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 2023-24 in Dubai to help you start the new year in the right way.
Book tickets to upcoming NYE events exclusively from Platinumlist
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 2023-24 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.
Emaar New Year’s Eve 2024 at Burj Park, Downtown
For the first time ever, you can book a spot at Burj Park to view the Burj Khalifa fireworks without fighting through the crowd. This new event allows you to book a spot with an excellent vantage point in Burj Park, complete with food stalls and live entertainment leading up to midnight. Tickets for this NYE celebration will be available soon on Platinumlist.
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 Sting.
4. Watch All Three Fireworks From A Boat
Don’t want to pick one fireworks show to watch? Don’t worry, you can watch all three from a boat. Love Boats Cruise is hosting a special cruise on New Year’s Eve that will take you amid Jumeirah Bay to a spot from where you can view all three New Year’s Eve fireworks displays – Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah.
This is the perfect way to start your new year surrounded by friends, and watching the skies light up as the clock hits 12.
5. Watch NYE Fireworks from Sky Views Observatory
The Sky Views Observatory, located just opposite the Burj Khalifa on Level 52 and 53 of the Address Sky Views Hotel offers one of the best views of the fireworks anywhere in the city. With unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy the coveted NYE show in all its glory from atop the observatory, complete with food, beverages, and entertainment to keep you busy until midnight.
6. NYE Beach Festival at Zero Gravity Dubai
If you’re looking for a vibrant beachside celebration, Zero Gravity Dubai’s New Year’s Eve Beach Festival is the place to be. Picture yourself dancing beneath a sky illuminated with brilliant fireworks, a perfect start to 2024.
This festival kicks off during the day with a pool party under the warm Dubai sun. As the sun begins to set on the final day of the year, an incredible lineup of international DJs will take you on a musical journey, guiding you through the hours leading to midnight. While the full list of DJs is yet to be revealed, you can be sure that they will keep you dancing well into the early hours of the New Year.
7. New Year Moments with Sherine, George Wassouf, and Najwa Karam
Prepare for a ‘Best Moment Concert’ at Festival Arena, featuring the incredible talents of Sherine, the legendary George Wassouf, and the iconic Najwa Karam. Immerse yourself in the soulful tunes of Sherine, dance to the timeless classics of George Wassouf, and let Najwa Karam’s powerful vocals enchant you with Lebanese hits.
This concert guarantees a musical journey through their top hits and diverse styles, offering everything from contemporary pop to classical Arabic melodies. Feel the Egyptian and Lebanese vibes come together for a night of musical magic, and welcome the New Year in style.
8. New Year’s Eve Dubai Canal Creek Harbour Cruise
For a truly memorable New Year’s celebration, the Dubai Canal Creek Harbour Cruise is the answer.
This journey unfolds on a traditional Arabian wooden boat, gliding past some of the most breathtaking sights in Dubai. The adventure begins on the open-air deck, where you can soak in the festive atmosphere, admire the city’s panoramic views, and mingle with fellow guests. The evening continues with incredible live shows and a sumptuous 5-course gala dinner buffet. The grand finale, however, is the world-renowned Dubai fireworks show, painting the skies with vibrant colors at the stroke of midnight.
9. 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.
10. New Year’s Eve Marina and Creek Dinner Dhow Cruise
Dubai is known for its breathtaking skyline, and when the city lights up on New Year’s Eve, the spectacle is truly mesmerizing. If you’re in the mood for a unique celebration, consider joining the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise on New Year’s Eve.
The evening begins with a serene cruise on a traditional Arabian dhow, taking you on a picturesque journey through Dubai’s most iconic spots. The ambiance is complemented by fantastic music, setting the perfect tone for the night. You’ll be treated to a lavish dinner featuring delectable international dishes, allowing your taste buds to savor the world’s flavors. And of course, the highlight of the evening is the grand fireworks display that paints the Dubai skyline at the stroke of midnight.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Experience A New Year’s Eve In The Desert At Sonara Camp
If you are looking for a unique New Year’s Eve experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than Sonara Camp. This luxurious desert camp hosts an exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration that’s different from anything you have experienced.
Start your new year by indulging in an exquisite gourmet dinner menu curated specifically for the occasion while enjoying the live band, performances like fire shows, and an exciting DJ who will add fun to the new year countdown.
Sonara Camp is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back New Year’s Eve celebration in a glamorous and luxurious way. If you want to avoid the crowd and traffic of the city on 31st December, this is the place to be
14. New Year’s Eve Party at Barasti with Fedde Le Grand
Bid farewell to the old and welcome the new in grand style at Barasti Beach’s sensational NYE party featuring Fedde Le Grand. Dance under the starlit Dubai sky with the iconic skyline as your backdrop, as beats by Fedde Le Grand, CN Williams, Tom Higham, and more, keep the vibe alive from 8 p.m. All ticket categories include one drink, ensuring you toast to 2024 in style. Get ready to ring in the New Year with a bang at Barasti Beach!
15. Soho Garden Festival’s New Year’s Eve Party With ARTBAT And More
Celebrate the countdown to the New Year in style at Soho Garden Festival’s UPPERGROUND showcase. Join the revelry at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for a night of pulsating beats featuring renowned artists like ARTBAT, Argy, and more. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate NYE experience on December 31st.
