwards; Dh700, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Al Safa, Dubai; 0543095948, www.livelaville.com
See some of the UK's biggest DJs at Zero Gravity
Pool party venue Zero Gravity will be welcoming in 2020 with its annual New Year's Eve Beach Festival, set to be headlined by British DJs Jonas Blue and Jax Jones. The venue will be hosting its regular brunch during the day on December 31, starting from 1pm to 5pm, before the New Year festivities kick off from 5pm until midnight, culminating in a fireworks display.
Fireworks views? Yes, the organisers are promising "a sky full of fireworks".
Tuesday, December 31, from 1pm; from Dh250; Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai; 04 399 0009, www.platinumlist.ae
Have a night at the opera
Dubai Opera will celebrate the New Year with an outdoor gala dinner and outdoor concert at Dubai Opera's front yard, the Promenade, overlooking the Dubai Fountain. Singer Nassif Zeytoun will perform a concert at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, while a live DJ will entertain the crowd before and after.
Fireworks views? Absolutely: of the biggest show in town, the Burj Khalifa.
Tuesday, December 31, from 7pm; from Dh1,250; Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard; 04 440 8888, www.dubaiopera.com
Welcome in 2020 with a dash of Latino flair
Zoco will be putting on a Latino-inspired feast to ring in 2020. The family-friendly celebrations will features a children's activity area, a Mexican buffet and a resident DJ playing tracks throughout the night. Entertainment will continue until the early hours, and children under six can eat for free.
Fireworks views? Not that we know of from within or just outside the venue (but double check), and you are just down the road from the Burj Khalifa.
Tuesday, December 31, 7pm; from Dh295; Zoco, The Atrium , Al Habtoor City; 04 437 0044, www.zocodubai.com/
See Ne-Yo at White Beach Dubai
Ring in 2020 with the music of the noughties thanks to a live performance from R'n'B legend Ne-Yo. The star will play at Dubai's newest beach club, White Beach, at Atlantis, The Palm, against a backdrop of The Palm's midnight fireworks display.
Fireworks views? Yes, there are two different fireworks displays planned for the Palm Jumeirah
Tuesday, December 31, from 9pm; from Dh350; White Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai; 055 200 4321, www.dubai.platinumlist.net
Enjoy an alfresco barbecue
Festival City's alfresco barbecue spot Joe's Backyard will be serving a five-course menu on its open air terrace, which offers 360-degree views across Dubai. Food will be served from 8.30pm, before guests can settle in to enjoy a prime view of the firework displays set to take place at midnight.
Fireworks views? Yes, Festival City has four fireworks displays: at 7pm, 9pm, 11pm and midnight.
Tuesday, December 31, 8.30pm; from Dh349; Joe's Backyard, Dubai Festival City; 055 709 4509, www.joebackyard.com
See Nelly at Drai's Dubai
Dubai superclub Drai's will have a live performance from rapper Nelly this December 31. The Hot In Here hitmaker will provide the soundtrack for the night's celebrations, which will kick off from 9pm. Tickets cost Dh300 for ladies, inclusive of three drinks, while men will pay Dh500, with four drinks included.
Fireworks views? Yes, Meydan has a good view of the Burj Khalifa.
Tuesday, December 31, 9pm; from Dh300; Drai's Dubai, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand; 052 388 8857, www.draisdxb.com
Welcome the New Year with Yo Yo Honey Singh
The inaugural season of BollyBoom in Dubai brings a wide range of artists to the stage all the way from India. Popular Punjabi rapper, music producer and actor Yo Yo Honey Singh gears up to take the stage for a live concert.
Fireworks views? Yes, the organisers promise "stunning fireworks at midnight to invite in the brand-new year".
Tuesday, December 31, 8pm-1am; from Dh99, Bollywood Parks, Dubai Parks and Resorts; 04 343 4674; www.dubaiparksandresorts.com and ae.bookmyshow.com
Party on the beach with Freddie Le Grand
Dubai beach bar Barasti will be ringing in the New Year with a headline performance from top DJ Freddie Le Grand. There will also be performances from drummers and street artists drawing live too. Tickets start from Dh209, inclusive of one drink.
Fireworks views? Check in with the venue to see if they expect a good vantage point for any of the nearby displays.
Tuesday, December 31, 7pm; from Dh210; Barasti, Dubai Marina; 04 511 7373, www.barastibeach.com
Celebrate Spanish style at Nido
Ring in the new year and enjoy unlimited tapas for Dh295. Located on the 5th floor of the Sheraton Grand Hotel, the authentic, Spanish speakeasy tapas bar will be the ultimate venue to enjoy a sophisticated and relaxed New Year’s Eve celebration. Indulge in an unlimited selection of tapas from traditional favorites such as Empanadas, Chorizo Gambas, and Burrata Tiraditos alongside other Spanish fusion options.
