House party
Throwing a house party?
They’re just not the same unless you’re dressed up as a baboon/pirate. Happily, Posters has 5,000 costumes to choose from, starting from Dhs180.
Behind Capital Hotel, 10th St, Tourist Club Area, www.posters.ae (02 672 4724).
Family-friendly
Khalifa International Bowling Centre
With 40 lanes, this bowling alley is bound to be buzzing come New Year’s Eve. It costs Dhs80 per hour to bowl, or Dhs30 per hour for billiards and table tennis. It closes at 1am.
Khalifa International Bowling Centre, Zayed Sports City, Old Airport Road, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, www.zsc.ae (02 403 4200).
Observation Deck
The observation deck at Jumeirah at Eithad Towers is 300m high, so it has amazing views of the city. The Dhs75 entrance fee includes light snacks. Only soft drinks are served, so it’s suitable for families. Daily 10am-6pm.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West, www.jumeirah.com (02 811 5898).
Arabian Adventures
Arabian Adventures runs desert safaris which the whole family can enjoy. You’ll get picked up from your hotel – or the nearest hotel to where you live – around 2.30pm, then head into the desert for a dune drive. After that you’ll stop at a farm to ride a camel before sitting down to a barbecue at a camp in the dunes. You’ll arrive back in Abu Dhabi around 10pm. Dhs290 children, Dhs315 adults.
www.arabian-adventures.com (02 691 1711 except Fri, 04 214 4888).
Party time
Sign up for a festive turkey buffet at Mafraq Hotel and you’ll be given party bags on arrival and entertained by a belly dancer throughout the evening. Join in the raffle for a chance to win pool passes, dining vouchers and a nights’ stay at the hotel. Kids will be well-catered for, too, as the hotel will host a children’s buffet and kid’s films and games, while babysitters will be on hand to give Mum and Dad a break. Just before midnight, free bubbly will be handed out to grown ups as the DJ announces the countdown. 9.30pm-1am.
Mafraq Hotel, Khalifa City B, www.mafraq-hotel.com (02 659 6666).
Game on
Dine on international dishes at Jing Asia at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island from 7pm-1.30am while a resident DJ provides entertainment. Need a break from the kids? Palm them off to the kid’s club (Dhs100).
A child supervisor will organise games and activities. Dhs399 or Dhs499 with house beverages.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, www.ihg.com (02 656 3000).
