Where to watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

It's that time of the year again when the cities' pyrotechnics prowess is on full display

Yas Island will host two fireworks shows this year, one at 9pm and one midnight. Pawan Singh / The National

The countdown to New Year's Eve is on and there are plenty of spots to catch fireworks shows when the clock hits midnight in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Many of the most popular places have revealed their plans to ring in the new year, with others expected to follow suit in the weeks to come.

Meanwhile, those looking for budget-friendly year-end parties can find more information in The National's guides for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai

Burj Khalifa

The Dubai landmark's NYE fireworks are world-famous. EPA

The fireworks show at Burj Khalifa this year is set to be its biggest with 325 firing positions. They will shoot in 2,800 directions using 15,682 pyrotechnic elements. They will transform the sky into an intricate pattern of colours and shapes.

A special show for the Dubai Fountain has also been planned. Developer Emaar announced the first ticketed year-end party at Burj Park, priced at Dh150 for children between four and 12, and Dh300 for adults.

Additionally, numerous restaurants in the vicinity, including those at the promenade of The Dubai Mall, which has front-row seats to the fireworks and fountain shows, have New Year's Eve packages ranging from Dh1,500 per person at Wagamama to Dh7,000 at Maison de Curry.

Atlantis, The Palm

The Palm Jumeirah resort is known for its extravagant year-end parties. The fireworks display, too, is usually accompanied by a big-ticket name, and this year it is 17-time Grammy-winning artist Sting.

Guests can choose from several packages, from Dh7,000 for a Premium Circle spot to Dh12,500 for the Golden Circle, which includes a personalised caviar box and dishes with white truffle. The various restaurants within the hotel also have New Year's Eve offerings. At Ossiano, for example, prices start at Dh2,950 per person, while diners to Hakkasan will pay Dh1,950 each.

Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters is counting down to 2024 with restaurant deals galore, topped with a three-minute fireworks show as soon the clock strikes midnight. Diners can book tables at eateries including Virgin Izakaya (from Dh500), Miya (from Dh750) and Shi (from Dh1,500) among others. Most of the venues have different seating options and some offer more clear views of the fireworks than others.

If you miss the show on December 31, the island will also host daily fireworks from January 5 to 14, with a longer 10-minute display on January 13.

Al Seef

Al Seef will put on waterfront fireworks displays on New Year's Eve. Photo: Al Seef

The charming and rustic Creek-side development is hosting daily fireworks shows from Christmas Day until January 4, at 9pm each evening.

Numerous dining options are also on site, as well as the picturesque sight of neon-lit abras sailing across the waters.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Head to the Dubai Parks complex to catch an early fireworks display, ideal for families and those who want to hit bed early on New Year's Eve.

The laser and fireworks show is taking place at Riverland at 7pm and 9pm. Guests need to pay Dh15 to enter the venue, but those with annual passes or tickets to the other theme parks can enter for free.

Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The fireworks can be seen from the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Photo: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The Abu Dhabi hotel has a packed entertainment schedule for New Year's Eve, topped with its annual fireworks show. Starting at 10pm, the year-end party will include a live band as well as DJ sets and other performances.

The eight restaurants within the hotel are joining in the fun, too. Guests can pay Dh4,500 per person to enjoy dinner and drinks from any one of them, plus access to the hotel's after-party. A beverage-only package costs Dh2,500.

Yas Island

There will be two fireworks shows on Yas Island, one at midnight and an earlier one 9pm, which is perfect for families with younger children.

Yas Marina and Yas Bay are both good spots to witness the spectacle, with a handful of restaurant options along the promenade.

Sheikh Zayed Festival

Fireworks on the opening day of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The festival at Al Wathba is hosting a 40-minute-long fireworks display to ring in the new year, attempting to break a Guinness World Record in terms of size, type and formation.

This will be complemented by cultural performances on the ground, as well as other family-friendly activities that start at 4pm.

Al Maryah Island

Head to the Al Maryah Island promenade to catch the fireworks display. Photo: Al Maryah Island

The island's promenade is the perfect viewing spot for its annual 10-minute fireworks display, but there are also plenty of restaurants across The Galleria, Four Seasons and Rosewood hotels to book to enjoy the evening with a meal.

Hudayriyat Island

The adventure-focused island is hosting its own fireworks display on December 31. Photo: Hudayriyat Island

Marsana beachfront will be open until the wee hours of January 1, making it an ideal spot to ring in 2024, complete with a fireworks display organised by Hudayriyat Island.

The show aside, check out food spots including Drvn, Babu Town and Shrimp Pot, as well as the family-friendly activities lined up from midnight to 5am.