Emirates Palace
This seven-star hotel will host a five-minute firework spectacular which will go off with a bang at midnight. The show will be set to music. Bag a spot at the front of the hotel (not beachside) for the best view. Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar, www.kempinski.com (02 690 7999).
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
It doesn’t get much more special than this. Dine at an international buffet as you’re entertained by a nine-piece band, followed by fireworks at midnight. Dhs1,300. Dhs1,699 including beverages.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, www.stregissaadiyatisland.com (02 498 8008).
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Anyone dining at The Ritz will be in prime position to watch a midnight firework display over the creek with a glass of bubbly in hand. The Forge will be hosting a five-course feast with a fried wagyu starter, grilled Maine lobster and USDA-certified black Angus rib eye steaks for Dhs695, or Dhs995 with house beverages. Li Jiang will compete with its own five-course menu of signature dishes such as dumplings, crispy duck, wok fried ginger veal and lotus rice for Dhs588, or Dhs888 with house beverages – both venues welcome over 16s. You can also dine at Giornotte’s buffet from 8pm-1am for Dhs600 or Dhs850 with house beverages; Dhs450 for kids aged 13-16 or Dhs100 for kids aged 4-12. Under fours go free.
Once the fireworks have gone off with a pop, release a floating lantern into the waters of the Grand Canal then hit the after-party at Sorso 1am-4am, dancing to tunes by resident DJ Beta till the early hours. Over 21s only.
Want to stay? The Extravaganza package includes the Giornotte buffet, a glass of bubbly, Sorso party and a night in a deluxe room for Dhs2,450 per room. Check-out is 4pm on New Year’s Day. Alternatively, the Suite Life package costs Dhs4,090, which is the same as the above except it includes dinner for two in The Forge, an overnight stay in a club suite and access to the executive club lounge.
The Ritz-Carlton
Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, www.ritzcarlton.com (02 818 8888).
Chameleon
Experience an end of year finale on Chameleon’s terrace, overlooking the creek. Following a barbecue platter and DJ tunes, count down to a fireworks display at the stroke of midnight, toasting in the New Year with bubbly. The minimum spend for a terrace table is Dhs399 per person, otherwise seating is first come, first served. The Party Under the Stars event is Dhs175 for visitors who prefer not to dine. 9pm-2am.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, www.fairmont.com (02 654 3238).
Le Deck
The Great Gatsby would be envious of the five-course New Year’s Eve dinner Le Deck’s got planned. There are two sittings, 7pm-9pm or 9pm-11pm, after which guests will be ushered onto the poolside terrace for fireworks followed by a party at Sea Lounge. Dhs699, includes two glasses of bubbly. Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island www.montecarlobeachclub.ae (02 656 3555).
On a high
Ray’s Bar
Not been to Ray’s Bar yet? Then you’re missing a trick. On the 62nd floor of Jumeirah at Eithad Towers, the bar is glam any night of the year but go on New Year’s Eve for a spectacular view of the city come midnight. The bar’s resident DJ, Paul Hamilton, will host the countdown to 2014. Dhs400 includes a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Level 62, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West, www.jumeirah.com (02 811 5666).
18°
If you’ve got a head for heights then head to 18°, a restaurant on the 18th floor of Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi. The Mediterranean restaurant’s five-course gala dinner will follow a set menu for Dhs800, or Dhs1,200 with a welcome glass of sparkling and premium grape pairing. Combine the meal with the Glow With The Stars after-party on the outdoor pool deck of Rayana Spa (Dhs1,500, including unlimited drinks), where you can dance the night away 80 metres above ground to hits spun by DJ Simon B from Radio 1. The party alone costs Dhs600 with selected drinks. Dinner 8pm-11pm. Party 9pm-2am.
Hyatt Capital Gate, Khaleej Al Arabi, www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com (02 596 1234).
