Kickoff in style

Haven't planned anything for New Year's Eve? Don't fret, it
isn't too late yet! There's still time to plan something special for the festivities. We pick out some of the best places where you can celebrate the stroke of midnight.

Shakira in action
Usher in the New Year in style, swaying to the hypnotic voice of Shakira. Her eclectic collection will set the mood for celebrations at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. A special party arena, 'La Rumba', will be set up to include some of UAE's popular DJs.

• Cost: From Dh295 to Dh1,500
• Time: 6pm – 4am
• Contact: www.box-office.me.com

NEW YEARS' EVE

Players Lounge
Enjoy the season of indulgence at The Country Club Hotel's New Year's Eve gala dinner party. The party is open exclusively to the club members. So if you are not one, get yourself registered and head to the party!

• Cost: Dh120 to Dh475
• Contact: 043988840

Rostang – The French Brasserie
Celebrate the season in true Parisian style at The Atlantis, The Palm's French restaurant. Usher in the New Year with a set menu of Parisian favourites and live entertainment. Enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace; experience the traditional bistro dining room and the raw bar serving a selection of seafood, including various shellfish. Live entertainment will add to the authentic French atmosphere.

• Cost: Dh2,750 (per person, inclusive of a welcome cocktail)
• Contact: 044262626 or e-mail festive@atlantisthepalm.com

JW's Steakhouse
Indulge in the fantastic New Year set menus at JW Marriott Dubai's sizzling eatery.

• Cost: Packages start from Dh389 (per person)
• Contact: 046077977 / 7009 / 7588 or log on to www.marriottdiningatjw.ae

Counter Culture
This New York-styled deli at The Harbour Hotel and Residence will cook up a special festive menu. Usher in the New Year with a delightful evening of scrumptious food, live two-piece band and a DJ to keep the music flowing. Create your own dining experience by choosing from any of the various counters and simply pay for whatever suits your tastebuds. Spectacular fireworks will light up the Arabian Gulf at midnight. And children can enjoy their own games under the supervision of in-house nannies.

• Cost: Dh175 for cold counter, Dh225 for hot counter, Dh275 for oyster and lobster counter, Dh100 for dessert and ice-cream counter, Dh400 for selected beverages, Dh1,000 for all of the above
• Contact: 04 3194000

Bamboo Lagoon
Celebrate at JW Marriott's captivating restaurant. Feast on Far Eastern cuisine – Indonesian Fried Rice, Thai Mango Salad, Sushi and Mongolian BBQ station.

• Cost: Dh789 (per person with house beverages), Dh989 (per person, with a bottle of bubbly), Dh289 (for children aged 4 to 14 years)
• Time: 8pm to midnight
• Contact: 046077977/7009/7588 or log on to www.marriottdiningatjw.ae

Club Terrace and Poolside
Welcome the New Year in a relaxed elegant setting at The Lake. There's loads of fun activities for the little ones and a DJ to get everyone in the party mood.

• Cost: Dh750 (per person, including house beverages), Dh 300 per child (aged between 4 and 12 years)
• Time: 8pm – 2am
• Contact: 043673078

Zaitoun restaurant
Celebrate the New Year in style and treat your loved one to a delicious 3-course meal in the Danat Hotel and Resorts' exceptional signature restaurant.

• Cost: Dh600 (per couple, includes house beverage)
• Contact: 043901630

Sails Restaurant
Welcome the New Year with a dazzling atmosphere, delectable seafood and live entertainment at The Renaissance Dubai Hotel.

• Cost: Dh439 (includes soft beverages), Dh569 (includes select beverages), Dh679 (includes select beverages)
• Time: 8pm onwards
• Contact: 042625555

Hilton Dubai Creek
Here's a customised New Year party made exclusively for you. Everything from the food to the beverages to the décor, the entire party is planned keeping your taste in mind. And all this set with the panoramic Dubai skyline as the backdrop.

