Dubai is gearing up for a spectacular Chinese New Year. As the Year of the Dragon approaches, the vibrant cityscape is adorned with festivities that promise to dazzle residents and visitors alike. From breathtaking firework displays to exclusive dining experiences, here’s a roundup of the best places to revel in the Chinese New Year spirit in Dubai.
Fireworks and More at Dubai Festival City Mall
Kickstart your celebrations at Dubai Festival City Mall, where the sky will light up with a magnificent fireworks display on February 11th at 9 p.m. The Festival Bay area offers unbeatable views of the spectacle, making it the perfect spot for a memorable evening with family and friends. The festivities will extend from February 9th to 11th, featuring captivating dragon dancing and a special IMAGINE show from 6 p.m.
Zero Gravity NYE Beach Festival with Joel Corry
If you’re looking for an epic party, Zero Gravity’s New Year’s Eve Beach Festival is the place to be. International DJ Joel Corry, famous for chart-toppers like “Head & Heart” and “Sorry,” will keep you dancing through the night. Start your day with a pool party under the sun, then come back to enjoy the festival vibes as the DJ lineup takes the stage, leading up to an incredible fireworks show at midnight. It’s a full day of celebration that continues long into the night – the ultimate beachside bash to welcome 2025.
New Year’s Eve Tour Special – Yellow Boats
If adventure is more your speed, celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard the Yellow Boats for a 120-minute tour of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. Setting sail from Dubai Marina, this thrilling boat ride gives you a front-row view of the city’s skyline, with highlights like Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. As the boat positions itself for prime viewing between the landmarks, you’ll be treated to fireworks displays from all around, including the Burj Khalifa in the distance. It’s an exhilarating way to experience Dubai’s dazzling New Year’s celebrations.
Fireworks at RIVERLAND, Dubai Parks and Resorts:
Hop over to RIVERLAND on Saturday, February 10th, at Dubai Parks and Resorts for a fireworks spectacle that will light up the night sky. Following the park’s daily laser shows, the fireworks promise to add an extra dose of magic to the Chinese New Year celebrations. Throughout February, you can catch dragon and lion dances at the park, keeping the festive spirit alive.
MOTIONGATE, Dubai Parks and Resorts
For a dose of Kung Fu magic, head to MOTIONGATE at Dubai Parks and Resorts. The Kung Fu Academy show, starring none other than Po from Kung Fu Panda, will steal the spotlight. The little ones can join in the fun with an obstacle course that adds an extra dash of excitement. Get ready for a show that’s not just entertaining but also brings the beloved characters to life in a celebration fit for the Year of the Dragon.
Legoland Dubai
Perfect for families, Legoland Dubai will host interactive Lego activities, a Lego Wishing Wall, and character parades from February 9th to 18th. The Chinese New Year Sleepover at the Legoland Hotel and themed brunch at Bricks Family Restaurant ensure a fun-filled celebration for everyone.
IMG World of Adventure
Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of the new year at IMG World of Adventure. With daily shows until February 20th, including the Lunar New Year celebration dance, dragon parade, and mesmerizing magic shows, IMG promises a month-long extravaganza. Roaming lion and dragon dances, along with the Wheel of Fortune on weekends, add an extra touch of joy to the festivities.
Hakkasan Dubai & Abu Dhabi
For a culinary celebration, head to Hakkasan Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where a limited-edition menu awaits. The Smoked Eight Treasure Duck, a collaborative creation by executive chefs, takes center stage. Special performances, including lion dances and a wishing ribbon ritual, will enchant guests on February 9th and 10th.
Shanghai Me
From February 7th to 22nd, Shanghai Me will transform into a haven of celebration with its ‘Dragon Unleashed’ theme. Indulge in a specially curated Chinese New Year menu featuring delights like Temari dragon rolls and creamy lobster soup. The venue comes alive with vibrant decorations, a lion dance, and a chance to win exclusive prizes with each order of the limited edition Dragon Cocktail.