Fireworks views? Check in with the venue to see if they expect a good vantage point for any of the nearby displays.
Tuesday, December 31, 6pm-3am; from Dh295; Nido, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 503 4444, www.barastibeach.com
New Year Masti 2020
The neon themed party has a lineup of Dubai’s top DJs for Desi fans, including DJ Zubair, DJ Chirag, DJ Tushar and DJ Pierre, and 2 famous DJs from India, DJ Sunny and SJ Harneet. The venue is located well away from New Year’s traffic, and has three outdoor arenas and one indoor arena, where guests can enjoy unlimited premium beverages and canapes.
Fireworks views? Yes, the events large outdoor terrace offers views of both the Burj Khalifa fireworks and Dubai Festival City's lasers and fireworks.
Tuesday, December 31, 9pm-3am; Dh550 (single) and Dh900 (couple), Vista Bar & Terrace, InterContinental Dubai Festival City; 055 362 6267 or 055 502 2224; www.qtickets.com and www.platinumlist.ae
Abu Dhabi
Hide behind the mask at The St. Regis
Don your black tie attire and hide behind the mask with the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort's New Year's Eve Gala dinner. The masquerade-themed party will take place in the hotel's grand ballroom and see a performance from the UK's 11-piece Ambassador Band, as well as midnight fireworks.
Fireworks views? Yes, there will be fireworks over the skies of Saadiyat Beach Club.
Tuesday, December 31, 8.30pm; from Dh1,950; St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi; 02 498 8888, www.marriott.com
Family-friendly fun at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi's all-inclusive resort Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island will be hosting a Caribbean-themed gala with a live band and dance performances. It will be a family-friendly evening, with face painting for children as well as a cartoon cinema and mini disco.
Fireworks views? Yes, there will be fireworks over the skies of Saadiyat Beach Club.
Tuesday, December 31, from 7pm; Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; 08 5075 51797, www.saadiyatisland.rixos.com
Sing along to Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars will perform in the capital to ring in the start of 2020. The 11-time Grammy winner will headline the Resolution by Night festival on Yas Island on Tuesday, December 31.
Since bursting on to the music scene in 2010, the Grenade hit-maker has become one of the most revered and recognisable names in music. His albums have sold more than 130 million copies worldwide. In 2018, Billboard named his 24K Magic World Tour the fourth-highest-grossing, bringing in more than $237m (Dh870.5m) across 100 shows.
Fireworks views? Yes, Yas Marina is hosting its own display, which is sure to be grand.
Tuesday, December 31, 6pm; from Dh350, du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; www.ticketmaster.ae
A night at the Palace
See the New Year arrive in style with a night at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace. Guests will be met with a drinks reception, before indulging in a gala dinner, ahead of a midnight firework display on the beach. The celebrations will be open to both hotel guests and visitors, and offer some of the best firework views across the capital.
Fireworks views? Yes, the beach of the hotel is one of the best fireworks vantage points, with displays down the corniche.
Tuesday, December 31, from 7pm; Dh2,672; Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi; 02 690 9000, www.kempinski.com
Go back to the roaring 20s with a six-course feast
Yas Island's Filini Garden will be throwing it back to the roaring 20s with a Gatsby-themed feast. Enjoy a six-course Italian menu before partying into the night on the venue's fairy-light covered terrace. The resident DJ will on hand with dancefloor hits.
Fireworks views? Yes, Yas Marina is hosting its own display, which is sure to be grand.
Tuesday. December 31, 8pm; from Dh495; Filini Garden, Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 656 2000, www.radissonhotels.com
Enjoy an upscale meal at Marriott Al Forsan
Tuck into a New Year's Eve dinner at the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi. Khayal restaurant will be offering an upscale dinner that will be accompanied by live entertainment and a selection of beverages to toast to 2020. Once the clock hits midnight, there will be an after-party at Appaloosa, with music and celebrations planned into the early hours. Dinner packages start from Dh299.
Tuesday, December 31, from 7pm; packages start from Dh299; Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi; 02 201 4000, www.marriott.com
Ras Al Khaimah
Countdown to a firework spectacular
Bid adieu to 2019 at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, which will be hosting a packed evening of New Year's Eve celebrations. There will be live entertainment, including a saxophonist to get the party started, as well as an open-air buffet and welcome drinks. To ring in 2020, the hotel will offer the perfect view of a Guinness World Record smashing firework display.
Fireworks views? Yes, that's really what this party is all about.
Tuesday, December 31, from 6pm; from Dh599; DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Ras al Khaimah; 07 203 0000, www.doubletree3.hilton.com