• Cost: Dh2,000 (per person, based on a minimum booking of 20 people)
• Contact: 042127550

Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa
Indulge in an extensive selection of delicious appetizers, season roasts and decadent sweets at the spectacular three-dome marquee. Sultry soul jazz and classic dance hits by musicians plus a special live performance by magician Phil Fenton will leave you entertained.

• Cost: Dh2,008 (per person, all inclusive)
• Contact: 0488836000

The Terrace restaurant
Celebrate the New Year in grandeur with family and friends at The Sheraton Deira Hotel. Embark on a culinary journey at the gala dinner buffet.

• Cost: Dh349 (per person, including a glass of beverage)
• Time: 7.30pm
• Contact: 046068615

The Irish Village
Truly festive with buffet dinner, dance and midnight fireworks.

• Cost: Dh250 (if paid before December 25), Dh300 (if paid after December 26)
• Contact: 042824122

The Aviation Club
A festive buffet dinner, a dance party, midnight fireworks and traditional English breakfast will be the perfect way to celebrate the New Year.

• Cost: Dh950 (per person)
• Contact: 042824122

Esca Restaurant
Relish traditional grilled lobster, juicy lamb chops, tender baby chicken at the Qamardeen Hotel.

• Cost: Dh185 (inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages), Dh255 (inclusive of house beverages)
• Contact: 044285923 or e-mail cherylq@southernsun.ae
  Keva

From Sushi to BBQ grills, savour the fantastic Euro-Asian cuisine. Usher in the New Year with DJ Josh's tunes.

• Cost: Dh500 (per couple, for food and entry only)
• Time: 8pm
• Contact: 043344159

Seafire
Connoisseurs of fine meats will want to indulge in Seafire, The Atlantis' New York-style steakhouse, offering succulent meat cuts.

• Cost: Dh2,750 (per person, including a welcome drink)
• Contact: 044262626 or e-mail festive@atlantisthepalm.com

The Observatory
Celebrate at the 52nd floor gastro-lounge restaurant at The Harbour Hotel and Residence. Savour a delicious meal in one of the intimate booths from a menu of international classics. It will be a night of world-class dining where the Dubai skyline will be transformed into a glowing panorama of fireworks. Shake a leg to the tunes of the hotel DJ.

• Cost: Dh2,500 (per person, including selected beverages)
• Contact: 043194000

Bateaux Dubai
Cruise into 2009. Bring in the New Year in style at the black tie event. The exclusive six-course menu on the city's most popular waterways is sure to keep you smiling.

• Cost: Dh1,200 (per person or 10 per cent discount on groups of 10 people and more)
• Contact: 043994994

Tides restaurant
Count down to the New Year and share a delicious buffet with family and friends at The Danat Hotel and Resorts.

• Cost: Dh300 (plus 16 per cent service charge)
• Contact: 043901630

Conservatory restaurant
Embark on a gastronomic journey at Al Manzil Hotel with home cured salmon and citrus beef salad with asparagus.

• Cost: Dh185 (inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages), Dh255 (inclusive of house beverages)
• Contact: 044285923 or e-mail cherylq@southernsun.ae

Sofra bld
Enjoy a gastronomic journey with the all-day dining restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel. After dinner, there will be an exclusive party by the poolside with an impressive display of pyrotechnics at midnight.

• Cost: Dh1,300 (per person)
• Contact: 025098888

Al Diar Siji
Celebrate the festivities with a scrumptious selection of outstanding festive food – roast beef and other tender meat delicacies. The hotel's resident band Honey Lemon, Maze Duo and Russian dance group Vernisage will make your night equally lively and entertaining.

• Cost: Dinner is Dh450 (inclusive of a bottle of beverage and raffle draws)
• Contact: 092232000

Boardwalk
At The Dubai Creek Club, you can order from an a la carte menu till 4pm and then the entire Boardwalk will be set for dinner with a 4-course New Year's Eve set menu.

