The countdown to the New Year and the annual midnight pyrotechnic displays are a day away. Downtown, Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, Global Village, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Sharjah Corniche have scheduled firework displays, and for the first time an illuminated LED show will wrap around the facade of the Burj Khalifa. Visitors are advised to start earlier than usual and take public transport. If you’d rather dance the night away in one of the UAE’s clubs or restaurants, here’s our pick of the parties.
Abu Dhabi
Aloft Abu Dhabi
‘80s party with special guest DJs, buffet includes sushi, tapas, international cuisine with unlimited beverages, 8pm-3am. Reservations at 02-6545138.
Al Maryah Island Promenade and Sowwah Square
New Year’s Eve with musical fireworks, street performers, musicians, illusionists and jugglers to entertain families throughout the night, with multiple dining options, and the Galleria open for the last shopping night of 2014. The celebrations will culminate with a midnight countdown and a fireworks show. Celebrations start at 6pm, with live televised broadcasts of the clock turning midnight in capital cities from time zones ahead of the UAE. Free entry.
NYE Cruise aboard Belevari catamaran.
Boarding time 10.15pm from the InterContinental Marina, Abu Dhabi. Entry Dh400 per person.
Reservations at 02-6431494 or email info@belevari.com.
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmad and Ibellini, warm-up by Frederick Stone, Jean B and Jixo & Danz. Tickets in advance, Dh450 for women and Dh600 for men including unlimited house beverages. Dh1,200 includes food and unlimited house beverages. Tickets available at platinumlist.net. Reservations at 056-1133400 or email reservation@bluemarlinibiza-uae.com.
Eight Abu Dhabi
Illumin-Eight: Let it Glow, bring out the glow sticks and fluorescent paints to ring in 2015 at this neon-themed New Year’s Eve. Women Dh200 and men Dh500, with an all-inclusive open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Reservations at 050-1446662 or email reservations@eightabudhabi.com.
O1NE Yas Island
White O1nederland, doors open at 9pm. Call 052-7888111.
People by Crystal Abu Dhabi
Yuri Omneari behind the decks. Open house beverage bar Dh350 for women and Dh500 for men. Table packages start from Dh2,500. Call 050-8269698.
Dubai
Meydan
#DXBNYE with Pharrell Williams, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Busta Rhymes, Paul Oakenfold, Charli XCX, Sky Blu and Seb Fontaine. The countdown celebration and red carpet will be hosted by Giuliana Rancic for E News, featuring all the artists and VVIP guests attending the event and broadcast globally on the E! channel. Doors open at 8pm. General admission Dh395 in advance, Dh495 at the door, party pit including five beverage coupons Dh1,495 in advance, Dh1,695 at the door, available at platinumlist.net. Call 050-8924112 or email reservations-dxb@outlook.com.
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Masterjam 2014 with music from artists of the ‘70s and ‘80s — The Jacksons, Nile Rodgers featuring Chic, Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Jocelyn Brown Music, Incognito and Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge — performing their greatest hits. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets available for Dh495 and Dh695 (free seating), at platinumlist.net.
Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel
Above & Beyond will play live with views of Dubai’s fireworks, warm-up by resident DJs Sasa Mendone and Kay Tek. Doors open at 5pm. Tickets at the door Dh400 for women and Dh600 for men with open regular bar. Sharing platters and open premium bar Dh1,050 per person. VIP packages Dh7,000 for a table of eight, Dh10,000 for a table of 10, VVIP is Dh15,000 for a table of 12. Reservations at 04-2771477 or 055-2771477.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, SZR
New Year’s Eve Party Tonite, a Bollywood party with DJ Aakrisht (Mumbai) playing Indi pop, Bhangra pop, hip hop, Bollywood and disco, includes buffet dinner and more. Tickets are Dh700 inclusive of two beverages, Dh1,200 per couple and Dh150 for children aged 3-10 years, free for children below 3 years with free baby sitting and free valet parking. VIP elevated lounge Dh10,000 for four adults and four children, includes buffet, one premium beverage bottle, one regular beverage bottle, silver service and gift vouchers. Doors open at 9.30pm. Reservations at 04-3373724 / 050-6549100 /055-8465959.
