The Best Places To Spend New Year's Eve In Dubai

Dubai has made headlines time and time again because of its splendid fireworks show on New Year’s Eve, making it one of the best destinations for tourists to start a new year. During the holiday season, Dubai becomes packed with people and almost every venue in the city offers a fantastic New Year’s experience, including dinners, galas and parties. Whether one is willing to drop some serious money on starting their year right or wishes to hit midnight while staying on a budget, there’s no shortage of incredible places in Dubai in which to spend this special occasion.

Free views of the fireworks

Sunset Beach

All public beaches in Dubai welcome residents and tourists on New Year’s Eve to watch the fireworks show. Perhaps the most epic view can be seen from Sunset Beach, right next to one of Dubai’s main postcard locations, the Burj Al Arab. The world-renowned 7 star hotel hosts one of the most beautiful fireworks shows in the city, and Sunset Beach is the perfect place to watch it from. In order to spend absolutely nothing while washing away the year, this is the place to head. The beach becomes extremely packed, so it’s crucial to arrive early.

Sunset Beach, Umm Suqueim

Al Sufouh Beach

What can be better than watching the Burj Al Arab fireworks for free? Watching both the Burj Al Arab and The Palm Jumeirah fireworks at once – also for free. Al Sufouh Beach is strategically located in between these two major attraction, both known for their New Year’s fireworks. The beach is opened to the public year-round, and gets packed during New Year’s Eve. The awesome thing about this beach is that people can actually drive their cars onto the sand, making it ever so convenient and comfortable to watch the show for free.

Al Sufouh Beach, Al Sufouh Road

The best views

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

For those who want to watch the Burj Al Arab fireworks in a bit more comfort than standing on a public beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the perfect destination. The wave-shaped hotel is one of the most popular in the city and is located right in front of the Burj Al Arab. The hotel has a selection of restaurants that put on New Year’s celebrations. Prices vary from 595 AED at the Palm Court, to 3,750 AED at the Starry Night Arena. All food and beverage outlets offer a free flow of house beverages for the evening, including champagne to toast the New Year.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 4 348 0000

1. Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Market

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is known for having one of the most unique views of the Burj Al Arab, overlooking its water canals. This makes it an ideal spot from which to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The traditional Arab-style market has dozens of restaurants and bars in which to spend the last few minutes of the year, and caters to all kinds of budgets. It’s important to book in advance; be aware that outdoor seating is considerably more expensive on this celebratory occasion.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, +971 4 366 8888

2. Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Hotel

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

For those looking to escape the Burj Al Arab crowd, heading to Jumeirah Emirates Towers is a fantastic idea. The tallest building in the world provides viewers with an unforgettable midnight show, and Dubai’s twin towers are the perfect place to watch it from. With restaurant rates varying from 300 AED to 950 AED on this big night, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers is an attractive option for many different budgets.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 4 330 0000

3. Souk Al Bahar

Souk Al Bahar

Undoubtedly the most fantastic location from which to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks and spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai, Souk Al Bahar is located right next to Dubai Mall. Although the Dubai Mall does not serve alcohol, food and beverage outlets in Souk Al Bahar do, so you can toast to the new year.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, +971 4 362 7011

Burj Khalifa Fireworks | © Bengin Ahmad/Flickr

New Year’s in style

4. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Hotel

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

This place offers lavish cuisine, premium champagne and an exquisite view of the Palm Jumeirah fireworks. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is a hotel in which people go to spend New Year’s Eve in style. It’s a place for those who are willing to spend a little more on their New Year’s festivities, with prices as high as 2,900 AED. The luxurious hotel has impeccable decor and will make for an unforgettable start to the new year.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 453 0000

The Palm Fireworks | © Sarah Ackerman/Flickr

5. Jumeirah Al Qasr

Hotel, Luxury

Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel’s Pierchic offers an extravagant dinner that will make any other New Year’s celebration seem like a mere night out. The five-course dinner ranges in price from 3,500 AED to 5,500 AED depending on the seating, and includes a free flow of champagne. Spending the night here is definitely the experience of a lifetime.

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