Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai (2020)
New Year’s Eve Dubai.
Why Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai
Anyone who has ever visited Dubai would know that the city does not do anything unenthusiastically. This is true for New Year’s Eve celebrations too. On 31st December of every year, the entire city comes alive with amazing parties, great performances, and mind-blowing fireworks. In short, Dubai celebrates New Year with aplomb. It is also a great time to be in Dubai as you would be a part of the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, which begins somewhere in the last week of December. You can have an amazing New Year’s Eve in Dubai with or without spending too much money.
Best Places to Celebrate New Year Eve in Dubai
The venue for your New Year’s Eve celebrations would totally depend on your interests and budget. Dubai offers several options to welcome the New Year with style.
1. Burj Khalifa: Fireworks
The tallest building in the world is one of the most popular locations for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai. The highlight here is the fireworks that happen at midnight. The entire building is surrounded by bright lights, which enliven the entire place. To add to this, the Dubai Fountain throws in an amazing performance, making the entire show truly mesmerizing. The thing that makes the Burj Khalifa fireworks so popular is that you can watch it for free. The only glitch is that you would have to arrive as early as possible to get a good spot to watch the fireworks. Alternatively, you can book a table at a restaurant at the Dubai Mall for a delicious meal and a beautiful view.
Timings: The fireworks happen at midnight. Arrive as early as 5 PM or 6 PM
Location: Next to Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, UAE
2. Dubai Opera: Concert and DJ
The idea of ushering in the New Year while watching a spectacular show at the Dubai Opera would definitely appeal the art and theatre lovers. The Dubai Opera comes with a stellar show along with royal dinner on the night of 31st December. However, the celebrations do not end with the show or dinner. In fact, as soon as the clock ticks midnight, the DJ begins his magic and the whole place is filled with some classic tunes for you to groove to. The 2019 New Year Party began with Chinua Hawk Band’s music concert followed by music by DJ C and DJ Said Mrad. 2020 would be no different, and you can expect the party to go on till the wee hours of the morning at the Dubai Opera.
Timings: 7 PM onwards
Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, UAE
3. Zero Gravity: Dance Party
If you want to welcome the New Year by dancing away the whole night, Zero Gravity is the place for you. One of the most popular beachside clubs in Dubai, Zero Gravity hosts the most happening New Year parties in Dubai. The evening is filled with mind-blowing performances by popular celebrities and music bands. The best thing about the party at Zero Gravity is the presence of world-famous DJs who play live music throughout the night. While 2019 saw people dancing on the tunes of DJ Sigala, 2020 would be ushered in by the music of DJ Sigma and DJ Jax Jones.
Timings: 1 PM to 3 AM
Address: Sky Dive Drop Zone, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE
4. Madinat Jumeirah: Midnight Gala
While many people love to let their hair down and dance away the night on New Year’s Eve, several others may want to enjoy a quiet dinner with their family and friends. One of the best family-friendly locations in Dubai for a quiet dinner is Madinat Jumeirah. The resort hosts the Midnight Gala, where the guests are pampered with great food and luxury. With 40 restaurants to its credit, you also get to choose where to dine during the Midnight Gala. However, the best part is the view that Madinat Jumeriah offers. Go for a restaurant that offers great views of the Burj Al Arab, so that you can enjoy the fabulous fireworks of the Burj Al Arab as the clock strikes 12.
Timings: 8 PM onwards
Location: 6 King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai, UAE
5. Desert Safari: Adventure, Dinner, and Fireworks
If you want to leave the noise and crowd of the city to welcome New Year a bit more peacefully, the Dubai desert safari is your best bet. The evening at the desert safari would be filled with a lot of fun and entertainment. You would be treated with belly dancing and Tanura dancing performances, henna painting, fire show, and a delicious buffet dinner as well. If you are upset that you would not be able to catch the fireworks the city is so famous for, you really do not have to fret. At midnight, the starlit sky of the desert lights up with fabulous fireworks. However, the fun does not end here. On the other hand, the revelry continues until the early hours of the morning.
Timings: 8:30 PM to 2:30 AM
6. Dhow Cruise: Dinner and Fireworks
If you want to have a quiet dinner but do not want to go too far from the city, the dhow cruise dinner is something you would like. Dhow cruise dinner happens on Dubai Marina as well as Dubai Creek and includes live entertainment, delicious buffet dinner and the view of the amazing fireworks along the city’s skyline. If you want to make your experience extra special and luxurious, you can opt for a luxury cruise on a private yacht. On the other hand, a cheaper option would be to opt for an abra ride, dhow cruise or waterbus ride running along the Dubai Canal. Whichever option you select, you would get to have an incredible New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Timings: 10:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Location: Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina
7. Soho Garden: Golden Garden Party
If you do not want to feel suffocated dancing with hundreds of other people at a nightclub or lounge, Soho Garden’s Golden Garden Party would be the one for you. The open-air venue has four themed parties to choose from as per one’s likes and interests. The DJs would never let the vibe down and continue to play amazing music all night long. However, do take a break at midnight to witness the grand fireworks of the Burj Khalifa, as the Soho Garden offers an unobstructed view of the building.
Timings: 7 PM to 4 AM
Location: Soho Garden & Beach, Meydan Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Dubai
8. Hotel Atlantis, The Palm: Royal Gala
New Year parties in Dubai,
the Royal Gala. Complete with the amazing view of the island and the Dubai skyline, the music from a live band that performs throughout the night, a delicious buffet filled with lobster, caviar, sushi and smoked salmon, and an open bar that serves amazing array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Hotel Atlantis offers an evening to remember. But the major highlight of the event is the sight of the marvellous fireworks that fill the sky at midnight. Guests attending the Royal Gala have to adorn their best formal clothes. Some special activities are also planned for the kids, making it the perfect to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family.Timings: 7 PM to 3 AM
Location: The Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
9. Umm Al Sequim Beach: Picnic
If partying and spending too much money to celebrate New Year’s Eve is not your cup of tea, spending a relaxing evening at one of Dubai’s numerous public beaches would be a good idea. One of the most popular beaches for New Year celebrations is Umm Al Sequim Beach. Arrive early and bring along a picnic so that you can reserve a good spot for you and your family. Lounge on the beach, build sandcastles or indulge in some water sports till the sun goes down. The main reason for choosing Umm Al Sequim Beach for New Year’s Eve celebrations is its position. As it is located between Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, you get to see the fireworks of both these places. An added bonus is the fireworks of Burj Al Arab. In short, as the city enters into the New Year, you can get to see the sky turn into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Timings:
Location: Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai, UAE
Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai
Before you pack your bags to experience one of the best New Year celebrations of your life, here are some crucial things that you ought to know.
- It is important to apply for a visa before you leave for Dubai. The 14 days tourist visa Dubai is best for a short holiday.
- December is quite an expensive time to visit Dubai. To save money, book your air tickets and hotel accommodation months in advance. Choosing tour packages would also help you to save money.
- It is best to dress modestly in public places. You can dress as you want while attending parties at clubs, hotels, and lounges. However, make sure to cover yourself well while commuting to the venue.
- Public display of affection is frowned upon in Dubai. It is illegal and can cause you jail time or a hefty fine.
- Alcoholic beverages are widely available in the restaurants, nightclubs, and bars of Dubai, especially on New Year’s Eve. However, be cautious and do not drink in public.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai
are truly epic, and something you must experience at least once in your life. With so many options available, you would definitely be able to pick something that is right for you.
