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UAE New Year fireworks 2025: Where to watch in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Northern Emirates

From ticketed events to free-to-see shows, here are some of the most popular places to be when the clock strikes midnight

Evelyn Lau
David Tusing

December 31, 2024

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The new year is just hours away, and as we prepare to ring in 2025 there will be plenty of fireworks, lasers and drone shows to celebrate.

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah to Umm Al Quwain, here's a guide about where to go around the Emirates to see fireworks.

Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa's New Year's Eve fireworks are an annual highlight. Photo: Emaar
Burj Khalifa's New Year's Eve fireworks are an annual highlight. Photo: Emaar

The most-visited New Year’s Eve fireworks show in the UAE is Burj Khalifa’s. The year-end display promises to be bigger and better this year. Designated free public viewing areas in Downtown Dubai will open at 5pm on a first-come first-served basis. Major roads in the area will close from 6pm. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authorities are also expected to announce public transport operational hours and stoppages soon.

For those looking for a more catered celebration, Burj Park in Downtown Dubai is hosting a ticketed New Year's Eve party with unfiltered views of the fireworks and the synchronised Dubai Fountain show. There will be live entertainment, children’s workshops and food and beverage options as revellers count down to the New Year. The event opens at 3.30pm and tickets start at Dh370 for children above five and Dh580 for adults.

Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal

New Year's Eve fireworks at Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Atlantis
New Year's Eve fireworks at Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Atlantis

Dubai revellers will welcome the new year alongside Hello singer Lionel Richie. The Grammy Award-winning star will headline Atlantis, The Palm’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Richie will perform a selection of his greatest hits from both his solo and the Commodores catalogue, including All Night Long, Dancing on the Ceiling, Penny Lover and Sail On.

Dinner packages start at Dh4,500 for children aged four to 14, and Dh6,500 for those 14 years and above. At White Beach, DJ Andrea Oliva will lead the party where guests can enjoy stunning views as well as the fireworks show. Atlantis The Royal is also hosting a party at its rooftop lounge Cloud 22, with DJ Kaz James playing. Entry is Dh1,250 per person.

Expo City Dubai

Expo City Dubai is hosting a New Year's Eve party with a fireworks display. Photo: Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai is hosting a New Year's Eve party with a fireworks display. Photo: Expo City Dubai

This Dubai landmark is hosting celebrations with the striking Al Wasl Plaza at the centre of it all. The evening will begin with a celebration for families and children at 9pm, featuring a specially curated playlist of children's music, a confetti-blast countdown and a projection on Al Wasl dome, the world's largest interactive and immersive projection surface. At the fully licensed designated area within Al Wasl Plaza, a DJ will take over the decks at 10pm ahead of the official countdown to 2025 and fireworks display at midnight.

Al Seef

In Old Dubai, head to Al Seef, the family and shopping destination known for its rustic vibe and Arabian-style design for a fireworks show at midnight. While you wait, enjoy several dining options including the Emirati eaterie Al Fanar Seafood, Nablus and Doors Freestyle Grill.

Bluewaters Island and the Beach, JBR

Whether watching from the beach or the waterfront of nearby Bluewaters Island, there are plenty of good viewpoints for the fireworks that will light up these two destinations at midnight. You could reserve a table in advance at many of the restaurants offering various packages or take in the festivities at the free public areas, but make sure to find a good spot early as large crowds are expected in the area.

Hatta

Fireworks will light up the skies above the Hatta sign. Photo: Meraas
Fireworks will light up the skies above the Hatta sign. Photo: Meraas

For those in the Dubai enclave, make sure to get the best vantage point at midnight to watch a spectacular fireworks display by the Hatta Sign.

Global Village

The popular family attraction is hosting several fireworks countdowns to the New Year, starting at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 10.30pm, 11pm and midnight. Visitors will also be treated to live performances on the main stage as well as DJ who will help ring in 2025. A regular entry price of Dh25 will apply. Gates will also close later than usual, at 3am the following day.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Corniche

Continuing a long tradition, a light show will be held on the Corniche, which stretches 8km along the waterfront. For those who want a more comfortable experience, there are restaurants at Nation Towers offering wonderful views and at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, both of which will have a splendid view of the fireworks.

Yas Bay Waterfront

New Year's Eve fireworks at the Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
New Year's Eve fireworks at the Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

The waterfront on Yas Bay will have two shows to ring in the new year. One is family-friendly at 9pm and the other is the traditional countdown at midnight. Guests can watch for free, but there is also the option to book surrounding restaurants such as Daikan, Asia Asia, La Carnita and Cafe del Mare for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Marsana (Hudayriyat Island)

New Year’s Eve fireworks will occur at the Marsana waterfront at midnight, creating a dazzling spectacle of colour and light symbolising unity and the festive spirit of the UAE. The show aside, check out dining spots nearby including Saddle Cafe, Al Shader Restaurant and Grill and Nonna Stella Osteria for a front-row view.

