What are the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai?
Ready to start 2023 with a bang? There’s no better city to ring in the New Year than among the glitz, glamour and pomp of Dubai, the world’s most cosmopolitan city that knows how to party.
It should go without saying that the period from Christmas to New Year is one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit Dubai, so do expect peak pricing for both accommodation and dining, not just special events.
You can check out our complete guide to Dubai at Christmas here, you may also want to see our winter guide to Dubai if you’ll be sticking around in Dubai a little longer than just New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Dubai 2022-23
There’s a huge range of celebrations across Dubai for the New Year. You will find you need to advance book at the vast majority of restaurants and venues to secure your spot as part of a package deal.
The largest fireworks events, generally speaking, occur at:
- The Burj Khalifa / Downtown Dubai
- Jumeirah Beach / Bluewaters
- Atlantis the Palm / The Pointe Palm Jumeirah
- Al Seef / Dubai Creek
- Global Village
This year brings a host of new venues though looking to ring in the new year with all the glamour and sophistication the city can muster – plus, we throw in some family-friendly and budget-friendly ideas too.
Here’s what you need to know about Dubai’s major New Year’s Eve events.
Tips for Getting around Dubai New Year’s Eve
Before we dive into events, be warned; trying to get around Dubai on New Year’s Eve can be nothing short of a nightmare, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow.
Whilst the city does have an excellent Metro system, the sheer volume of visitors means everything is jam-packed.
Taxies, even if prebooked, can be cancelled on you or impossible to book; as you can imagine, the price of Careem and Uber rockets sky-high. Do carefully plan your evening well in advance for transport eventualities.
Do plan to arrive at your chosen venue earlier, and ladies, we strongly advise you to throw in some comfy shoes as you may find you need to walk some distance.
Best views of Burj Khalifa fireworks for New Year
The spectacular centrepiece of Dubai’s new year’s fireworks always revolves around the Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai – this year’s show will be no exception.
Pre-registration is required now to view the fireworks in person to prevent overcrowding in Downtown Dubai. You can also catch the Emaar live stream from 8:30 PM if you can’t attend in person.
For New Year 2023, we recommend a pre-booked table in a restaurant with fabulous views. Some of the hotel restaurants with the best Burj Khalifa views include:
- Address Sky View – Deck Too and Cé La Vi will offer you fabulous front-row seats with arguably the best panoramic views of Burj Khalifa.
- At.mosphere – you can’t get much more in the centre of the action than within the Burj Khalifa; enjoy the “Secret Brunch” – 7 hours of free-flowing beverages from the 123rd floor.
- Karma Kafe – found in Souk Al Bahar, offers revellers a prime terrace view with VIP seating options.
- Hotel Cartagena – JW Marriott Marquis will offer stunning views of the Burj over an exceptional evening Brunch package.
- Thiptara – a romantic favourite of ours, Thai dining in Palace Downtown with stunning Lake & Burj Khalifa views.
- Weslodge – All the Way Up New Year bash with 360-degree city views, JW Marriott Marquis.
- See our complete listing of restaurants with great Dubai Fountain views from both Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar; these will also offer you great ground-level views of the Burj Khalifa & the fireworks.
If you’d rather have a cosy night in than a big night out this year, why not book yourself a hotel room with a spectacular view of Burj Khalifa?
Atlantis, The Palm New Years Gala Dinner
Always known for pulling out the biggest act in town for New Year in an exclusive ticketed event, Atlantis the Palm has done it again for New Year 2023. “A Night with the Stars” will feature headline act Kylie Minogue to help partygoers rock into the New Year.
Tickets available from Platinum List, starting from a fairly staggering 4,500 AED from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Expo City New Year’s Eve
Never mind that Expo closed its doors back in March 2022, the ExpoCity venue is now synonymous with some of the biggest party events in town.
Following on from a December full of FIFA football madness, Winter City will be celebrating the festive season all the way until 8 January 2023. New Year’s Eve event TBC.
Dubai Opera New Years
One of Dubai’s most spectacular Downtown venues will be hosting a special Gala Dinner and party to bring in 2023.
Expect internationally acclaimed dancers, and the 2020 finalists of Britain’s Got Talent Jasmine & Aaron will entertain guests with an incredible live performance with their band. DJ Bliss and DJ Keza will also be behind the decks to keep the celebrations in full swing.
The evening includes a 3-course set menu along with six hours of free-flowing beverages. As you approach midnight head out for the spectacular Downtown fireworks and Burj Lake display.
