Celebratory feasts
Afya
Where: Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi (02 510 8818).
When: 6pm till late.
How much: Dhs550, includes house pours.
The lowdown: Enjoy a lavish barbecue beach party on the private stretch of sand. You can expect a fun atmosphere, live entertainment and yes, a massive fireworks display too.
Bice
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs450.
The lowdown: You’ll enjoy a five-course set menu that’s sure to satisfy with tunes from pianist Ima adding that extra ingredient to your night.
City Café
Where: Al Maha Arjaan (02 610 6666).
When: 7pm till late.
How much: Dhs95.
The lowdown: If you’re looking for a quiet meal out with the family this NYE, City Café should be your first choice. It’s unlicensed, though, so don’t go expecting bubbly with your dinner.
La Brasserie
Where: Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs450.
The lowdown: Tuck into a gala dinner buffet with celebratory tunes from the hotel’s band playing live in the garden.
Best overnight deal
Crowne Plaza New Year’s Eve Package
Where: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 3030).
When: 7pm till late.
How much: Dhs1,450 per couple, includes unlimited house pours.
The lowdown: You and your partner can indulge in a delicious four-course set menu at the hotel that’ll be complemented with live music from the London band Bellissima. After all the festivities, you can stay the night in a superior room and enjoy complimentary breakfast at Jing Asia the next morning. For a more local flavour, the hotel has another NYE package with a Lebanese dinner at Barouk and an oud player and belly dancer bringing up the entertainment value with a night’s stay at a one bedroom suite for just Dhs1,800 per couple.
Fine dining
Pearls & Caviar
Where: Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8777).
When: 7pm till 3am.
How much: 1,100.
The lowdown: This split-level establishment has made two names for itself, both as a fine seafood restaurant and a buzzing nightspot. On first appearances, it has enough bling drapery to sink Mary J Blige, but pull up a chair and you’ll see that it’s actually quite elegant, and keeping with that theme, we expect a fun night out here at NYE with their masquerade gala dinner. There’ll be a five-course set menu with grape pairing, so you can expect the finest seafood, mains and luscious desserts too. Afterwards join other guests at the pool to catch the fireworks and toast to a brand new year.
Marakesh Restaurant
Where: Millennium Abu Dhabi (02 614 6020).
When: 7pm till late.
How much: Dhs950.
The lowdown: Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner to the tunes of their resident band.
Nautilus
Where: The Yas Hotel (02 656 0600).
When: 7pm till late.
How much: Dhs5,500 per couple.
The lowdown: A good deal if you want to go all out as the price includes seafood dinner with bubbly and grape pairing, as well as an overnight stay and a brunch on January 1.
Sevilo’s Restaurant
Where: Millennium Abu Dhabi (02 614 6020).
When: 7pm till late.
How much: Dhs450, includes unlimited house pours.
The lowdown: Chef Carlo Cirone presents an extravagant Italian spread on this special night, with a DJ and belly dancer to entertain.
Sofra bld
Where: Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8555).
When: 7pm till 11pm.
How much: Dhs899.
The lowdown: Have a memorable feast to ring in 2011 at Sofra bld. After dinner join guests by the pool to watch the fireworks.
Vasco’s
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs495.
The lowdown: Vasco’s is having a five-course set menu for this New Year’s Eve with entertainment thanks to The Worx.
Luxe party
Yacht Club
Where: InterContinental Abu Dhabi (0800- IC-DINE / 42 3463).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs795 for drinks and dinner, Dhs495 for light snacks and beverages, or Dhs150 for entry only.
The lowdown: Strap on those Jimmy Choos and get ready for a night of fun at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s Yacht Club. The bar rests at the base of a tower of glowing bottles and lofty booths, lit by fibre optic chandeliers, and it overlooks a giant screen playing silent movies from the 20s. There’ll be a set dinner menu with bubbly and Russia’s finest, but if a full spread isn’t what you’re after you can choose to sip drinks and eat canapés at the bar. Beats will be provided by DJ Michael Canitrot and DJ Rabih, as well as smooth music from singer Lee Fields and a late dance show to finish the year.
Club nights & bar specials
Cinnabar
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs325.
The lowdown: Resident DJ Tamer will play the hottest Arabic and English hits till the early hours of January 1.
Cristal Bar
Where: Millennium Abu Dhabi (02 614 6020).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs450, includes unlimited house pours.
The lowdown: There’ll be live performances by jazz and R&B specialist Eddy, as well as a DJ and belly dancer.
The Village Club
Where: One to One Hotel –The Village (02 495 2000).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs500, includes unlimited house pours.
The lowdown: Hip and trendy, this is a great place to have a relaxed celebration. With their NYE drinks deal on, you can be sure it’ll be heaving with revelers in the city.
Hemingway’s
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs305.
The lowdown: Everyone loves Hemingway’s and we can’t think of a better place to ring in 2011. Their three-course dinner is sure to be memorable.
Jazz Bar
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs555.
The lowdown: For a vibrant evening filled with jazz and dance, the Jazz Bar & Dining is the place to be in the city with a dazzling performance by Turning Point.
