From buffets and night brunches to fireworks and after-parties, there are myriad ways to spend December 31.
ABU DHABI
Great Gatsby-themed Gala at Regal Ballroom, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
What: Embrace the decadence of a bygone era with an international menu, a 10-piece live band and a fireworks show from the sea-view terrace at midnight, before a DJ turns up the urban beats.
When: From 8pm
Price: From Dh1,950, including selected beverages; from Dh725 for children ages 6 to 12; free entry for children younger than 6
Contact: 02 498 8888, restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com
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Gala at Emirates Palace
What: Ring in the New Year under the stars with a party on the Palace Terrace, featuring a welcome drink, a royal buffet and a midnight fireworks display on the beach. Elegant evening attire is essential for men and women, and Arabic national dress is acceptable for men, women and children.
When: From 7pm
Price: From Dh2,762, including reception, dinner buffet and fireworks; from Dh1,382 for children ages 6 to 12
Contact: 02 690 7999, restaurants@emiratespalace.ae
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Late brunch at Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
What: Celebrate New Year the Italian way, by dining and socialising on the large marina-front terrace, over wholesome dishes prepared by chef Marco Pistillo and his team.
When: From 7pm
Price: From Dh580 with soft drinks; from Dh780 with sparkling beverages
Contact: 02 510 1234, www.verso.ae
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New Year’s Eve set menu at Hakkasan, Emirates Palace
What: Experience a culinary menu that will transport you to Asia, along with music by resident DJ Kristina to set the celebratory mood. The large terrace space gives views of the Emirates Palace fireworks display, with cabana and bar-space options also available.
When: 7pm to midnight
Price: From Dh648 with soft drinks; from Dh748 with beverages
Contact: 02 690 7999, www.hakkasan.com
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New Year’s Extravaganza at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
What: Enjoy a luxurious dinner at Sim Sim restaurant and Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, accompanied by live entertainment. Then visit Hamilton's Gastropub for the after-party, where a DJ will keep the dance floor moving, with packages available from Dh150 before 11pm and Dh310 after 11pm.
When: From 8pm
Price: From Dh650 with soft drinks; from Dh850 with house beverages; from Dh1,050 with VIP lounge access and premium beverages; all packages have a 20 per cent discount on the after-party at Hamilton's Gastropub
Contact: 02 697 0000, www.rotana.com
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New Year’s Eve gala at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
What: Visit Flavours international restaurant and enjoy a buffet with a variety of international dishes, including fresh seafood, and lamb and beef carving stations. There will be live entertainment to catalyse the party mood.
When: 8pm to 1am
Price: From Dh595, house beverages a la carte; from Dh250 for children ages 6 to 12; free for children younger than 6
Contact: 02 677 3333, Irene.Vilches@sheratonabudhabihotel.com
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Masquerade at The Village at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
What: Get ready for the countdown to 2019 at the Masquerade Blow Out, with a live band playing pop hits, a DJ and a fireworks display at the waterfront.
When: From 10pm
Price: From Dh100, including one drink
Contact: 02 644 6666, Winaline.Cueva@lemeridienabudhabi.com
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Buddha-Bar Beach at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
What: Enjoy a swanky setting at Buddha-Bar Beach, featuring go-go dancers and beats by DJ Bambina and saxophonist Milan. DJ Sam Popat of the Buddha-Bar Paris will also spin traditional rhythms and electronic beats. The chic venue offers views of the fireworks, as well as three food and beverage package options.
When: From 8pm
Price: From Dh1,000 for a four-course dinner of pan-Asian cuisine and unlimited selected beverages; from Dh800 for a round of canapes and free-flowing selected beverages; from Dh600 for the after-party with unlimited selected beverages
Contact: 02 498 8888, restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com
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New Year’s Eve buffet at La Brasserie, Venetian Village
What: Celebrate with a French touch viaa creative beverage menu and buffet complete with signature dishes from chef Jean-Paul Bucher.
When: 8pm to 12.30am
Price: From Dh295 with soft beverages; from Dh395 with house beverages; 50 per cent off for children ages 6 to 12
Contact: 02 404 1940, reservations@venetianvillage.ae
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New Year’s Eve buffet at Todd English’s Olives, Venetian Village
What: Experience dishes from luxe to casual, and relax in the cosy, private rooms or dance the night away by the sea as the DJ sets the vibes to ring in 2019.
When: 7pm to 1am
Price: From Dh395 with soft beverages; from Dh495 with house beverages
Contact: 02 404 1940, reservations@venetianvillage.ae
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New Year’s Eve at Barfly by Buddha-Bar, Venetian Village
What: Barfly by Buddha-Bar hosts a barbecue party on the beach with DJ Montana spinning tunes. Choose the classy indoor atmosphere or the lively outdoor setting — and don't miss the fireworks at midnight.
