New Year’s Eve is a magical time to welcome fresh beginnings, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in the UAE, where the skies light up with dazzling displays of fireworks. Whether you’re in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai or the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi, you’ll find unforgettable spots to welcome 2025 with spectacular fireworks shows.
From the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, where record-breaking firework displays meet synchronized LED displays, to the enchanting waterfront at Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers an array of breathtaking locations to bid farewell to the year. If you are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the UAE this year, look no further because this guide will help you discover the best places to enjoy the dazzling shows in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi
Here are the best locations to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche has eight kilometers of walkable waterfront between the soaring skyline and shimmering Gulf. Watch the Abu Dhabi Corniche fireworks from the 2023 MOTN Festival, Manar at Lulu Island or Corniche Beach to get the best views. For a more exhilarating celebration, you can also rent a jet ski and head out to sea.
Yas Island
Yas Island also offers plenty of fun year-round, and Yas Bay Waterfront is filled with funky rooftop lounges and a host of venues where you can enjoy New Year’s Eve fireworks. Head to Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina, Yas Beach or Manar at Samaliyah Island for the best views of the Yas Island fireworks show.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
You can also enjoy a range of events, popular performances and fireworks in Al Wathba as you celebrate New Year’s Eve in the UAE this year. Overnighters can watch the Sheikh Zayed Festival fireworks from the Camping Village or try the Heritage Village or Majlis area for the best views after exploring the festival.
Madinat Zayed Public Park
As one of Al Dhafra’s most celebrated public parks, this is the perfect place to warm up and enjoy one of the region’s finest fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. Grab a picnic blanket and camping chairs and find a cozy spot in the park ahead of the midnight display.
Al Hudayriyat Island
With cycling, padel and surfing facilities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy an action-packed New Year’s Eve in the UAE on Al Hudayriyat Island before settling down to watch the fireworks. Al Hudayriyat Island fireworks are best viewed while glamping at Bab Al Nojoum or picnicking on a beachfront.
Al Maryah Island
In Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, you’ll find an upmarket destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife not far from Abu Dhabi Corniche and next to Reem Island. Al Maryah Island’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are best viewed from five-star hotels, including Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, with many restaurants and lounges to explore.
Tal Moreeb
The iconic ‘Scary Mountain’ dune is another winter favorite for dune bashers and motorsports enthusiasts. This year’s Liwa Festival has plenty of festivities including the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks. To capture the best views of the show, head to all the main built-up areas around the Tal Moreeb dune, Liwa Festival, and Liwa Village.
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
The home of Al Ain FC is a significant landmark in Oasis City, with a facade inspired by the trunk of a palm tree. Al Ain residents and day trippers can head to the stadium for gorgeous views of the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium New Year’s Eve fireworks, where plenty of parking is available.
Mugheirah Bay Waterfront, Al Mirfa
Mugheirah Bay is home to a rich selection of retail, leisure and lifestyle experiences, all set upon the glistening Al Dhafra shoreline. Book a stay at one of Al Mirfa’s top resorts, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display. You can also escape the city among the area’s lush mangroves ahead of the coastal fireworks show.
Ghiyathi
If you are visiting the UAE, you can also enjoy New Year’s Eve fireworks in the quaint Ghiyathi, a small town in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, 12 miles from the coast. It’s an ideal stop-off to Madinat Zayed, Liwa Oasis or other parts of the Western Region. New Year’s revelers can enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays from the Tamm Center area.
Where to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Dubai
If you are in Dubai on New Year’s Eve, head to one of the following locations to celebrate:
Burj Khalifa
One of the most popular destinations globally to celebrate New Year’s Eve is Dubai’s famous Burj Khalifa. All eyes will be on Downtown Dubai’s spectacular pyrotechnics, light and laser extravaganza on December 31. Head to Dubai Mall to watch The Dubai Fountain’s spectacular light and water show as it builds up to a grand finale at midnight
If you’re celebrating as a family, consider spending the evening at Burj Park, located on a small island on Burj Lake with clear views of the fountain shows. Just as the final moments of 2024 unfold, more than 110 experts from 11 countries will present a nine-minute showcase – Beyond Dreams – with original music and dazzling displays of more than 200 state-of-the-art light beams.
Atlantis, The Palm
This landmark Dubai hotel always puts on quite a show on New Year’s Eve. Join in the festivities at Atlantis, The Palm by booking a table at one of the hotel’s restaurants and lounges. You can also enjoy a night of glamour at the highly-anticipated NYE gala dinner featuring a live performance by Lionel Richie. The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk nearby also offers numerous viewpoints for visitors to watch the fireworks displays light up the sky.
Global Village
A multicultural haven for people all over the world to enjoy, Global Village’s annual fireworks display is also another special affair. Every year on December 31, the attraction has multiple displays throughout the evening, ensuring the celebration of multiple time zones across the globe.
Al Seef
Looking for a celebratory spot with old-world charm in the UAE this New Year’s Eve? Head to Dubai’s heritage district of Al Seef, located by the historic waters of Dubai Creek. It presents a truly picturesque setting with traditional shows and centuries-old architecture. Take in stunning views of the fireworks from waterfront restaurants in the district.
Bluewaters Island
When the clock strikes 12 and the new year begins, all eyes will be on Bluewaters Island as it erupts into an explosion of colors. The three-minute show will complement The Beach at JBR’s firework display, giving people in the area double the awe and amazement at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
The Beach
Located just opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai Marina, The Beach is a sunny shoreside resort and the site of the city’s most vibrant fireworks displays. Spend New Year’s Eve on the sand or book a table at one of the hotspot’s restaurants before colorful fireworks light up the night skies of the UAE. You can also see the show from across the water aboard a marine taxi, which you can catch from Marina Mall Station.
