There will be no shortage of New Year's Eve celebrations in Abu Dhabi this year, from late-night soirees to luxurious dinners at a host of restaurants around the emirate.
Here's a list of the best offers in the capital. If you are also looking for places to spend Christmas weekend at, you can check our guide on where to dine in Abu Dhabi on December 24 and 25.
Emirates Palace
The five-star hotel has prepared an eventful evening for New Year's Eve, which will be capped off by its own fireworks display and a lively after-party. A glitzy welcome reception will start the evening at the hotel's Grand Dome, followed by a gala dinner on the terrace.
Numerous performances are on schedule, including a fire show, a desert dance performance, pole acrobats and other entertaining acts.
Starts 7pm; Dh2,800; West Corniche Road; 02 690 7999
Hakkasan
The Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant will launch a special three-course set menu with views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. On the menu are a dim sum platter and Alaskan king crab salad with yuzu for starters; charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass and signature Peking duck for mains; and a pear compote with chocolate and caramel mousse for dessert.
9pm-midnight; from Dh888; West Corniche Road, Emirates Palace; 02 690 7739
Coya
This restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island will host the Golden Inca Empire New Year's Eve party, as a nod to its South American influence. Guests are encouraged to incorporate gold in their looks. Various seating options are available, including out on the waterfront terrace, inside the restaurant, or within the venue's Pisco Bar.
Starts 6:30pm; minimum spend of Dh800 from 8:30pm; Al Maryah Island; 02 306 7000
49er's Steakhouse and Club
Diners can enjoy a Wild West saloon party, complete with a massive dance floor at the Le Meridien dining spot. The night will feature a DJ and live band, as well as a gaming zone for little ones. On the menu will be smokehouse favourites including a variety of steak, chicken and seafood options. Pizzas and burgers will also be available.
10pm-4am; entry tickets from Dh200, food prices vary; Al Zahiyah; 02 645 8000
Giornotte
The New Year's Eve gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton restaurant will expand the celebrations on to the promenade of the five-star hotel. On the menu are oysters, Wagyu beef, foie gras as well as a variety of live stations. American singer Tracey Preston, a former contestant on The Voice, will provide live entertainment.
7pm-midnight; from Dh888; The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; 02 818 8282
Observation Deck at 300
The capital's New Year fireworks will be especially prominent from Observation Deck, a venue on the 74th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. The late-night soiree will last for an hour and a half, with special drinks and canapes to be served throughout.
11pm-12:30pm; Dh250; Corniche Road; 02 811 5555
BBQ Al Qasr
A New Year's Eve dinner by the sea awaits guests at this Emirates Palace spot. The five-course sharing menu will feature fresh seafood dishes, such as barbecue oysters, sea urchin roe and caviar tartlet.
8pm-1am; from Dh1,500; West Corniche Road; 02 690 7999
Vakava
The Peruvian restaurant will serve a sharing-style four-course menu, inspired by the vibrant gastronomic culture of Latin America, curated by Peru-born chef Eber Villalobos. South American beats and tunes will get the party going, while diners enjoy premium beverages.
7pm-11pm; from Dh500; Corniche Road; 02 811 5666
Tori No Su
Japanese food connoisseurs are invited for a New Year's Eve dinner at this Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers venue. On the a la carte menu are a selection of maki rolls, sashimi as well as traditional teppanyaki rolls. Signature cocktails will also be served.
7pm-midnight; a la carte prices, averaging Dh545 for two people; Corniche Road; 02 811 5666
Li Beirut
Flavours from Lebanon will be showcased at the New Year's Eve Layali night brunch in the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers restaurant. This includes a spread of hot and cold mezze, a selection of grills and aromatic delicacies. Diners can choose from various seating options, including an al fresco terrace with views of the Arabian Gulf.
7pm-midnight; from Dh300; Corniche Road; 02 811 5666
Glo
The rooftop night spot at Rosewood Abu Dhabi will host a masquerade party for New Year's Eve. A live DJ, saxophonist, percussion and singer will provide upbeat entertainment for guests, who can enjoy a view of the capital's glittering skyline. A pop-up shawarma stand will also be on site. Individual and group packages are available.
9pm-4am; Dh150 for standing with one house beverage, from Dh1,500 for table bookings; Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5550
Dai Pai Dong
Roaming food trolleys featuring Chinese specialities await guests at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi restaurant. The Yum Cha New Year's Eve brunch will serve a selection of dim sums, dumplings, roast meats and Asian-inspired desserts. The basic package comes with free-flowing hops, grapes, house spirits and fizz.
7:30pm-midnight; from Dh688; Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5588
The Foundry
The gala dinner at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi venue will feature a seafood ice bar, caviar and blinis station, prime rib carvery, salmon coulibiac carvery and a pistachio-crusted lamb rack. The chef pattisier’s New Year dessert creations will round up the dinner, which will also include live entertainment.
8pm-midnight; from Dh325; Al Zahiya, Tourist Club Area; 02 818 4888
Aqua
The waterfront venue at Rosewood Abu Dhabi will host a New Year's Eve brunch with an international buffet. Expect oysters and other seafood, home-made pasta and pizza, as well as Asian specialities such as sushi, spicy tandoori and Peking duck. Guests will be able to enjoy majestic views of the island's New Year fireworks from the terrace.
7:30pm-midnight; from Dh855; Rosewood Abu Dhabi; 02 813 5550
Teatro
The fine-dining venue at Park Rotana has created a set menu for New Year's Eve, showcasing its popular dishes. The four-course dinner will feature a selection of sushi and sashimi, seared Atlantic scallops, truffle mushroom risotto and miso Chilean sea bass, plus a dessert buffet. The venue's resident DJ Rachel Leah will set the mood.
8pm-1am; from Dh699; Al Salam Street Eastern Ring Road; 050 341 9446
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
The resort is staging its own fireworks display on its boardwalk, where a pay as you go bar will be available for house beverages and nibbles. A buffet dinner will also be hosted by three spots throughout including poolside dining venue Mare Mare, Levantine restaurant Tean and rooftop terrace The Lounge. Each venue will offer its own New Year's Eve package.
11pm-2am at the boardwalk; dinners start at 8am; packages from Dh500; 02 811 4342
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
ICC Intercontinental Cup
UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed
Fixtures Nov 29-Dec 2
UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium
Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai
Januzaj's club record
Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals
Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals
Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals
WITHIN%20SAND
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Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
West Indies v India - Third ODI
India 251-4 (50 overs)
Dhoni (78*), Rahane (72), Jadhav (40)
Cummins (2-56), Bishoo (1-38)
West Indies 158 (38.1 overs)
Mohammed (40), Powell (30), Hope (24)
Ashwin (3-28), Yadav (3-41), Pandya (2-32)
India won by 93 runs
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.6-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 285bhp
Torque: 353Nm
Price: TBA
On sale: Q2, 2020
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