Zheng He
Experience the charm of the Chinese New Year at Zheng He in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. Live lion dance performances on February 9th to 10th, coupled with a delectable feast of traditional Chinese cuisine, create a picturesque waterside celebration from January 10th to February 10th.
Hutong
Indulge in an elevated Chinese New Year experience at Hutong from February 9th to 11th. Savor artful creations like lobster lao he and the intricate Chinese New Year dim sum platter while enjoying live DJ beats, mesmerizing Dragon Shows, and live calligraphy during the special brunch on February 10th.
Ling Ling
Ling Ling offers a family-friendly experience with new dishes starting from AED 105. Themed drinks and a yee-sang prosperity salad add to the festive atmosphere. Families with children under 10 are welcome for a delightful dining experience until 8:30 p.m.
Maiden Shanghai
If you’re a brunch person, consider one themed around the Year of the Dragon at Maiden Shanghai, Five Palm Jumeirah. The Naughty Noodles brunch hosted by Secret Parties offers dishes such as boom boom chicken, crispy seafood roll, dim sum, kung pao prawns, wild mushroom with smoked chili, plus a selection of desserts.
Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace Dubai invites you to celebrate the ‘Year of the Dragon’ with a special high tea at Mosaico and a Chinese New Year-styled dinner buffet at Giardino. Enjoy traditional Chinese entertainment, including dragon dances, from February 8th to 10th, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere.
Long Yin
On Friday, February 9th, from 7 p.m., enjoy a grand buffet feast of traditional Chinese cuisine with different live cooking and barbecue stations spread on the promenade terrace, along with an array of delicacies like the special crispy duck
Sea Fu
Welcoming guests with traditional fortune cookies, Sea Fu will present a new dish for the occasion – a crispy orange baby chicken bao bun. Guests can write their wishes for the Lunar New Year and hang them from the olive tree on the terrace. They will also receive a lucky card, containing a complimentary offering of small bites to be enjoyed during their visit.
Eauzone
The restaurant in One&Only Royal Mirage will have a Taste of Abundance Reunion dinner, featuring a customary prosperity toss of raw fish salad, meant to symbolize prosperity. The menu features yee-sang (prosperity toss salad), chicken dumplings, dragon roll, Peking duck, and Chinese mango pudding.
Trader Vic’s
Head over to Trader Vic’s on February 10th for an exquisite Chinese New Year-themed brunch. The tiki bar and restaurant will have a special Chinese New Year makeover for one weekend only. Indulge in delicious island bites, meat stations, sharing platters, and free-flowing beverages with live entertainment so you can get up on your feet and dance the night away.
Moli By Shi
Diners who visit the newly opened venue in Dubai Hills Business Park can try out a four-course set menu with dishes, such as dragonfruit tiger prawn and crispy Angus beef eggplant roll; followed by a selection of dim sum featuring lobster dumplings, Angus beef kimchi, and prawn har gau. There will also be live entertainment in the form of lion dancers on February 9th and 10th at 7 p.m.
Shi
The Bluewaters Dubai venue is hosting what it calls a “dragon feast”. On arrival, guests can pluck out a traditional red envelope, symbolizing good luck and prosperity, from the bonsai trees at the entrance. A dragon-themed welcome drink awaits diners, along with dishes such as dragonfruit tiger prawn, crispy duck maki roll with volcano sauce, braised lamb pot, Wagyu beef with black vinegar, and a chef’s special dessert.
Sui Mui
Pan-Asian spot Sui Mui is celebrating from February 11th to 15th, a lavish spread of traditional dishes inspired by the flavorful streets of China. The selection of starters, main course, and dessert includes crispy prawn fruit salad, crispy prawns on toast, Cantonese taro dumplings, Guangzhou fried rice, Hong Kong beef, stir-fried ngo kuay, stuffed black sesame dumplings, and sticky rice with toppings.
