As we all prepare to count down to the start of 2020 there are loads of places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the UAE.
But is it really New Year’s Eve if you don’t watch some fireworks?
Here’s where you can see the sky light up in the UAE this year.
Abu Dhabi
Al Maryah Island
A fantastic fireworks display will once again take place on Al Maryah Island on New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of vantage points along the promenade and at venues at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, if you want to enjoy a meal or party. Plus a concert with Nancy Arjam and Tamer Hosny will also be held to bring in the New Year on Al Maryah Island before the fireworks crackle overhead.
Free (promenade), From Dhs300 (concert). Al Maryah Island, www.platinumlist.com.
Khor Al Maqta
Fireworks are set to light up the sky over the Grand Canal on New Year’s Eve and there are plenty of places where you can watch. Venues at Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, Qaryat Al Beri, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Ventian Village and more are hosting a number of parties, dinners and events on the night where you can book in and take in the spectacular sights once the clock strikes midnight.
Prices and venues vary.Check out where you can book here
Yas Marina
Yas Island is known for the spectacular fireworks displays and on New Year’s Eve things will be no different. Head to Yas Marina before the big countdown and you can pick your spot to take in the sights and sounds above Yas Island when 2020 begins. There’s also the small matter of a Bruno Mars gig on the island.
Free. Yas Island www.yasmarina.ae
Dubai
Al Seef
After New Year’s Eve do in the older part of Dubai? The historical district Al Seef right beside the Dubai Creek is the place for you. It’s creekside dining spots and long stretch offers plenty of spots to see off 2019 and wave hello to the New Year in dazzling, firework fashion.
Free access. Midnight onwards. Al Seef, Deira.
For everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in Dubai, click here.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Plonk yourself on the shores of Kite Beach and get ready for a New Year’s Burj Al Arab Jumeirah fireworks show to ogle at. Taking up a large stretch of beach you’ll see no matter where you’re set up, you can’t go wrong here. If you fancy a meal and some bubbly to go along with the display, head to one of the many al fresco restaurants at Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Free Access. Midnight onwards. Souk Madinat Jumeirah; Kite Beach.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world sets the night sky ablaze like no other, and if you’ve still not got the chance to check out the spectacle in Downtown Dubai, make 2019 your year. The whole Burj Khalifa is lit up with dazzling fireworks and pyrotechnics, and The Dubai Fountain displays a brilliant water show along with it. Thousands head here every year, so be sure to arrive as early as possible (around 6pm). There are plenty of spots to set yourself up, including restaurants around Souk Al Bahar, Burj Plaza and Address Hotels. Check out where to book right here.
Free access. Midnight onwards. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Dubai Festival City
Ringing in 2020 with a two-time record-breaking IMAGINE fireworks, water and light show is an ideal way to send off 2019 in style. Make sure to head down early to Festival Bay to get top views of the show, or check out the many dining venues offering special deals (along with brilliant sites of the show).
Free access. Midnight onwards. Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City.
Global Village
With its 24th season now in full swing, along with 25 pavilions representing countries from around the globe, 28 rides, 100 arcade game and the newly-opened Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, the massive multi-cultural theme park is going all out to ring in the New Year. Expect live music and entertainment galore.
Dhs15. Midnight onwards. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, globalvillage.ae.
La Mer
Another brilliant beachside spot buzzing when it comes to lighting up the sky with an array of colours, relax on its public beach and take in the dazzling fireworks. There’s also plenty of al fresco restaurants to book yourself into, just so you have some grub (and bubbly) to tuck into before the big show.
Free access. Midnight onwards. La Mer, www.lamerdubai.ae.
Palm Jumeirah
Whether you’re up for a royal gala dinner at Atlantis The Palm, setting up shop on the Palm Jumeirah’s 11km boardwalk or heading to The Pointe, you’re in for quite the show with the Palm Jumeirah’s set of fireworks.
Free access. Midnight onwards. Palm Jumeirah.
Ras Al Khaimah
Last year the emirate broke two Guinness World Records for its dazzling firework show and this year the city is attempting to break two more. Get ready for a “mind-boggling” presentation of lights, where pyrotechnics, fire-works and laser displays will create a new kind of experience and for the very first time, pyro-drones will create “never before-seen” fireworks to kick off the countdown. Not impressed so far? Well, when the clock strikes midnight, the city’s main landmarks will be recreated in the sky accompanied by more fireworks. What’s more, there will also be a special Japanese aerial shell fireworks display. Along with family-friendly activities, there’s also set to be a host of celebrities heading down, including top performers from the Arab world, and huge music gigs.
Tue Dec 31. Various locations including Al Marjan Island by Marjan.
