Dubai is one of the most popular holiday destinations for lovers of luxury. If during the year it is a favoured destination for all things business, sporting events and high society, it is even more so on New Year's Eve. Indeed, on this special day, the city has numerous events in store for its guests, ranging from private (and other) parties in Dubai's most fashionable clubs to beach parties. Wherever you are, you can admire the splendid fireworks over the gulf at the stroke of midnight. If you don't have plans yet, drop in, but remember that alcohol is not allowed in this city and the age of majority is 21.
Plan New Year's Eve in Dubai: flight+hotel deals and tours
To organise your trip to Dubai you can take advantage of numerous packages, especially during the New Year's period. The city is served by an international airport that connects it to the world's major airports. Ticket prices are a bit expensive, ranging from an economy base of around €600.00. As far as accommodation is concerned, the city has plenty of hotels that are easily accessible by public transport. The richest area is undoubtedly the coast, but it is also the most expensive with its extra-luxury facilities.
New Year Offers in Dubai: Flight + 4 nights in a hotel
Cheap flights: from €570.00 - see offers
Where to stay: 4 nights in Dubai from €400.00 per room - look at the offers
Flight + hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days from €900.00 per person - look at the offer
The unmissable tours and activities
What to do on New Year's Eve: programme and events
On New Year's Eve Dubai becomes a real party. The most eagerly awaited event is the magnificent fireworks over the Persian Gulf, which are clearly visible from every corner of the city.
This is why the clubs in the city's many skyscrapers offer dinners and parties until the stroke of 1 January. For after-dinner entertainment, there is no shortage of nightclubs open until 5am.
SEE ALSO: The world's most beautiful fireworks on New Year's Eve
1 - New Year's Eve in Downtown Dubai
This is one of the most famous districts in Dubai, and one of the newest. Located north of the Business Bay, Downtown encompasses some of the city's most important buildings, such as the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the Dubai Fountain. The area is quite vast as it covers about 2 square kilometres. Reaching it is easy: the area is served by stop No. 25 (Burj Khalifa - Dubai Mall) of the city underground. The scenic effect of the fireworks around the world's tallest skyscraper is nothing short of spectacular...
2 - New Year's Eve in Bastakiya
Bastakiya is the historical part of Dubai, made up of fishermen and pearl hunters. The Persian influence is evident here: the neighbourhood is made up of narrow streets and buildings characterised by barjeel architecture. In this part of the city you will find many typical bars, far from the glitz of the coastal area, but no less fun and fascinating. To get there, take the metro to the Al-Fahidi stop and continue on foot or on the C07 bus.
3 - New Year's Eve in Dubai Marina
More than a neighbourhood, it's an actual city overlooking the Persian Gulf. You can celebrate New Year's Eve on its waterfront, which is lined with shops and shaded by palm trees. There is also a popular public beach here, which comes alive with dozens of beach parties on New Year's Eve. The place is also great for watching the fireworks. To get there you can take the metro to the Nakheel stop.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Dubai
4 - New Year's cruise with fireworks display
Imagine sailing into Dubai's marina, passing by Atlantis the Palm, stopping in front of the Burj al Arab (the exclusive sailing hotel) and watching the fireworks directly from the sea... not bad, eh?
In Dubai you can book your place for a ride in a comfortable speedboat (max 20 seats) and take a scenic tour and then enjoy the fireworks from a privileged perspective. A spectacular way to experience a New Year's Eve to tell everyone about! For more info: New Year's Eve cruise with fireworks display
5 - New Year's Eve on the beach
Strange, huh? But we're on the Persian Gulf, the temperatures here are very pleasant at this time of year, so it's not strange to think of spending New Year's Eve on the beach, even in a swimming costume! We can assure you that you won't be the only one... in fact, don't go too late if you want the best spots to see the fireworks or organise a picnic!
The recommended area is either Jumeirah Free Beach or La Mer Beach, between Pearl Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bay.