When: 8pm to 1am
Price: From Dh595 indoors with soft beverages; from Dh695 indoors with house beverages; from Dh695 outdoors with soft beverages; from Dh795 outdoors with house beverages
Contact: 02 404 1940, reservations@venetianvillage.ae
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New Year’s Eve Gala dinner at Fairways, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
What: Experience an indulgent gala dinner featuring cooking stations, delectable cuisine and live entertainment all the way in to 2019. Then keep the festivities going at Lemon & Lime with cool party vibes and free-flowing beverages.
When: 7pm to midnight, with drinks served until 1am; after-party from 1am to 3am
Price: From Dh490 with soft beverages; from Dh590 with house beverages; from Dh790 with sparkling beverages; after-party from Dh150 for free-flowing house beverages; from Dh200 for free-flowing sparkling beverages
Contact: 02 616 9999, FBauh.reservations@westinhotels.com
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Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019 at Anantara Eastern Mangroves
What: Enjoy a variety of culinary options and dance the end of the year away under the stars to the tunes of a DJ at the Pool Deck and live entertainment by Parisian band Swing Deluxe.
When: 10.30pm to 3am
Price: From Dh425 with soft beverages; from Dh725 with house beverages; from Dh200 for children ages 5 to 12
Contact: 02 656 1000, emdining@anantara.com
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New Year’s Eve Feast at 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant
What: Ring in the New Year with a selection of Japanese fare in a show-stopping nine-course menu including tuna tataki, king crab au gratin, a set sashimi tasting platter and signature selection of nigiri, as well as the black cod served au gratin. The menu includes a selection of unlimited beverages.
When: From 8pm to midnight
Price: From Dh999
Contact: 02 672 3333, www.99sushibar.com
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Café Milano
What: End 2018 overlooking the city skyline in an Italian atmosphere with live entertainment and a four-course menu, including smoked cod, pan-seared scallops and roast cannon of beef.
When: From 7pm
Price: From Dh850 for four courses with indoor seating; from Dh950 for four courses with terrace seating
Contact: 02 333 2630, guestservices@cafemilano.ae
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DUBAI
New Year’s Eve Black and White Party at Dubai Opera
What: Enjoy a night of music, dancing and beverages inside the auditorium, featuring live performances by Chinua Hawk , DJ Said Mrad and DJ C. As the clock hits midnight, there will be LED shows, laser displays and fountain shows at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Dress to impress in black and white, with a touch of gold.
When: 7pm to 2am
Price: From Dh700, ages 16+
Contact: www.dubaiopera.com
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Gala dinner at Flow Kitchen, Fairmont The Palm
What: Enjoy an end-of-the-year celebration with a buffet dinner and live station selection, as well as live entertainment.
When: 7pm to 1am
Price: From Dh895 with house beverages and indoor seating; from Dh1,195 with house beverages and outdoor seating; from Dh395 for children aged 6 to 12; free for children up to the age of 5; free access to the Fairmont Falcons Kids' Club for children aged 3 to 12
Contact: 04 457 3457, palm.dining@fairmont.com, www.palmdining.com
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New Year’s Eve at Wonderland at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
What: A night filled with the glitz and glamour of the city and chic vibes in a lush, outdoor hot spot. There will be music by DJ Salvatore Peppino, and culinary delights including prawn coquette, crispy calamari and duck gyoza, as well as botanical-inspired beverages.
When: 8pm to 3am
Price: From Dh300
Contact: 04 372 2323, difcrestaurants@ritzcarlton.com
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New Year’s Eve at Yalumba
What: Bid farewell to the old year and move on to the new with a party full of games, live music, dance favourites and a lively countdown.
When: 8pm to midnight
Price: From Dh529 with free-flowing sparkling and premium house beverages
Contact: 04 702 2328, www.yalumbadubai.com
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New Year’s Eve at Tribeca
What: Ring in the new year with a glow-in-the-dark party at the New York-themed restobar. Dress to the nines and witness a magical countdown to midnight.
When: From 9pm
Price: From Dh299 with five courses and a glass of sparkling; from Dh549 with five courses and a glass of sparkling as well as house beverages until 1am; from Dh749 with five courses and a glass of sparkling as well as house beverages until 4am
Contact: 050 345 6067, reservations@tribeca.ae
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New Year’s Eve at At.mosphere
What: Celebrate the new year with friends and the choice of a seven- or eight-course degustation menu from the recipes of executive chef Yann Meinsel. Enjoy panoramic views of Dubai's skyline, and music from the resident violinist.