Liwa Festival (Tal Moreeb)

Those visiting the Liwa Festival will be able to enjoy the fireworks show at midnight. Aside from those at the festival itself, residents and visitors can watch the display from all the main areas around the Tal Moreeb dune, Liwa Festival and Liwa Village.

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival (Al Wathba)

There will be a 50-minute firework display at this year's Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba. Victor Besa / The National
There will be a 50-minute firework display at this year's Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba. Victor Besa / The National

The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival will attempt to set four Guinness World Records once again. This year, there will be fireworks for 50 minutes while 6,000 drones take to the sky for 20 minutes, creating a special show with lasers and light. Hourly fireworks displays will start at 6pm and continue every hour until 11.40pm, after which the world record-breaking show begins. Traditional performances will start at 2pm, while several pavilions will present various showcases throughout the day.

Entry into the festival is Dh50.

Ghayathi

Located in Al Dhafra, about two and a half hours away from Abu Dhabi, the western region of the emirate will have fireworks for the new year.

Al Ain

The multi-purpose Hazza Stadium, home to Al Ain FC, will have fireworks to ring in the new year.

Sharjah

Al Majaz Waterfront

Fireworks display light up the sky at Al Majaz Waterfront. Photo: Sharjah Tourism
Fireworks display light up the sky at Al Majaz Waterfront. Photo: Sharjah Tourism

Celebrations will return to Sharjah at this family destination, which is set to continue its yearly New Year's Eve tradition. Besides festivities and attractions, a five-minute fireworks show will help ring in the New Year. However, at 8pm, there will be a 25-minute light show.

Khorfakkan Beach

The outdoor destination and leisure complex will also host celebrations, as well as a 10-minute fireworks show at midnight. However, at 8pm, there will be a 25-minute fireworks display.

Al Heera Beach

A 10-minute fireworks show will light up this beachfront destination, known for its dining options and entertainment experiences, on New Year's Day. However, at 8pm, there will be a 25-minute light show.

Ras Al Khaimah

Al Hamra Village

The record-breaking New Year's Eve fireworks display in Ras Al Khaimah last year. Photo: RAK Tourism
The record-breaking New Year's Eve fireworks display in Ras Al Khaimah last year. Photo: RAK Tourism

After setting two Guinness World Records at last year's New Year's Eve event, Ras Al Khaimah will once again hope to add to the record books with this year's event. Set to take place at the waterfront stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village, RAK NYE Festival will include a 15-minute drone and laser display, set to be the longest produced in the emirate.

The waterfront will also be turned into a festive area, with dedicated areas for families and bachelors. There will be live music performances, children's activities and food trucks, as well as a dedicated camping area. Performers include DJs, Arab rapper Mukhtaar and singer Fahmil Khan, who will perform Bollywood hits.

Entry is free but pre-registration of vehicles is essential.

Fujairah

Umbrella Beach

This Instagram-worthy waterfront destination in the Northern Emirates will also host a fireworks show to ring in the New Year. Located about an hour and 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Umbrella Beach overlooks the Gulf of Oman. The aesthetic of the destination is mostly inspired by European cities and features intricate columns and brick buildings. Celebrations begin at 10pm.

Umm Al Quwain

Al Khor Waterfront

A fireworks show will also take place at the stroke of midnight at this beachside destination where families can gather to picnic or camp and enjoy the festivities all night long.

Ajman

Ajman Corniche

New Year celebrations will also take place along Ajman Corniche. Pawan Singh / The National
New Year celebrations will also take place along Ajman Corniche. Pawan Singh / The National

Fireworks will light up the waterfront neighbourhood for New Year, with celebrations starting at 11.30pm.

Al Jurf

The area opposite Ajman Boulevard in Al Jurf neighbourhood will also witness celebrations starting at 11.30pm and a fireworks show at the stroke of midnight.

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Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

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Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

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Important questions to consider

1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?

There are different types of travel available for pets:

  • Manifest cargo
  • Excess luggage in the hold
  • Excess luggage in the cabin

Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.

 

2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?

If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.

If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.

 

3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?

As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.

If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty. 

If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport. 

 

4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?

This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.

In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.

 

5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?

Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.

Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.

Source: Pawsome Pets UAE

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Updated: December 31, 2024, 9:01 PM
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