And that brings us to the close of the year that was 2023. Whether it turned out to be *your year* or a nightmare, December 31 is the opportunity to put the year to rest and start a new chapter. However, Dubai knows how to welcome the new year with panache, from fireworks displays to stargazing bbqs in the desert, concerts, gala dinners and glamorous parties to raise a toast to 2024. Here are 24 fabulous events celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dubai.
1. A Jungle-and-space-inspired party at Amazonico
The upscale Latin-American restaurant in DIFC with its lush rainforest interiors is throwing a wild and out-of-the-world NYE party on December 31. Forests and intergalactic elements come together in Jupiter’s Jungle’ New Year’s Eve Party where French composer and producer DJ Safar will bring the beats ahead of the countdown to New Year. Various indoor seating options from AED 1,500. Standing tickets start at AED 195 at Amazonicos’ Paraiso Rooftop Club. Find details here
2. Barasti’s beachside NYE bash
The Dubai Marina bar and lounge is hosting a beachside NYE rave on December 31 being headlined by DJ Fedde Le Grand, the popular electro-house DJ who’s performed at Ultra, Tomorrowland and Coachella. Dance the night away on a sandy dancefloor amidst fire dancers, light jugglers, stilt walkers belly dancers and CO2 cannon blasts through the night. Barasti’s resident DJs CN Williams, Tom Higham, Ro Nunez (Man Go Funk), Naomi and the band Sweet Chilli Jam will also take to the stage. From 8pm, AED 225 per person; buy tickets here.
3. An eighties blowout at McGettigan’s Factory
Break out your legwarmers and leotards, the Irish pub chain’s gastropub outpost on The Palm is stepping into the future by travelling back in time to the 80s. A retro-themed evening brunch gets the ball rolling on December 31 from AED 349 per person. Call 054 994 1461 for bookings.
4. Camp out on Jebel Jais with an outdoor BBQ
It’s no Man vs. Wild levels of primal connection with nature (phew!) but the Bear Grylls Explorer Camp in the UAE is hosting an NYE outdoor bbq expedition in Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais that lets you connect with nature elementally in a mellow manner.
Welcome the New Year under the stars and the serenity of the mountains and bid adieu to the cutthroat rat race of 2023 with scrumptious food, bonfires, bbqs and sleeping in a tent under the stars. AED 200 per adult and AED 150 per child inlcluding jeep transportation, gear and tents. Call 056 501 5831 for bookings and info.
5. Atrangi NYE 2024 concert ft. Guru Randhawa
Looking for a New Year’s Eve bash that gives you plenty of bang for your buck? The Atrangi NYE 2024 bash featuring Punjabi and Indi-pop singer Guru Randhawa is all that and more – tickets start from just AED 69 per person! This family-friendly event in The Square at Dubai Sports City also has plenty of licensed food and drink stalls around the venue. Celebrations kick off at 7pm with local DJs taking to the decks and spinning the best Bollywood anthems. The party proper starts when Guru Randhwa takes to the stage at 9:30pm. Get tickets here
5. Celebrate New Year’s Eve for less than AED 300 at Miss Lily’s
The Sheraton Grand Hotel’s Caribbean-style restaurant is adding some rum-and-reggae vibes to your New Year’s Eve celebrations with a fun party on December 31. Drinks packages are available for as little as AED 250 per person. NYC-based DJ Duss will take to the turntables and keep the music going all night. Call 04 356 2900 for bookings and info.
6. New Year’s Eve at Terra Solis
Wondering what last-minute NYE plans to make? Don’t you worry, child. Terra Solis, the glamorous desert destination in Dubai by Tomorrowland for glamping and concerts has got you with an NYE party that’s going to be one to remember. On December 31, Sebastian Ingrosso from the legendary supergroup Swedish House Mafia will be headlining the celebrations. Tickets start from AED 350. Buy here
7. Hit up a desi NYE dance party at Republic Adda
Time to master those thumkas. This vibrant Business Bay bar and lounge inside the Doubletree by Hilton has planned a dance party to welcome 2024. The restaurant’s outdoor dining area offers spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa laser show and fireworks at 12am. This glitzy Bollywood night will feature a DJ spinning the hottest tunes, performances by professional dancers and an open buffet to dig into once you’re all danced out. From 8pm-12pm, from AED 595 per person. Call 055 314 7523.
