The Final Days of 2024: Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dubai
The countdown to 2025 has begun, and just like many of you, we at Time Out Dubai are gearing up for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. This past year has been a whirlwind of experiences, from discovering the finest dining spots to uncovering the latest happenings across the city.
If you’re looking for ideas: Check out our guide on where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai! As we take a break to celebrate, January 1 being a public holiday (what a relief!), we thought it would be fun to share a sneak peek into our NYE plans. If you need some last-minute inspiration or just want to satisfy your curiosity, dive into our diaries!
How Team Time Out Dubai is Ringing in the New Year
Emilie — Acting Editor
Where I’m spending NYE: Dubai is alive with rooftop parties, luxurious yacht experiences, and festive gatherings (hello, Global Village!), especially on New Year’s Eve. This year, I’m opting for a cozy yet exciting beach picnic with friends. If you’re considering an outdoor dinner, I’ll be at Kite Beach, complete with a charming alfresco setup for that perfect Instagram snapshot to bid farewell to 2024.
If I weren’t doing that, I’d recommend: The spectacular fireworks at Burj Khalifa. The city will be ablaze with light and color, but nothing can quite compare to the breathtaking display in front of the world’s tallest building. We’ve compiled all the essential details, including when to arrive for the dazzling laser show and what your tickets include for this magical night.
My New Year’s resolution: I’m determined to maintain my healthy habits into 2025 (I know, classic resolution!). Dubai boasts some incredible fitness facilities, and I’m eager to explore more in January and beyond. Peaq Wellness is next on my list for mastering cold-water plunges, and I’m excited to try out moonlight yoga at Jumeirah Al Qasr, which is currently offering monthly sessions.
Sian — Features Editor
Where I’m spending NYE: This year, a black-tie dinner feels like the perfect way to usher in 2025. I’ll be dressed to the nines at Emirates Golf Club, enjoying a fantastic evening filled with live music, an exquisite buffet, and its own fireworks display—what more could you ask for on New Year’s Eve?
Dhs1275 (bubbly), Dhs450 (kids aged four-12). Tue Dec 31, 8pm-1am. dubaigolf.com (04 4179999).
If I weren’t doing that, I’d recommend: Prime 52, the sister steakhouse to the award-winning Prime 68. They’re hosting a glittering night with a five-course menu featuring caviar crème fraiche, lobster baos, and wagyu ribeye, all paired with French bubbly while overlooking Palm Jumeirah for the fireworks. Sounds like a delightful evening to me!
Dhs1,295 (bubbly, Dubai Marina view), Dhs1,495 (bubbly, Palm Jumeirah view). Tue Dec 31, 8pm-1am. Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina, marriott.com (04 319 4000).
My New Year’s resolution: I’m *attempting* to take up running, so my goal for 2025 is to stick with it. I might explore some scenic routes once I find my pace (no marathons just yet!).
Findlay — News Editor
Where I’m spending NYE: As it’s my first year in Dubai, I’m going for the classic experience with the Burj Khalifa fireworks show. Dubai promises a bigger, bolder, and more dazzling display than anywhere else, with the show set against the backdrop of the world’s tallest building. I’m still deciding whether to join the official party or treat myself to the priciest Nando’s I’ve ever had!
From Dhs580 (adults), Dhs370 (kids over 5). Tuesday December 31. Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. mydubainewyear.emaar.com.
If I weren’t doing that, I’d recommend: Ushuaïa Dubai is hosting an incredible event featuring a massive humanoid robot and beats from the Italian DJ duo Mathame. This event is already a favorite in Ibiza and will be a special New Year’s Eve show in Dubai.
From Dhs195. Tue Dec 31. Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, Dubai Marina. dubai.platinumlist.net.
My New Year’s resolution: My perennial goal: to finally learn a new language this year, specifically Japanese. I’ve got all the apps ready (looking at you, Duolingo) and I’m hoping to find inspiration while indulging in Dubai’s best Japanese cuisine. By this time next year, I’m determined to be fluent!
Yousra Zaki — Group Food Editor
Where I’m spending NYE: I prefer a relaxed evening, especially on New Year’s Eve, so you’ll find me at Café Isan in JLT, enjoying the finest Thai dishes on a cozy terrace with (some) firework views and absolutely no minimum spend. The service is delightful, the owners are wonderful, and the ambiance is perfectly laid-back.
À la carte. Wed Dec 31, noon-midnight. Armada Avenue Hotel, JLT Cluster P, cafeisan.co (058 529 10030).
If I weren’t doing that, I’d recommend: Heading to the beach in Jumeirah to watch the fireworks. I’m an old-school Dubai kid, having celebrated New Year’s Eve here before the parties became as extravagant as they are today. I’d grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the evening wrapped up in a cozy hoodie while admiring the sky’s transformation.
My New Year’s resolution: To wear more of the beautiful clothes already in my closet.
Ashitha — Staff Writer (Partner Content)
Where I’m spending NYE: This will be my second year in the UAE and my first opportunity to experience New Year’s Eve here. I’m eager to witness the fireworks that everyone talks about during this time of year. I’ll be at Bluewaters Island with my husband, treating ourselves to a Crema dal 1947 ice cream from La Romana Dal, and waiting on the Bluewaters pedestrian bridge to see the sky (and sea) illuminate with color.
Tue Dec 31, Bluewaters. visitdubai.com
If I weren’t doing that, I’d recommend: For those who prefer to avoid the party atmosphere and the large crowds, I suggest celebrating the New Year inside the chic greenhouse ambiance of Eugène Eugène. If you haven’t visited this delightful French brasserie yet, this is your chance to savor an *incredible* duck leg confit surrounded by soft candlelight and lush greenery.
Choice between à la carte or a 3-course set menu (Dhs315). No minimum spend. Tue Dec 31 from 8pm till late. Kempinski Hotel, Al Barsha. eugeneugene.ae (04 379 8963).
My New Year’s resolution: I’m on a mission to reduce my Instagram time and dive back into books. This year, I aim to read 50!
Celebrating NYE in Dubai?
- Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Show: Everything you need to know about the fireworks and festivities.
- Planning New Year’s Day? Don’t miss out on Dubai’s best brunches to kick off 2025!
- New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Explore the best spots to celebrate and make the last night of the year unforgettable.