Cavalli Club, Fairmont
Imagine: A New Year’s Eve Tale, featuring performance by Busta Rhymes. Doors open at 9pm. Tickets Dh950 for women and Dh1,250 for men, includes open bar on select beverages. Reservations at 800 2282554 or 050-9910400.
Meydan Beach, JBR
Blue Carpet party and Secret Garden show from Bulgaria, entertaining crowds all night with costumes and dance shows. Music by DJs Pedram, Parham Loco, Dan, Biliana Yotovska, Mariana, Farhad B, Aidin Karami and Nevena Vodenecharska. Tickets Dh250 per person, available at Virgin Megastore outlets and Meydan Beach. Doors open from 8pm. Call 055-6125774.
The Irish Village
Live music from the MapleJacks and DJ Marky alongside food stations with festive specialities. Tickets Dh200 include food only. Call 04-2395000 or 04-2824750.
Pyramids Rooftop Gardens at Wafi
Dance through the Decades party with DJ Roni John’s musical tour showcasing the best from the last four decades. Standing tickets Dh295, includes three beverages from 9pm, seated Dh595, includes buffet and unlimited house beverages from 7.30pm to 1am, available from Pyramids main reception.
Reservations at 04-3244100.
Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa
Concert by Arab music stars Elissa and Tamer Hosny, reservations at 04-3995000/050-2474633/050-2475404.
N’dulge, Atlantis
Glow In The Dark New Year’s edition with DJ Wire (Example’s official DJ), Ollywood, Kung Foo Panda and Adam. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets Dh200, table packages in the dance arena from Dh2,000 and on the terrace from Dh3,000. For reservations, call Lisa on 055-1476034 or Kit on 050-7381388.
Atlantis Kids Club
NYE Pajama dance party at the Glow Stick Disco, watch the firework display on the beach at midnight. Doors open from 8.30pm to 12.30am. Dh250 per child. Bookings at 04-4261387 or email kidsclub@atlantisthepalm.com
Club Rush, Atlantis
Teens from 13 to 18 have a 2-for-1 Black and White party, no parents allowed. 9pm to 2am, with dance and karaoke competitions, firework display on the beach. Tickets Dh70 (2-for-1 offer). Book at 04-4261365 or email clubrush@atlantisthepalm.com
Sky Bubble, The Meydan Hotel
New Year in the sky with a DJ before the midnight countdown on the 7th floor deck overlooking the fireworks display from the Dubai skyline.
Dh895, includes a welcome drink, house beverages, and an international buffet. Call 04-3813333.
Intercontinental Dubai Festival City
NYE 2015 countdown with Nancy Ajram and Melhem Zain. Seated dinner, doors open at 8pm. Tickets Dh1,500, Dh2,500, Dh3,500 and Dh6,000. Reservations at 055-3388420/055-3388430/055-3389910
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Glow Twenty 15 at Godolphin Ballroom with five International artists: Arjun, Jazz Dhami, Raftaar, Nindy Kaur and Manj from Manj Musik. Warm-up by DJs Zubair, Shadow, Knox Artist, Akansha, Tushar, Hani, Nitesh and Buddha. Tickets Dh275 for singles and Dh475 for couples. Reservations at 800 GTCP (4827)/050-600083/052-7222605.
Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
New Year’s Eve garden gala with the Gipsy Kings featuring Max Baliardo, an electric carnival-style atmosphere on the lawns, gala buffet and seafood bar paired with selected premium beverages flowing throughout the night. Entertainment includes an acrobatic show, DJ, band, magicians and walk-around entertainers in the dedicated children’s area. Dh3,300 per adult and Dh1,650 for children between 6-12 years of age. Call 04-4442000 or email reservations.thepalm@kempinski.com.
Zero Gravity
Electro giants Groove Armada and house DJ Hot Since 82, dancers and support acts. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets Dh350 in advance and Dh400 on the door. VIP tickets Dh1,499 and include exclusive use of the upper deck, plus unlimited fine dining food options and premium beverages for seven hours and a complimentary premium beverage at midnight. Tickets available at platinumlist.net and virginmegastore.me. Call 04-3990009, 055-5009111 or visit 0-gravity.ae.
