Reckon December 31 is always a let down? Well, it won’t be this year – promise. Our guide will make it one to remember, for all the right reasons.
Hit the clubs
The Yacht Club
The Yacht Club is the place to be come New Year’s Eve, as resident DJ Angelo will be spinning his best tunes and at midnight fire breathers will put on a spectacular outdoor show by the marina. Dhs129 entry, Dhs330 with unlimited house beverages. Dhs549pp for a tapas-style menu, (minimum six people per table) including a bottle of premium beverage and bubbly.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, www.ihg.com (02 666 6888).
Y Bar
An international DJ will be welcoming in 2014 by pumping up the volume at Y Bar’s electromagnetic ’90s-themed New Year’s party, and there will be a ball drop at midnight. The entry price includes three drinks to
help you celebrate. Dhs150. 4pm-2am.
Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, www.rotana.com (02 656 4000).
Rush
International guest DJs will be playing the latest club tunes and classic party anthems 10pm-3.30am. Dhs350; Dhs250 for ladies and Etihad employees. Entry includes house beverages.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com (055 780 0086).
B-Lounge
From 10.30pm onwards celebrate the end of 2013 with live entertainment, and toast the New Year at midnight with a complimentary glass of bubbly. Open till 2.30am. Free for dining/hotel guests, visitors Dhs200.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah, www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com (02 677 3333).
Sea Lounge
Fire performers, stilt walkers, dancers and DJ Kiko Navarro at Sea Lounge in Monte-Carlo Beach Club will keep you entertained before the clock strikes 12. It costs Dhs250 for walk ins from 10pm, Dhs699 with house beverages for a sofa on the lower deck for five people or Dhs999 on the upper deck with house beverages and bubbly served to your table.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, www.montecarlobeachclub.ae (02 656 3500).
Themed nights
’80s
Do you heart the ’80s? If so don your best neon leg warmers for a retro ’80s night at Sofra Bld. Live entertainment will include a DJ, saxophonist and a British band that was good enough to play in front of 3,000 during the Royal wedding celebrations in London’s Hyde Park. The price includes a buffet. Dhs850 with beverages, Dhs450 kids.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bain Al Jessrain, www.shangri-la.com (02 509 8888).
Masquerade
With its wooden decking terrace lit by flame torches, marina views, shisha lounge and split-level interior, you’re bound to agree Ornina is a stylish venue to see in 2014. On New Year’s Eve the venue will be handing out masquerade masks, or you can bring the tone down with a one you made from a Cornflakes packet. It costs Dhs795 which includes a three-course set menu, welcome drink, selected house beverages and a bubbly toast at midnight. 8pm-2am. Dhs795.
Al Bandar Marina, Al Raha Beach, www.ornina.ae (02 55 66 090).
Paparazzo party
Don your slickest suit or finest frock for a red carpet event and set dinner at Imago in Le Royal Méridien. A paparazzo will roam the blockbuster premiere-style soiree so prepare your pose, while producer Heinz Kahler will film the event as a memento for all guests. A fire dancer and DJ Nikola will provide entertainment, and at midnight you can toast 2014 with a complimentary glass of bubbly. 6pm-2am. Around Dhs330 – price to be confirmed.
Sheikh Khalifa Street, www.imagouae.com (050 886 4597 or 02 674 1094).
Arabian nights
Enjoy the hottest 1,001 nights in town at Zenith with a belly dancer, an Arabic guest DJ and the latest Arabic hits 9pm-3.30am. Ladies Dhs120, gents Dhs250, including two drinks.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah, www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com (02 697 0224).
Glow
Thought winter wonderlands were over for another year? You’ll think again once you’re blinded by Club SO-HI’s glow-themed décor. As well as UV paint on the curtains and furniture, UV bracelets, glasses, necklaces and hats will be given away throughout the night and the dress code is anything white. Better not spill your glass of red, then. Resident DJ Jose will make sure the dance floor is full 9pm-3am. Dhs550 includes free flow of house beverages and festive bites. Want to stay the night? Standard room packages are Dhs1,500 including two tickets.
Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel, Khaleej Al Arabi, www.aloftabudhabi.com (02 654 5000).
Contradictions
If you love surprises, sign up for a mysterious Neo/Retro themed party come December 31. Splash Garden promises to be an evening of contradictions, so expect things to be upside down, inside-out and back-to-front… All will be revealed on New Year’s Eve. Dhs300 includes free flow house beverages, Dhs1,000 includes two tickets and a room for two.
Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, www.aloftabudhabi.com (Table bookings: 02 654 5013; Accommodation 02 654 5100).
Mardi Gras
Ladies, don your best feather boa and gents brush the dust off your top hat because Café Palmier in Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is hosting a French Mardi Gras party. Viktoriya will provide jazz entertainment as you feast on a buffet, pull crackers and let off the poppers that will be provided. The price includes complimentary access to PJ O’Reilly’s pool party later on. Kids under six go free. Dhs175 for 6-12 years; Dhs549 with beverage package and one glass of bubbly. 7pm-midnight.
Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, email restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com (02 695 0413).
James Bond
Paco’s at Hilton Al Ain will be transforming itself with Casino Royale décor so if you rock up in a limo you won’t look out of place. After a buffet on the terrace you’ll be entertained by a live band, Diesel, from 9pm-4am. The dress code is black tie and evening gowns; carrying a golden gun is optional. Dhs180.
Hilton Al Ain, Al Sarooj District, Al Ain, email alaininformation@hilton.com (03 706 7006).