8. New Year’s Eve at Dubai Opera
Those of you who dreamed of feeling like Cinderella (or hey, Cinderfella) when the clock strikes midnight, have we got a ball for you to go to?! Dubai Opera is throwing a glamorous NYE shindig like no other. Dress to the nines and show up to this event that promises a dazzling fireworks display and enthralling music by the Dubai Opera Big band belting smooth jazz, Grammy Award-winning blues and soul singer Fantastic Negrito, and DJ Slim. This elegant soirée will have a dinner service and free-flowing drinks. Tickets from AED 2000, buy here
10. SOON Nobby x True Izakaya New Year’s Eve Bash
Immerse yourself in the block party vibes of this hip izakaya Japanese joint’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Styled after a neighbourhood party, this JLT venue in Armada Tower will have Go-Go dancers, DJs dropping beats and plenty of moreish Japanese food to fuel your inner party animal on December 31. From 8pm to 2:30am, minimum spend of AED 500. Call 055 434 0575 or email reservation@soondxb.com.
11. Sail into the New Year on an RTA water taxi
For a smooth sailing start to 2024, hop aboard one of RTA’s marine taxis, ferries or abras on December 31 and watch the NYE fireworks light up the night sky and reflect on the water surrounding you. How magical! Special routes rolled out for New Year’s Eve will give you a tour of Dubai’s coast, covering waterways like the Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina and the Dubai Water Canal.
Marine transport operations for NYE start between 10pm and 10:30pm on December 31 and wrap up at 1:30am. The Dubai Ferry starts services at Marina Mall Station (Dubai Marina), Ghubaiba Station or Bluewaters Station; board the Abra at Al Jaddaf, Al Fahidi or Ghubaiba Marine Station and the Water Taxi begins trips at the Marina Mall station.
Dubai Ferry tickets start at AED 350 for silver class; Abra rides from AED 150 for adults, and
Water Taxi begins at AED 3,750. There are special rates for kids and infants and kids under 2 years ride for free. More info here
12. UBK’s ‘Not So Subtle’ NYE party for AED 100
Ending 2023 on a thrifty note in Dubai?! Yes, that’s 100% possible and it’ll only cost you AED 100 at UBK (Urban Bar and Kitchen) in Movenpick Hotel, JLT. Their ‘Not So Subtle’ NYE celebration just has an AED 100 entry fee per head and a drink included, followed by pay-as-you-order. Mainstream urban music set the tempo and guests can also try their hand at foosball or beer pong and try their luck at hourly draws to win prizes food, drinks and brunch vouchers. Call 058 592 2492 for bookings.
13. Have a blockbuster New Year with a movie and dinner
Roxy Cinemas in JBR is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration on the outdoor Platinum Lounge deck. Guests can view the scintillating New Year’s fireworks and drone shows dance across the sky. Before ringing in the New Year, guests will be treated to unlimited mocktails and a screening of the new DC action flick Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom, complete with reclining seats a pillow and a blanket. The experience includes a delicious main course meal and popcorn too. AED 399 per person, book here.
14. Dine at Melia Desert Palm’s NYE Gala Dinner
As far as New Year’s Eve Gala Dinners go, the RARE Gala Dinner at this lush resort is as pocket-friendly as they come without cutting corners on the sophistication and dazzle. A lavish buffet menu covering a plethora of cuisines AND a chocolate fountain starts at AED 799 per adult and AED 399 for kids aged 6-12 years. A live singer and DJ along with roaming dancers will entertain diners. From 8pm-12am. Call or WhatsApp 04 602 9323.