Cirque Le Soir, Fairmont Hotel
Clockwork Orange Vandalism extravaganza: riots, rebellion and vandals rule the night. Special guests Chris Willis and Les Twins. Dh200 for women and Dh300 for men including, two beverages. Reservations at 050-9955400 or email reservations@cirquelesoirdubai.com
Mahiki Dubai
Polynesian menu and festive treasure chest for those booking tables, minimum spend applies. No entry fee but prior booking mandatory. Doors open at 7pm. Call 04-3807731.
Pacha Ibiza Dubai
Open bar and hors d’oeuvres from 7pm to 12am, with a surprise at midnight. Main and red room access Dh800 for women and Dh1,000 for men, all access Dh1,300 for women and Dh1,500 for men. Bespoke table packages also available. Call 04-5670000 or email reservations@pacha.ae.
O2 Nightclub
Music from Chuck Love (Minneapolis, USA). Doors open at 8pm. Tickets Dh1,200 per person inclusive of open food and regular bar, for couples Dh1,900, Table packages from Dh10,000, including four bottles of select beverages, six VIP entry tickets, and open food menu. Extra people on the table will be charged Dh1,200. Reservations at 056-2717273.
Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City
Entertainment throughout the night from regional break-dancers, The Explosions and DJ Mark Lloyd. Children and teens over 10 years old are welcome. Adults Dh395 including set menu, welcome and midnight beverages. Children aged 10-20, Dh250 including set menu and unlimited soft beverages. Bar area Dh200 including welcome and midnight beverage. Reservations required at 04-2328900.
The Act Dubai, Shangri-La Hotel
Weird and wonderful international performers take to the stage throughout a night of 70s disco, funk and rock’n’roll music, and a five-course meal, plus views of the fireworks from the 42nd floor. Dh1,000 per person minimum spend. Reservations at 04-3551116 or reservations@theactdubai.com
Cle DIFC
The Cle Eyes Wide Shut NYE Masquerade party with views of the fireworks. Entertainment by Cirque Eloize and music by DJ Maga, Taya and Danny, hosted by Alex Mir, Amir and Jessica. Advance packages at Dh750 with house beverages, Dh995 for premium package. On the door before midnight, Dh1,250, after midnight Dh800 including unlimited beverages and select canapes. Reservations at 04-3525150/050-1428363 or email reservations@cle-dubai.com.
El Sur, The Westin
DJ Marc Marshall, performance by vocalist Jazzy and views of fireworks on the Palm Jumeirah. Dh595 for food and soft beverages, Dh795 with food and house beverages, Dh995 with food and premium beverages. Call 04-3997700/050-9449440.
White Dubai, Meydan
Blackout New Year’s Eve, single entries at the bar Dh700 per person includes open regular bar, Dh1,200 per person for high tables, includes open premium bar, Dh1,800 per person for lounge includes premium bar, Dh2,400 per person for VVIP table includes ultra-premium bar, and Dh3,000 per person for platinum tables includes ultra-premium bar. All packages include open sushi counter. Doors open at 10pm. For reservations, call 050-4430933 or email reservations@whitedubai.com
Grand Excelsior Hotel, Bur Dubai
Desi Thriller NYE 2015 at Amnesia Underground with Signature (Britain’s Got Talent), DJ Baggio, and more live acts and performances. Tickets Dh300 with unlimited beverages, table packages Dh3,000 including six entrance tickets. Doors open at 9pm. Reservation at 050-6750816/050-1152544.
The Dekon8, Media One Hotel
New Year’s Eve Dekadance, an all-inclusive party at the poolside nightspot. Music by DJs Tim Cheddar and Soul Ninja. Tickets Dh395 include free-flowing house beverages until 11.45pm. Doors open at 9pm. Call 055-1441549
Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence
Speakeasy Bar’s Black and White New Year’s Eve theme party with live entertainment and DJ. Tickets Dh450, inclusive of house beverages and canapes.
NYE at Sama Lounge, with an international DJ playing oriental and international music, show dancers performing Egyptian dances, butterfly and belly-dancing. Dinner buffet with open bar, on the terrace with a view of The Palm Jumeirah. Dh950 for regular seating and Dh1,150 for premium seating. Call 04-4398888.