6 - Gala Dinner at Atlantis the Palm with concert
Here we are in the realm of the exclusive, the top of the top... the Atlantis the Palm, that mega structure on the artificial island, organises a killer New Year's Eve! A gala dinner with Dom Perignon, a personalised box of caviar and a white truffle service, and a concert by Kyle Minogue accompanied by a live band of 30 musicians! The price? Eh, that's top of the top too: complete package from €2,200 per person, but don't panic, the under-14s pay 'only' €1700! More info on the official website.
7 - Bedouin New Year's Eve in the desert
Certainly a unique experience, out of the hustle and bustle of downtown areas, light years away from dinners in five-star hotels or starred restaurants. The Platinum Heritage agency offers the possibility of booking an incredible experience, a 4x4 safari among endemic animals such as oryx, gazelles, up to the Bedouin camp to spend New Year's Eve under the starry sky. There are live shows, fireworks, falconry displays and much more.
8 - Dinner and evening at one of the world's chicest restaurants
All the greatest chefs and restaurant chains have their headquarters here, in the capital of luxury. If you don't know where to start, head to the Dubai International Financial District (DIFC), one of the most exclusive areas, where you will find some of the city's best restaurants such as Zuma, Clap, Amazonico, Gaia and The Artisan.
If you're looking for a little more 'caciara', head to the Dubai Festival City Mall, where some of the best-known chains, including Eataly, congregate. For something multi-ethnic, opt for the Global Village, with cuisine from around the world and live music and shows all night long. Finally, for a breathtaking view of the fireworks, the Al Seef area is full of restaurants on the water!
The best places for young people, clubs and discos for New Year's Eve
Dream at Address Beach Resort, a sophisticated spot with sea views, chillout entertainment and live music. Beach Resort, JBR - Get directions
Papillon, a formal adults-only venue in the Dubai Marina area. The Westin - Dubai Mina Seyahi - Dubai - Get directions
Billionaire Dubai, an upscale dining and entertainment venue. Taj Hotel - Burj Khalifa Blvd - Business Bay - Get directions
Treehouse at Business Bay, a spectacular Mediterranean rooftop in the heart of Business Bay - Get directions
Soho Garden at Meydan, an elegant venue with fine dining, relaxation and entertainment - Get directions
Zero Gravity, is a nightclub, beach bar and pool bar, one of the coolest locations in Dubai - Get directions
Penthouse, the rooftop lounge and nightclub at Palm Jumeirah - Get directions
Barasti Bar at Le Meridien, inside the beach resort, is perfect for a New Year's Eve on the beach. Get directions
WHITE Dubai, one of the city's most beautiful rooftops, on the rooftop of the Meydan Grandstand racecourse - Get directions
40 Kong at H Hotel, restaurant and rooftop bar on the 40th floor of H Hotel - Get directions
Iris Dubai, large outdoor lounge area with skyline views. Features DJ sets, live music and fusion cuisine - Get directions
Mercury Lounge at Four SeasonsResort Jumeirah Beach, is the rooftop of the Four Seasons, right on Jumeirah Beach overlooking the Persian Gulf - Get directions
Armani club - disco: Burj Khalifa - Get directions
Creek - restaurant and nightclub: Al Khaleej Rd - Get directions
360° - restaurant and nightclub: Jumeirah Beach Hotel - Get directions
Climate and useful info
Climate: fairly mild, especially during the New Year period. Temperatures range from a low of 18° to a high of 26°. You can even sunbathe on the beach
Getting there: Dubai International Airport is only 4 km from the centre. Served by direct flights (6 hours) or with a stopover (about 10 hours).
Getting around: the best way to getaround is by taxi, due to the rather cheap fares (about €3.00 every 15 minutes). The metro is quite convenient although definitely crowded. There are also two city bus lines and a monorail. We do not recommend moving around on foot, as there are many difficult roads to cross - more info on getting around Dubai
Useful passes and cards: we recommend the purchase of the Dubai Explorer Pass, a card that allows you to save over 55% on the cost of admission to 3, 4, 5 or 7 Dubai attractions
Local currency: Emirati dirham (1 euro=4.6 dirham)
Time zone: GMT+4 (+2h compared to Italy)
Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of at least 6 months, tourist visa and compulsory health insurance
Average cost of New Year's Eve dinner: about €200.00 (about 750 dirhams) per person for a good restaurant
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