New Year’s Eve is officially here, and there is so much to do in Abu Dhabi. From concerts to dinners to firework shows, New Year’s Eve 2021 promises to be amazing.
With the announcement about the new weekend many people in the UAE have a three-day weekend and everyone is more than ready to celebrate.
We also have loads of cool new things to do this weekend, including artsy workshops, sporting things to do and futuristic activities.
Ready for the countdown?
For New Year’s Eve dinners and parties in Abu Dhabi click here.
For the city’s best food and drink click here.
Hungry for brunch? Here’s everything you need to book it.
Headed to Expo 2020 Dubai? Here’s everything you need to know.
Take a free fitness class outside
It’s never too early to get started on your New Year’s goals. If you’re looking to improve your health in 2022, Active Parks is a new initiative happening across Abu Dhabi with 380 free-to-attend training sessions in 12 public parks. The event will run from Thursday December 30 to Wednesday January 26 with more than 380 free sessions for anyone aged 15 and older.
Click here to learn more about the free fitness classes.
Free. Locations vary. Thu Dec 30- Wed Jan 26, 2022. addcd.gov.ae.
Go for a spin in a driverless taxi
TAXAI is a new type of taxi that uses Geospacial intelligence layered with AI to change the way we zoom around the capital. There are currently nine different pick-up and drop-off points: Etihad Arena, Yas Marina, W Hotel Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, IKEA, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Yas Beach.
Click here to learn more about TXAI.
Free. @txai_taxi
Get creative at Makerspace Al Zeina
If you’re looking to make anything in Abu Dhabi, Makerspace Al Zeina is the dubbed as the ultimate spot. This “playground for creativity” is an open-access and membership-based DIY workshop and fabrication studio. There are high-quality machines and tools to use, plus, all the training you’ll need to take on your next project. The possibilities are endless in this space.
For more about Makerspace Al Zeina’s furniture making class click here.
Starting at Dhs295 (one month soft arts access). Open Sat-Thu 9am-9pm. Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach, makerspace.ae (02 558 8624).
Ring in the New Year at Café del Mar
It’s a new year, why not kick off with a new nightlife spot? Café del Mar’s New Year’s Eve gathering will feature beachy party vibes, sharing platters and live seafood stations – plus fireworks, naturally.
Click here to learn more about the Café Del Mar New Year’s Eve celebrations 2021.
Dhs700 (New Year’s Eve party). Fri Dec 31, 2021. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island cafedelmarabudhabi.com (050 402 2283).
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Emirates Palace
The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at the Palace terraces serving up live entertainment, a fireworks display, and plenty of things to do for the kids. The event is Dhs1,500 per person with soft beverages and Dhs2,100 per person including house beverages and bubbly. Looking for a front-row seat at the fireworks? BBQ Al Qasr’s beachfront location has a spectacular view, and the menu includes barbeque favourites from the land and sea. The menu is priced at Dhs1,200 per person including soft drinks and a glass of bubbly, or Dhs1,400 for a selection of house beverages and bubbly.
To learn more about the festive celebrations at Emirates Palace, click here.
Fri Dec 31, 2021. Emirates Palace, Corniche Road epauh-beachclub@mohg.com (02 690 7311).
Attend the live concert at Al Maryah Island
Looking to listen to a live concert on New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi? The blockbuster New Year’s Eve concert will feature three of the region’s most popular stars: Hussain Al Jassmi, Elissa and Balqees. It will take place on Friday December 31 at the Al Maryah Island South Plaza, and will include a massive firework finale.
Read more about the New Year’s Eve concert at Al Maryah Island.
Fri Dec 31, 7pm. South Plaza, Al Maryah Island, platinumlist.net
See record breaking fireworks at the Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Sheikh Zayed Festival is attempting to set three Guinness World Records with the largest 40-minute fireworks display in terms of volume, duration and form. Have your camera ready.
Looking to eat well this NYE? Click here for 9 foodie New Year’s Eve events in Abu Dhabi.
Fri Dec 31, open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Wathbah South (800 555).
Do a self-guided tour of Abu Dhabi
Want to explore Abu Dhabi in a new way on the first day of the New Year? Check out this audio tour of the city. The tours are available on the Voicemapp app and extend from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Once the Voicemap app is downloaded, there’s no need for WiFi or a 3G/5G connection.
Click here to learn more about the audio tours.
voicemap.me/tour/abu-dhabi
Visit Vertigo Lounge
It’s the first day of the New Year, which makes it the perfect time to visit a brand new lounge. Vertigo Lounge has landed at West Bay Abu Dhabi. This new spot at Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi promises to enhance West Bay Abu Dhabi’s offerings with a lounge and bar that overlooks the venue’s wave pool and the Arabian Gulf.
For new restaurants coming to Abu Dhabi in 2022, check out this list.
Open daily 6pm-3am. West Bay Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blue Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road (02 692 4375).
Breakfast at this cute Japanese bakery
One of our favourite things about Abu Dhabi is the abundance of adorable cafes scattered throughout the city. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, head to Keki Japanese Bakery.
For brilliant places to eat breakfast outside, click here.
Unlicensed. Open daily 9am-1am. Al Bateen (02 309 3999).
Do a yoga class at Seven Wellness Centre on Reem Island
Does the New Year have you wanting to find your zen? Seven Wellness Centre on Reem Island, which also hosts a vegan café, has some cool alternative yoga classes to try. You’ll be able to align your chakras and find your peace during the session, then try a vegan treat afterwards. Sounds sweet.
For tasty vegan desserts to try in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs80. Seven Wellness Centre, Reem Island, www.sevenwellness.ae (054 407 5405).