15. End 2023 on a spicy note at Indego by Vineet
With waterfront views of Dubai Marina, this fine-dining Indian restaurant is a perfect venue to tuck into flavourful Indian delicacies and watch the fireworks bursting around Marina. A minimum spend of AED 500 on December 31 is the only caveat to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai at this award-winning eatery. Call 04 317 6000 or visit the website .
16. Enjoy an outdoor NYE bbq at Garden On 8
The fun sports bar in Media One Hotel with indoor and outdoor seating is hosting a huge outdoor BBQ and a big screen countdown that showcases the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Downtown Dubai. Skip the crowds and traffic while partaking in the excitement? Yes, please. Packages from AED 399 per person. 8pm-1am; book here.
17. Relish an 8-course Pan-Asian meal at Nonya
The swanky restaurant and bar perched on Taj JLT’s 44th floor has a spectacular New Year’s Eve bonanza planned. Savour an 8-course sharing menu, festive cocktails and mocktails and celebrate the clock ticking down to 2024 with crackers, party favours and music all night long. Starting from AED 599 per person. Call 04 574 1111 or visit the website.
18. Step in 2024 with a dinner and a show at Babylon
The DIFC dinner theatre concept is unleashing pure decadence on December 31 with an immersive NYE experience. Expect a plethora of live entertainment, including performances by singers and live bands and Lebanese singer and songwriter Aziza as the headliner. A minimum spend starting at AED 800 that’s redeemable against food and drinks. From 8pm until late; call 04 352 7750.
19. Bohemian beachside bash at Be Beach
The brand new beachside club located at Dubai Harbour is the spot for Bohemian NYE party out on the shores with panoramic views of fireworks display across Dubai’s iconic skyline. DJs Frefedick Stone and RBØR will drop electro-house beats all night long and right into the morning of January 1 till 4am. Packages start from AED 800 per person of which AED 450 is redeemable on food and beverages. From 7pm to 4am. Call 054 751 1119.
20. Party like the roaring 20s at Blind Tiger
Find your shiniest flapper dress and most dapper fedoras. This sultry speakeasy tucked away inside Jumeirah Al Naseem is hosting a tasteful New Year’s Eve do on December 31 inspired by the 1920s. There’ll be exquisitely crafted cocktails, lively jazz music and decor and ambience to match the clandestine atmosphere of the Prohibition era. Minimum spend of AED 750. From 11pm onwards; call: 800 32323
21. CLAW BBQ The Palm
The buck stops with 2023 but the bucking bronco at CLAW BBQ will helo you kick off 2024 with some fun rodeo vibes. The American bbq and seafood restaurant will have a fun larger-than-life NYE party live entertainment and a buffet of hearty American dishes and free-flowing beverages all night long! Packages start at AED 399 per person and AED 199 per child under 10 years; from 8pm to 12am. Call 054 994 1462.
22. Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Dubai’s first vinyl listening bar with dinner, drinks, and music from resident DJs with packages starting from AED 450 per person with unlimited drinks. From 9pm to 1am. Located inside the Pullman Hotel. Call 04 412 6666 for info.
23. Spend NYE at Michelin-selected restaurant Punjab Grill
This Indian eatery inside Anantara Downtown Dubai is serving a lavish NYE set menu for just AED 375 per person with unlimited portions and free-flowing drinks for three hours. In between mouthfuls of succulent kebabs mains such as Tandoori chicken Mussalam, Mutton Vindaloo and more, you’ll also catch unhindered views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Call 050 668 3054.
24. Salmon Guru
The Dubai branch of this award-winning Madrid bar located in ME Dubai has a New Year’s Eve experience that combines all of their renowned cocktails, scrumptious set menu dinner and an impressive view of the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks. Packages from AED 700 per person; 8pm till late. Book here