• Cost: Dh450 (excluding beverages), Dh690 (inclusive of select beverages)
• Time: 8pm onwards
• Contact: 042956000

Al Zawraa Ballroom
Wine and dine in absolute style with a magnificent buffet at the Kempinski Hotels. This journey in taste and indulgence featuring specialties from across the globe is sure to be a dream for every culinary connoisseur. The black-and-white theme event will whizz you to a bygone era.

• Cost: Dh1,500 (per person, inclusive of cocktail reception, lavish buffet, unlimited selected beverages, spectacular midnight firework display on the beach, entertainment and live performance by musical group Star)
• Time: 8pm to 3am
• Contact: 067145582

Hatta Fort Hotel
Dance your way into 2009 at the majestic Hajar Mountains. Pamper yourself to gifts, a bubbly gala dinner with unlimited house beverages, an overnight stay at a deluxe chalet-style room and a New Year's Day bubbly breakfast.

• Cost: Dh5,150 (all inclusive)
• Contact: 048523211

La Brasserie
Delight your appetite with a seafood dinner buffet on New Year's Eve at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi.

• Cost: Dh650
• Time: 7pm
• Contact: 026446666

Trateur Restaurant
Spoil yourself with our gourmet festive set menus and spend an unforgettable New Year's Eve in the stylish settings of the Park Hyatt. Our guest DJ will spin some cool lounge music.

• Cost: Dh1,200 (per person)
• Time: 8pm to 3am
• Contact: 046021804 or e-mail Jeanette.Bulaqui@hyatt.com

Aquarium
Enjoy a six-course New Year's Eve set menu at The Dubai Creek Club.

• Cost: Dh480 (excluding beverages), Dh720 (inclusive of select beverages)
• Time: 8pm
• Contact: 042956000

Evening under the Stars
Welcome 2009 in style. Enjoy a delectable dinner of international cuisine at the waterscape of The Royal Towers. Soak in the stunning Palm Jumeirah and dance the night away under the stars. Fireworks display along the white sandy beach will be the perfect way to ring in the New Year.

• Cost: Dh2,750 (per person inclusive of select beverages)
  
  Contact: 044262626 or e-mail festive@atlantisthepalm.com

Ranches Restaurant
An array of the finest food and late night dancing are the essential ingredients to welcome the New Year in 'Bond' style. The evening at The Arabian Ranches Golf Club begins with welcome drinks in the lobby, followed by a gala buffet and dancing until the wee hours.

• Cost: Dh750 (per person, including house beverages), Admission only to children over 14 years.
• Time: 7.30pm – 2am
• Dress code: Black Tie
• Contact: 043663000

Legends
Indulge in an seven-course New Year's Eve set menu at The Dubai Creek Club's restaurant.

• Cost: Dh520 (excluding beverages), Dh760 (inclusive of select beverages)
• Time: 8pm
• Contact: 042956000

Qd's
Enjoy a New Year's Eve oasis buffet followed by after-midnight snacks at the The Dubai Creek Club's restaurant.

• Cost: Dh520 (includes entrance, food and select beverages all evening)
• Time: 8.30pm
• Contact: 042956000

Banqueting Baynoona Ballroom
Experience true glamour and party all night. Bring in the New Year with live entertainment from our resident DJ and win exciting prizes at The Danat Hotel and Resorts.

• Cost: Dh600 (per person; inclusive of unlimited select beverages). Over 21s only, smart dress code
• Contact: 043901630

Pierre Gangnaire's restaurant
Sculptured art cuisine will have your taste buds partying up a storm. And with an atmosphere to boost and masterful service, you have the perfect ingredients to make this your most memorable New Year ever.

• Cost: Dh2,009 (per person, includes select beverages)
• Contact: 047011127/8

Mediterranean sunshine
Dishes of fresh fish, grilled meats, healthy salads and vegetables, combine to create classic cuisine of great flavour at The Harbour Hotel and Residence. Dine indoors or on the spacious terrace overlooking the Dubai Marina. Check out a range of live cooking stations for oysters, seafood, foie gras, salads and sweets. And dance the night away around the pool and under the stars before the New Year countdown begins.

