Happy New Year 🎉
With a long weekend ahead, the UAE is packed with things to do, from concerts and late-night parties to outdoor plans, family-friendly spots, and relaxed dining ideas. It’s one of those weekends where you don’t have to choose just one plan… you can fit in a few and still have time to breathe. And if you’re looking for even more curated picks and insider-style recommendations, the Guide Plus has you covered with extra ideas worth bookmarking.
And if New Year’s Eve still feels like a “we’ll figure it out later” situation, don’t worry. We’ve put together a full NYE guide with the best parties, concerts, family celebrations, and countdown experiences across the UAE, so you can lock something in before everything sells out.
Now, let’s get into what you can actually do this long weekend.
Top Things to Do This Weekend in UAE
Concerts & Live Music
Miami Band & Ayed Yousef
This one’s for nights when you want music that hits the heart and keeps the crowd buzzing. Miami Band brings that upbeat Gulf-pop energy everyone knows the lyrics to, while Ayed Yousef adds the emotional touch with songs people genuinely sing along to. Expect a lively crowd, big moments, and that feel-good concert vibe that turns into a late night without trying too hard.
Khalid Abdulrahman Live
If you’re in the mood for something soulful and nostalgic, Khalid Abdulrahman is always a solid choice. His concerts feel intimate, even in big venues, lots of emotion, familiar lyrics, and an audience that’s fully tuned in. It’s the kind of night you go to when you want to slow things down and actually feel the music.
Till Lindemann – Meine Welt Tour
This is not a casual concert, it’s a full-on experience. Till Lindemann’s show is intense, theatrical, and unapologetically bold. Expect powerful visuals, heavy sound, and a crowd that’s there for something different. If you like shows that feel cinematic and a little wild, this one definitely stands out.
Nightlife, DJs & Parties
Birds of Mind at Be Beach, Dubai
New Year’s might be over, but the vibe continues. Birds of Mind at Be Beach is all about smooth electronic beats, barefoot energy, and dancing by the sea. It’s relaxed but stylish, perfect if you want to ease into the year without the chaos of big countdowns, sunset turning into night, music flowing, and zero pressure.
Bollywood Beatdown at Vice, Dubai
High-energy, no sitting still, and absolutely not a “chill night.” Bollywood Beatdown is all about big beats, throwback hits, and a dance floor that fills up fast. Go with friends who don’t mind sweating a little and singing loudly, this is more party than performance, in the best way.
Roger Sanchez at The Penthouse, Dubai
Classic house music, city views, and a crowd that knows exactly why they’re there. Roger Sanchez at The Penthouse feels polished but still fun, great music, skyline backdrop, and a Saturday night that feels effortless. Ideal if you want a proper night out without going full chaos mode.
Shows, Festivals & Live Entertainment
The Entertainment City Play
This one’s a great pick if you’re heading out with family or just want something light and fun. The Entertainment City play brings color, energy, and interactive moments that keep both kids and adults entertained. Easy to enjoy, easy to recommend, and perfect as part of a DSF day out.
Winter in Al Qattara, Abu Dhabi
Winter in Al Qattara brings cozy vibes to Al Ain with open-air activities, food stalls, cultural touches, and spaces designed for relaxed family time. It’s easygoing, walkable, and perfect for an evening out where you can wander, snack, and enjoy the cooler weather without rushing. Read more about it here.
MOTN Festival, Abu Dhabi (with Like Nastya Meet & Greet)
MOTN is always a win for families, and this edition adds something extra for kids, a Like Nastya meet and greet. Between rides, games, shows, food stalls, and entertainment for all ages, it’s an easy full-day plan. Parents get variety, kids get excitement, and no one’s bored halfway through.
Outdoor & Unique Experiences
Full Moon Kayak Tour at Louvre Abu Dhabi
This one’s special. Kayaking under a full moon around the Louvre feels calm, surreal, and totally different from your usual night plans. It’s quiet, scenic, and oddly grounding, perfect if you want to do something memorable without loud music or crowds.
Dubai Garden Glow, Dinosaur Park & Fantasy Park
An easy crowd-pleaser, especially if kids are involved. Dubai Garden Glow mixes glowing installations, life-size dinosaurs, and fantasy zones that feel playful and colorful. Add the 15% discount, and it becomes a solid evening plan that doesn’t feel overcomplicated. Enjoy with 15% discount.
Night at the Beach (Family Evenings by the Sea)
If you’re looking for something simple, calm, and perfect for families during the New Year holidays, this is a lovely option. Four beaches across Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim will stay open at night exclusively for families, giving you the chance to enjoy the sea breeze, evening walks, and relaxed beach time after sunset. No big plans, no noise, just an easy way to spend a winter night outdoors.
XLine Dubai Marina
For the brave ones in the group. XLine -The Longest Urban Zipline in the World- is fast, thrilling, and gives you unreal views of Dubai Marina while flying across it. It’s one of those “I can’t believe I did that” experiences, and grabbing it at the best price just makes it sweeter.
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time, Dubai
This immersive experience takes you inside the Titanic story in a way that’s emotional without being heavy. It’s interactive, well-designed, and surprisingly engaging, even if you think you “already know the story.” Bonus: you’re getting it at the best available price.
Dining & Food
At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge, Dubai
If you’re planning a proper date night, this one’s hard to beat. Set high above the city, Atmosphere is all about views, quiet luxury, and those moments where you pause mid-conversation just to look out the window. It’s especially popular for romantic dinners and special occasions, the kind of place you bookmark for when you want the night to feel extra intentional.
Silk & Spice, Abu Dhabi
Silk & Spice is one of those places that works for both a relaxed dinner and a slightly dress-up night out. The menu leans into bold Asian flavours with enough variety to please everyone at the table, and the setting feels warm and stylish without being intimidating. Great choice if food is the main event of the evening.
Ossiano, Dubai
Ossiano isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience, and easily one of the most unique restaurants in Dubai. Dining beside the aquarium adds a sense of theatre to every course, and the tasting menu turns the evening into a slow, immersive journey. Ideal for celebrations, food lovers, or anyone looking to try something truly memorable.
The Bench, Abu Dhabi
The Bench is relaxed, welcoming, and great for easy catch-ups that revolve around good food and conversation. It’s the kind of spot you go to when you want something comforting and unfussy, whether it’s brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner that accidentally turns into a long stay.
