If you are looking to start your new year with a bang, Dubai is the place to be. The city is home to some of the world’s most glamorous New Year’s Eve celebrations, including the world-famous Burj Khalifa fireworks display that has thousands of tourists flocking to Dubai for NYE every year.
With a mix of grand firework displays, dazzling parties, luxury dinners, and family-friendly festivities, Dubai is, without a doubt, the best place in the world to ring in the new year.
Planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai? We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 places to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024-25 in Dubai to help you start the new year in the right way.
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Things To Know Before Celebrating NYE In Dubai
If you are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Hotels and tickets book out like hotcakes: Because Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations during NYE, hotels in central locations and tickets to trending New Year’s Eve events get booked way in advance. If you want to make the most out of your new year’s experience in Dubai, make sure you book your tickets as early as possible.
- Reach your new year’s eve celebration destination early: The roads get really busy on New Year’s Eve, especially in central locations like Downtown. If you want to ensure that you reach any location on time, you have to leave early, ideally keeping a margin of 2-3 hours. To reach extremely busy destinations like The Dubai Mall, you may even have to reach during the day to secure a good spot to watch the fireworks.
- Use public transport: Finding a parking spot during New Year’s Eve in Dubai can be difficult, which is why using public transport like taxis or the metro can be an easier commute. The metro line runs till late at night during NYE, making it convenient for people to travel back to their homes post celebrations. However, keep in mind that metro stations also tend to get very busy on the day.
- Check age restrictions of events: Dubai has a wide range of festivities to celebrate New Year’s Eve. However, not all are suitable for kids and families. Some events may have an age restriction of 21+, so make sure you check before you book your tickets to avoid any disappointment.
The Top Places To Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024-25 In Dubai
1. Watch The Burj Khalifa Fireworks
The Burj Khalifa fireworks display is one of the world’s most sought-after New Year’s Eve celebrations. People travel all the way to Dubai to experience this grand show for a good reason.
Watching the laser light show countdown to the most bedazzling firework display is one of the best ways to ring in the new year and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The iconic Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve fireworks display can be viewed from various locations.
Free places to watch the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Fireworks
There are multiple locations where crowds gather to watch this New Year’s Eve spectacle for free, including The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, Burj Park, and Dubai Canal. These locations get jam-packed very quickly, so if you are planning to view the fireworks from any of them, make sure you reach them as soon as possible.
Restaurants and Hotels to watch Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Many fine-dining restaurants and hotels in Dubai with a Burj Khalifa view host exclusive New Year’s Eve parties where people can celebrate the festivities in style. You can also book a table at one of the many fountain-view restaurants at The Dubai Mall, including KFC and Tim Hortons, to enjoy the fireworks view up close.
The downtown Dubai area gets very crowded on New Year’s Eve, so ensure you reach your destination at least a few hours before the fireworks display. The Dubai Mall also sets up a roadblock after 10 p.m. for crowd control. If you aren’t there before that, you will not be able to get inside.
2. Experience The Fireworks At Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab fireworks display is another brilliant way to start the new year in Dubai. The spectacular show lights up the sky over the world’s only 7-star hotel and creates a sight to behold.
Like the Burj Khalifa fireworks, the Burj Al Arab fireworks show can be viewed from various places. If you are looking for a free place to experience the fireworks, head down to kite beach for a glorious view from the seaside. Madinat Jumeirah also houses a great view of the show and can be visited free of cost. However, both of these spots get very crowded, so make sure you plan ahead.
If you are looking for a more fuss-free celebration, you can book a table at one of the many Burj Al Arab-facing restaurants in Madinat Jumeirah and other nearby locations, including Pierchic, Publique, and Summersalt that provide a luxurious vibe and an unforgettable view.
3. View The Palm Jumeirah Fireworks
Watch the entire Palm Jumeirah Island light up with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world on New Year’s Eve. This show sets the scene over the Arabian Gulf Coast, making it one of the most beautiful sights to begin the year with.
The Palm Jumeirah fireworks show can be viewed for free from The Pointe and Palm West Beach, both of which are popular destinations on NYE. You can also book a table at one of the restaurants in the area to catch a view of the display.
Atlantis The Palm Hotel has one of the best views of the fireworks show and hosts a grand New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner to celebrate the occasion with a grand menu and various performances and festivities. This year’s event will be headlined by the one and only Lionel Richie.
Begin The Year The Bedouin Way At Desert Safari
Head deep into the desert to bring in the new year in the traditional way of the Arabs with an exclusive NYE desert safari tour. The experience takes you on a wild ride across the sand dunes in a 4×4 SUV with a trained driver to a traditional Bedouin camp where you can join fellow riders and celebrate the new year with activities like camel rides, henna tattoos, belly dancing, and traditional tanoura dances.
Desert Safari is one of the best ways to ring in the new year, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and under the stars. The day ends with a grand Arabian feast with delicacies like mandi, grilled meat, and hummus, after which you head back into the city with another thrilling and exciting ride through the desert.
If you are looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai, Desert Safari is a great option that’s suitable and enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Ring In the New Year At Global Village
Dubai’s iconic open-air fair, Global Village, is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. With its 30+ pavilions inspired by different countries, Global Village allows you to experience New Year traditions from around the world as each country’s pavilion celebrates the event in its special way.
Visitors can also experience seven firework shows at Global Village on New Year’s Eve, each one marking midnight in a different timezone, from China, to India, Pakistan, and Turkey.
While the grown-ups celebrate New Year, kids will also have a grand time at Global Village’s carnival rides and arcade area suitable for children of all ages. It’s the perfect place to ring in the new year with your family.
Attend a New Year’s Eve Dinner
Looking to welcome the new year in a luxurious way? Book a table at one of Dubai’s many high-end, fine-dining restaurants for the occasion. Most restaurants in the city hold exclusive New Year’s Eve gala dinners with specially curated menus.
With a wide range of restaurants available for dining, you can find something suitable for everyone. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly restaurant or one you can enjoy with friends, there are many options to choose from for your New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai.
You can also experience one of the many New Year’s Eve firework displays from restaurants in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Madinat Jumeirah while enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones.
Pro tip – Restaurants with a view get booked out very fast; make sure you reserve your table in advance.
More New Year’s Eve events are being announced in Dubai everyday, stay tuned to find out more about them!