Coya Dubai, Four Seasons Resort
Enjoy the view of Burj Khalifa fireworks while a DJ sets a celebratory mood for the outlet’s first New Year in Dubai. Call 04-3169600.
Provocateur Dubai, Four Seasons Resort
DJ Sander Kleinenberg performs his mix of quirky disco, Detroit techno, straight up soul and serene funkiness, 10pm onwards. Reservations on reservations@provocateurdubai.com or call 055-211 8222/04-3438411.
sPin Dubai
9000 AD NYE Futuristic night with special effect laser force fields, neon visions, robotic pole dancers and a, futuristic fashion show. DJs Dany Neville, VDJ Mo Tiger, SmokinGroove playing R&B, urban, glamour house, EDM and more. Dh250 at the door, Dh750 with premium beverage open bar, VIP tables Dh1,600 for six people. Call 050-8996395/055-8386393
XL Beach Dubai, Habtoor Grand Hotel
DJ and producer Alex Kenji’s house tech music beats, warm-up by DJs Jojo and Jam with live entertainment. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets Dh450, includes buffet dinner. Call 056-6406161.
Movida, Radisson Royal Hotel
New Year Midnight Madness, fun, exclusive environment and surprises guaranteed until 4am. Free entrance, guestlist required, mixed groups or couples only. Call 055-1744449 or email list@movida-dubai.com.
Bapas Restaurant & Lounge, The H Hotel
The Voice of Poland finalist Natalia Bajak performs, set menu and a complimentary beverage bottle per couple and a beverage on arrival, Dh550 per person. Reservations at 04-3858881.
Movenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Live entertainment including go-go dancers, LED show, band and a saxophone player.
Doors open at 8pm. Dh500 per person including selected beverages or book a private booth for up to twelve friends with unlimited beverages, nibbles and two bottles of French beverage at midnight for Dh7,000. Reservations at 04-4380000.
Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Mosaic Pool & Lounge with DJs Tanya Vie, Amel and Jeff Maximum, Burj Khalifa fireworks view. Dh2,000 with open bar and dinner, VVIP Dh2,500. Doors open at 9pm. Reservations at 050-8228383.
Q43, Media City
Welcome the new year 43 floors up with views of all the fireworks over The Palm, Burj Al Arab and the rest of Dubai, guest DJ Carita la Nina (Netherlands).
Packages starting at Dh950 per person include unlimited premium drinks and a continuous flow of sushi and tapas from 9pm-2am. Reservations at 04-4435403 or email info@q43dubai.com.
Caramel, DIFC
Minimum spends Dh150 at the bar, Dh300 dining and Dh450 at the VIP Cabana. Reservations at 04-4256677.
VIP Room, JW Marriott Marquis
007 NYE: Mission to join and celebrate this NYE 2015 with secret agents, mystery women and international spies. Reservations and guestlist only at 052-8818888 or email guestlist@viproom-dubai.com.
Avenue Hotel
49ers Masquerade Rush 2015 featuring The Crossroad Band. Doors open at 8pm. Entry Dh75 inclusive of a beverage or Dh799 (advance) includes entry for two, beverage bottle and starters. Call 052-9023250.
Atelier M, Pier 7, Dubai Marina
Diamond NYE featuring DJs Pedram, Farhad and Shero.
Tickets Dh300 for children, Dh650 indoors food only and Dh850 food only on the terrace, Dh900 (indoor) Dh1,200 (terrace), open bar at the lounge, Dh500 for women and Dh700 for men, tables start from Dh3,000 for five persons. Bookings at 052-8611250 or yasmine@atelierm.ae.
Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club
Live DJ and band, international buffet, Dh299 with soft beverages, Dh499 inclusive of unlimited house beverages and Dh1,199 for couples includes a bottle of premium beverage. Children 6-12 pay half price, children below six years enter free. Call 07-2432274.
Ajman
The Ajman Palace Hotel
Entertainment from a five-piece band and DJ. International buffet including live cooking stations and seafood spread. Dh650 per person, children below 6 years dine free and those between 6 and 12 years get a 50 per cent discount. Doors open at 8.45pm. Reservations at 06-701 8888.