When: From 7pm
Price: From Dh1,700 for seven courses with soft beverages; from Dh2,800 for seven courses with mixed beverages; from Dh1,900 for eight courses with soft beverages; from Dh3,000 for eight courses with mixed beverages; discounts available when booked by December 15
Contact: 04 888 3828, reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
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La Dolce Vita at Scalini
What: Celebrate the new year with Italian glamour with a tribute to cinematic masterpiece and luxury. Based on the 1960s drama by Federico Fellini, Scalini celebrates 2019 with Italian cuisine, music and sparkling. Enjoy swing, Spanish-Latin fire and rock 'n' roll by Francesco Filizzola and the Colomboloco band.
When: Noon to 2am
Price: From Dh1,000 minimum spend
Contact: 04 349 0068, www.scalini-dubai.com
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Grand Budapest Hotel at Cipriani Dubai DIFC
What: This New Year's Eve, Cipriani will be transformed into the lavish Grand Budapest Hotel, inspired by the Wes Anderson film. Guests will be transported to the artistic artificial hotel, surrounded by quaint artefacts and ornate detailing. Enjoy an a la carte feast of traditional Italian delicacies and specially crafted beverages.
When: 7pm to late
Price: From Dh1,200
Contact: 04 347 0003, www.cipriani.com
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Morimoto Dubai with DJ Dany Neville
What: Welcome 2019 at Morimoto Dubai with DJ Dany Neville in an end-of-year celebration featuring views of the Burj Khalifa display at the stroke of midnight and world-class cuisine and beverages by Iron Chef Morimoto.
When: From 8pm
Price: From Dh500 minimum spend
Contact: 04 512 5577, www.morimotodubai.com
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New Year’s Eve at Hotel Cartagena
What: See in the New Year in style with a special menu featuring wood-roasted lamb shoulder and surf and turf with foie gras. Wear Carnival costumes to join the Cartagena dancers as they take to the floor and dance to the beat of the drummer, with DJ Iiva on the decks and a view of the Burj Khalifa display.
When: From 8.30pm to midnight
Price: From Dh395 with food and soft drinks package
Contact: 04 560 1799, Hotel Cartagena Instagram
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Skydance at Cavalli Club Restaurant & Lounge
What: Launch into 2019 at Cavalli Club, with Skydance, an intergalactic event that features rockets, spaceships and a galaxy far, far away.
When: 9pm to 4am
Price: From Dh900 for women for Club tickets; from Dh1,100 for men for Club tickets; from Dh1,650 for four-course set menu with unlimited drinks
Contact: 04 332 9260, dubai.cavalliclub.com
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Trashed at House Party Dubai and Cirque le Soir
What: It's a house party for the night. With music from the 1990s and recent chart hits, you'll be on the dance floor all night long. Cirque performers are around every corner with surprises, as well as arcade games, performances, music and beverages.
When: From 7pm to 4am
Price: From Dh300 with unlimited beverages from 8pm to 1am
Contact: 050 995 5400, reservations@thehousepartydubai.com
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Asia Asia with live music by High on Heels
What: Enjoy a live music performance by High on Heels, featuring DJ Kelly Marie accompanied by percussion and saxophone. Indulge in a brunch-style culinary experience with views of the Dubai Marina from the sprawling terrace. Chef Eric has prepared a spread of Asia Asia favourites, including sushi, salads, edamame, dim sum, satay chicken, passion fruit miso cod, grilled lamb chops and more.
When: From 9pm to 1am; cash bar from 1am to 2am
Price: From Dh499 for open bar beverages only; from Dh699 with brunch; from Dh799 with sparkling brunch
Contact: 04 276 5900, info@asia-asia.com
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Karma Kafe with live music by Vincente Allende
What: Celebrate with a Pan-Asian feast and front row seats to the famed Burj Khalifa display at midnight. Indulge in a seafood platter and five types of nigiri, plus signature dishes including baked pen shell, miso black cod, Wagyu striploin and sweets such as lemon tart and chocolate fondant.
When: 8pm to 2am
Price: From Dh499 for open bar beverages only; from Dh899 for lounge with canapes and beverages; from Dh999 for indoor seating; from Dh1,988 for terrace seating
Contact: 04 423 0909, info@karma-kafe.com
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Armani/Prive
What: Celebrate the final moments of 2018 at the Countdown Downtown party with a flamboyant vibe. DJ Cammora and Nader Razdar play the tunes and mixologists prepare the beverages. Ring in the new year with live streaming on the giant LED wall of the Burj Khalifa spectacle. Dress to impress; 21+ only.
When: 9.30pm to 3am
Price: From Dh500 for women; from Dh1,000 for men for open bar with entrance included
Contact: 04 888 3308, reservations@armaniprivedxb.com
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Read more:
Your essential guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Your definitive list of things to do in Dubai
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