• Cost: Dh2,000 per person
• Contact: 043194000

Aquara Restaurant
Join the crowd at the stunning Dubai Marina Yacht Club and welcome 2009 to the rhythm of jazz. Set the mood on the Aquara terrace that overlooks the Dubai Marina followed by an opulent six-course dinner including foie gras, Dover sole and Wagyu beef.

• Cost: Dh1,495 (per person, including specially selected beverages)
• Time: 7.30pm – 1am
• Contact: 043627900

Aqua Viva Terrace
A mouth-watering buffet, live entertainment and a sky lit with fireworks are all you need to celebrate one of the greatest nights of the year! Share the evening with friends and family in the most spectacular settings and make this a memorable start to the New Year at The Montgomerie Dubai.

• Cost: Dh960 (per person, including house beverages)
• Time: 7pm
• Contact: 043905600

Vista Rooftop Restaurant
Enjoy Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb and Grilled Fillet of Beef at this five-course dinner, along with unlimited beverages at The Holiday Inn Express.

• Cost: Dh565 (per person)
• Time: 8pm to 12.30am
• Contact: 044275500

Palmermo Terrace and Courtyard
Celebrate the New Year in the 'Las Vegas' style, with an exclusive gala dinner on the Terrace under a moonlit sky. Enjoy a delectable international dinner buffet, with chefs displaying their skills. And dance the night away to a live cabaret band and DJ at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club.

• Cost: Dh750 (per person. including house beverages). Admission only to adults and children aged over 14 years.
• Time: 7.30pm – 2am
• Contact: 043618111

Al Dhiyafa restaurant
Dance the night away to the beats of the UK's Jacksfield Duo band and DJ Johnny at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa. Enjoy an opulent international buffet dinner, a welcome drink and house beverages at midnight.

• Cost: Dh1,600 (per adult), Dh650 (per child, aged between 4 and 12 years)
• Time: 7pm to 3am
• Contact: 043995000

Ossiano
The Catalan inspired restaurant by Chef Santi Santamaria at The Atlantis, The Palm, boasts of mesmerising underwater views of the Ambassador Lagoon. A set menu of signature Catalan-inspired cuisine will set the mood for an unforgettable dining experience.

• Cost: Dh3,750 (per person, with a glass of beverage)
• Contact: 044262626 or e-mail festive@atlantisthepalm.com

NEW YEAR'S DAY

Dubai Marina Yacht Club
A mouth-watering buffet at Dubai's elite yacht club, brimming with an array of finest seafood and culinary delights.

• Cost: Dh250 (per person, including soft drinks)
• Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
• Contact: 043627900

Cucina and Pine Grill
Kick-start 2009 with a special brunch organised at The Courtyard by the Marriott Dubai Green Community. Avail of a special 50 per cent discount if you have gorged on the New Year's Eve dinner at the hotel.

• Cost: Dh250 (including soft drinks, tea and coffee), Dh350 (including unlimited house beverages), Dh149 (for kids aged between 6 and 12 years)
• Time: Noon to 4pm
• Contact: 048852222 or log on to www.marriottdiningatcy.ae

The Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Get together with friends and family on New Year's day. While adults enjoy a selection of international cuisine from the buffet, children can watch their favourite movies and munch on popcorn and candy.

• Cost: Dh195 per person, Children aged 4–12 years charged half price (includes entertainment, popcorn, soft drinks and snacks)
• Time: Noon – 3pm
• Contact: 043663000

Nineteen
With breathtaking views over the lake and golf course, The Montgomerie is a sophisticated venue for New Year's day brunch. Diners are invited to select from an array of Chef's fusion favourites with starters and desserts served buffet and main courses chosen à la carte.

• Cost: Dh220 (per person, including fresh juices and soft drinks), Dh365 (per person, including select house beverages)
• Time: 12noon – 3pm
• Contact: 04395600