The auditorium opens at 6:00 PM, drinks from 6:30 PM, and live entertainment starts at 9:00 PM. Find out more at dubaiopera.com
Burj Al Arab Fireworks New Year 2023
There are both free and paid options to get the best views of the Burj Al Arab fireworks.
You’ll be able to view them for free along Jumeirah Beach, Black Palace Beach or Kite Beach if you pack your own picnic and blanket – but be early, as it’s likely when space is full, they will be turning people away to avoid overcrowding.
Dining in, you can look for options not just within Burj Al Arab but at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and from restaurants at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. – folly by Nick & Scott is always a star venue for New Year.
Global Village – New Years Around the World
Always renowned for their spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, this year will be no exception, with their new year’s fireworks taking in not one but 8-midnight celebrations! (TBC, if they are repeating this event in 2022-23 – this information relates to last year).
At just AED 15 (online) or AED 20 on the door, this is one of the best value New Year’s Eve venues for families – and plenty happening early in the evening if you need to tuck little ones in bed. Look out for fireworks displays at:
- 5:00 PM Sydney
- 8:00 PM Philippines
- 9:00 PM Thailand
- 10:00 PM Bangladesh
- 10:30 PM India
- 11:00 PM Pakistan
- 12:00 AM UAE
- 1:00 AM Moscow
Major family-friendly events in Dubai for New Year 2022
You call also look forward to further fireworks displays or spectacular firework vantage points at:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Still TBC exactly what they have lined up for NYE. As one of the most popular venues on Dubai Creek, you can be sure there will be early evening fireworks for the younger ones, along with their stalwart IMAGINE show and a midnight celebration. Additionally, this year, don’t miss the spectacular Fontana circus show and all-winter-long market event, “Hotpsot by the Bay.” Learn more here.
- Emirates Golf Club – New Years’ Eve Gala on the Lawn will see partygoers celebrate in this superb outdoor setting. One of the venues that does allow the youngsters to stay up late and join the party with an ABBA tribute act. 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Kids 325 AED, Member 925 AED, Guests 1025
- The Pointe Palm Jumeirah – their regular evening fountain display will be happening all evening, plus fireworks at midnight in conjunction with Atlantis the Palm concert as above. A shuttle bus will run guests from Nakheel Mall to The Pointe to avoid congestion. Learn more about participating restaurant deals at thepointe.ae
- Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, which hugs the outer crescent of the Palm, is another favourite spot if you’re seeking a free spot to catch the Atlantis firework action – but be aware of the Palm’s traffic issues and plan to get there early and wait to get home.
- Al Seef – the old-meets-new creekside area, will host midnight fireworks, and table bookings at one of the waterfront restaurants are highly recommended.
- Other venues that have had free fireworks in the past – we’re still confirming these are going ahead this year include – La Mer, Town Square and Dubai Frame.
Popular New Year Party Venues in Dubai
There’s no surprise to see most of our favourite nightclubs in Dubai featured on this list:
- Aura Skypool New Years Eve in the Sky in the centre of Palm Jumeirah will afford guests some of the most spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Palm Tower from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM, from 2,750 AED per person
- Bla Bla – this unbeatable party hotspot on The Beach, JBR, has unrivalled rooftop views towards Ain Dubai From 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM; pricing starts from 700 AED or AED 1,000 for outside seating
- Wet Deck at W Hotel on Palm Jumeirah offers one of the ultimate beach parties for NYE; Early birds get in now for tickets 499 AED, 699 AED regular pricing or 999 AED walk up.
- QE2 always promises a grand evening out in style. Their New Year’s Eve Grand Gala Dinner is sure to be no exception, kids allowed from 12 Years +, starting from 495 AED to 895 AED for alcohol packages.
- Zero Gravity NYE Beach Festival – Enjoy unlimited food and drinks while being entertained by British DJs Jonas Blue and Sigala. Running from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM, early bird tickets 999 AEd, up to 1999 AED.
Private Yacht Parties and Dinner Cruises in Dubai
One of the most popular nights of the year for taking a Dubai yacht cruise. Most takeoff from Dubai Marina, and you will definitely need to pre-book this sort of experience.
Another option is a dhow dinner cruise on Dubai creek – we have a complete run-through of your cruising options in Dubai here
If you are looking at heading to Abu Dhabi for New Year’s Eve, you can check out a detailed events listing here – COVID restrictions have now been dropped, no more Alhosn and PCR tests, no better opportunity to head across the border for a night out in the capital.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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