RELAX@12
Where: Aloft Abu Dhabi (02 654 5111).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs1,200 per couple.
The lowdown: This sleek rooftop bar is hosting a gala masquerade NYE party with live DJs. It’s a bargain deal as, for the price you pay, you’ll get Asian tapas, house pours and a room at the hotel too.
Skylite
Where: The Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi (02 656 0600).
When: 8pm till 3am.
How much: Dhs2,000 minimum spend applies.
The lowdown: Party under the stars in the capital’s favourite rooftop lounge and you needn’t worry about braving the traffic back home after because the minimum spend will see you get a complimentary room at The Yas Hotel too.
No-frills fun
Captain’s Arms
Where: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs100 entry.
The lowdown: If you’re looking to celebrate in a warm pub atmosphere, you’ll find comfort in the Captain’s Arms. It’s insanely popular with expats, particularly homesick Brits tearfully clasping deep-fried Yorkshire puddings to their bosoms. But there’s a reason the hungry throng don’t mind being packed in elbow to elbow: the food. So while you can be sure they’ll never run out of your favourite malts all through the revelry, the pub classics like burgers, pies and fish and chips will be on hand to make sure you have enough fuel to keep the festivities going.
Out of town
Barasti
Where: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (04 399 3333).
When: 7pm till 3am.
How much: Dhs150 in advance and Dhs200 on the door. VIP tables range from Dhs1,500 pp with a bottle of bubbly and buffet dinner to Dhs5,000 for a table that seats eight to10 people and includes a generous buffet package.
The lowdown: With a fun Mardi Gras theme set for the night, expect live bands, international DJs and entertainers too.
Boudoir
Where: Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa (04 345 5995).
When: 9pm till 3am.
How much: Dhs795, including drinks and Dhs995 pp for a table.
The lowdown: See in the New Year with New York’s DJ Scratchator (he’s Busta Rhymes’ personal DJ don’tcha know ).
Chi@The Lodge
Where: Al Nasr Leisureland (04 337 9470).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs200.
The lowdown: Six DJs will be manning the decks across four dance floors, so you know it’s going to be epic. They’re also holding a competition where the winner can drive away with a brand new Mini Cooper. Now that’ll be the great start to 2011.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Where: Jumeirah (04 348 0000).
When: 8pm till late.
How much: Dhs2,950 for adults and Dhs800-1,600 for children.
The lowdown: Enjoy sumptuous food and entertainment with sweeping views of their special fireworks display for the night. The festive package also includes half a bottle of bubbly and an open bar on house pours.
Super glam
Atelier FTV NYE Party 2011
Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Call Mac.s.Far on 050 565 5427).
When: 9pm till 4am.
How much: Dhs250 regular, Dhs450 VIP.
The lowdown: If ever you needed an excuse to pick up a new glam dress and pair of skyscraper heels, let this fabulous New Year’s party be it. The event boasts not one but two star elements – FashionTV International and Atelier, voted the hottest clubbing brand in Dubai by local and international magazines, who are putting the fabulous show together. If that’s not enough to impress, note that this Dubai party is expected to be the only FTV NYE party happening in the world too (well, it is Dubai after all).
Nasimi Beach
Where: Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 0000).
When: Open till late.
How much: Dhs950 with house pours, Dhs12,000 for VIP table for ten with bottle of bubbly and house pours, and Dhs15,000 for VIP cabana for 15 people with two bottles of bubble and house pours.
The lowdown: There’ll be fire performers and fireworks, plus music from DJs Smokingroove, Schooly, David Craig and Tim Cheddar.
Peppermint Experience NYE’s special with Paul Van Dyk
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre (Contact Fluid Production on 050 110 0678).
When: 9pm-4am.
How much: Dhs250.
The lowdown: International DJ Paul Van Dyk will spin all your favourite tracks live, so get your party shoes on.
Sanctuary
Where: Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 0561).
When: 9pm-3am.
How much: Dhs1,000, includes house beverages all night. Dhs450 per head for tables, plus minimum spend.
The lowdown: Ring in the new year with this epic party. DJ and producer Mousse T and vocalist Sharon Phillips will be accompanied by Mass Ramli, Mr Shef Codes and a group of performers.
The Music Room
Where: Majestic Hotel (Call 050 248 4054 for details).
When: 6pm to 4am.
How much: Dhs200 including snacks and complimentary drink.
The lowdown: Calling all Dancing Queens, get your funky shoes on this New Year’s Eve as the ‘No.1 International ABBA Tribute Band’ is coming to town and will be playing all the classics you know and love. Mamma Mia.
Turn back time
Senyar ’80s party
Where: Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (04 511 7309).
When: 9pm-3am.
How much: Dhs100, includes one drink.
The lowdown: There’ll be non-stop ’80s tracks from an international DJ at this retro-tastic party so you can expect ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Living’ On a Prayer’, ‘Billie Jean’ and all your ’80s favourites to keep you company well into 2011. There’ll also be 50 per cent off drinks from 11pm until 1am, three free glasses of bubbly for ladies from 1am until 3am, and even a lucky draw at midnight with one couple will winning flights and accommodation at The W Doha, Qatar.
