Top 13 New Year’s Eve concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli, and more

Dubai: If your New Year’s Eve plans are still up in the air, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Expect stellar performances from global superstars like Lionel Richie and Andrea Bocelli, alongside Arabic pop icons Najwa Karam and Mohamed Hamaki, bringing soulful melodies to the night. For the dancefloor enthusiasts, DJ heavyweights like Roger Sanchez and Nervo are ready to spin tracks that will keep the party alive until dawn.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best New Year’s Eve events across the Emirates:

Who: Lionel Richie

Where: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Packages: Dh6500 and above

Lionel Richie, the legendary hitmaker behind classics like Hello and All Night Long, is set to headline Atlantis, The Palm’s New Year’s Eve Under the Stars Gala. The event, themed around the magic of Broadway, will feature Richie’s signature soulful performance alongside theatrical acts and live music, all against the glittering Dubai skyline.

Who: Andrea Bocelli

Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

Packages: Dh4500 and above

World renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, on New Year’s Eve, offering guests a chance to hear his renowned repertoire in an open-air setting. With the Arabian Gulf as a backdrop, Bocelli will present classics such as Con te partirò, The Prayer, and Vivo per lei. Recognised as one of the most accomplished tenors of his generation, Bocelli’s career includes six Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and millions of albums sold worldwide. His ability to connect with audiences across genres has made his work universally admired.

Who: George Wassouf, Najwa Karam, and Marwan Khoury

Where: Intercontinental, Abu Dhabi

Packages: Dh550 and above

Arabic music legends George Wassouf, Najwa Karam, and Marwan Khoury will headline a special New Year’s Eve concert in the UAE capital. George Wassouf, famously known as the “Sultan of Tarab,” has captivated audiences for decades with his rich voice and emotional performances. His hits like Kalem El Nass and Ghebt Itwalaet remain staples of Arabic music. Najwa Karam, often called the “Sun of Lebanese Song,” is celebrated for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. With an extensive career spanning decades, Karam’s hits like Shou Hal Hala and Ma Fi Noum have made her one of the region’s most beloved performers. Marwan Khoury, a renowned singer, songwriter, and composer, brings his unique artistry to the stage. Known for soulful tracks like Kol El Qasayed and Ya Rabb, his work has earned him a loyal fan base across the Arab world.

Who: Dr Alban, Fedde Le Grand, and DJ Jonas Blue

Where: Rixos, JBR, Dubai

Packages: Dh3000

Leading the charge is Dr. Alban (above), the Swedish-Nigerian legend behind 90s anthems like It’s My Life and Sing Hallelujah. Known for his unique blend of Eurodance and reggae, he’s set to deliver a nostalgic yet energetic performance. Joining him is Dutch DJ and producer Fedde Le Grand, whose hit Put Your Hands Up for Detroit and electrifying house beats have made him a festival favorite worldwide. Rounding out the star-studded lineup is English DJ Jonas Blue and French DJ Willy William.

Who: Tamer Hosny and Nancy Ajram

Where: Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Dubai

Packages: Dh2,100 and above

Arabic music titans Tamer Hosny and Nancy Ajram will light up the stage this New Year’s Eve in Dubai. Tamer Hosny, the Egyptian superstar, is known for his hits like Ya Ben El Eih and Heya Dih, as well as collaborations with global icons such as Akon and Pitbull. With a career spanning music, acting, and songwriting, Hosny remains one of the region’s most versatile entertainers. Nancy Ajram, dubbed the “Queen of Arab Pop,” has captivated fans with her iconic tracks like Ah W Noss and Akhasmak Ah, earning accolades such as the World Music Award for Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist. Her powerful voice and stage presence have made her one of the Arab world’s most beloved artists.

Who: Haifa Wehbe

Where: Palazzo Versace Dubai

Packages: Dh1,899 and above

Lebanese pop icon Haifa Wehbe will take center stage at Palazzo Versace Dubai’s glamorous Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. Known for hits like Enta Tani and Fakerni, Wehbe will lead the festivities as guests ring in 2025 with style and flair. The evening begins at 7 PM with gourmet canapés at the Mosaico Lounge, followed by live dance performances and after-dinner celebrations at the Central Pool. The night culminates with a stunning fireworks display and an unforgettable performance by the Arab 'Queen of Pop'.

Who: Nassif Zeytoun and Gipsy Kings

Where: Dubai Festival City

Packages: Dh195 and above

Celebrate the end of 2024 with a mix of Arab pop and Catalan rumba as Syrian superstar Nassif Zeytoun and the legendary Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo take the stage at Dubai Festival City. Nassif Zeytoun, known as the 'Star of the Generation,' rose to fame after winning Star Academy in 2010 and has since captivated audiences with hits such as Bel Ahlam, Aw’at, and Majbour. Sharing the spotlight, the Grammy-winning Gipsy Kings will bring their signature rhythms with classics such as Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba, and Volare.

Who: Lost Frequencies and Agents of Time

Where: Terra Solis, Dubai

Packages: Dh150 and above

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Belgian DJ and producer Lost Frequencies, known for global hits such as Are You With Me and Where Are You Now featuring Calum Scott. His uplifting melodic house and tropical beats promise to keep the energy high as you welcome 2025. Joining him is Italian electronic duo Agents of Time, delivering a mix of melodic techno and progressive house with cinematic effects.

Who: Nicky Romero

Where: Barasti Beach, Dubai

Packages: Dh129 and above

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Barasti Beach with an electrifying performance by world-renowned DJ Nicky Romero. Known for hits like Toulouse and I Could Be the One, Romero will bring his signature electronic dance beats to Dubai Marina’s scenic shoreline. With collaborations featuring Afrojack, David Guetta, and Rita Ora, his set promises to keep the crowd energized into the early hours of 2025. Joining the lineup are Barasti’s resident DJs CN Williams, Tom Higham, and Ro Nunez, along with award-winning band Sweet Chilli Jam. The night will also feature fire dancers, stilt walkers, and a dazzling laser light show as the countdown unfolds.

Who: Joel Corry

Where: Zero Gravity, Dubai

Packages: Dh299 and above

Ring in 2025 at Zero Gravity’s NYE Beach Festival, headlined by chart-topping DJ Joel Corry. Known for hits like Sorry, Lonely, and Head & Heart, Corry will bring his electrifying beats to Dubai. As fireworks light up the sky, Corry will keep the energy high with a set showcasing his UK number-one singles and global residencies from Ibiza to Las Vegas.

Who: No Mercy, Ace of Base’s Jenny, Fab from Milli Vanilli, and 2 Unlimited

Where: Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Packages: Dh6500 and above

Ring in 2025 with 90s music icons No Mercy, Jenny from Ace of Base, Fab from Milli Vanilli, and 2 Unlimited at Burj Al Arab’s New Year’s Eve bash. The evening will also feature a tribute to Barry White, live performances by Paul Lomax & Show Band, and nonstop throwback anthems.

Who: Assi El Hallani and Adam

Where: Le Meridien, Dubai

Packages: Dh750 and above

Lebanese music icons Assi El Hallani and Adam will take the stage at Le Meridien’s Great Ballroom for a special New Year’s Eve concert. Assi El Hallani, a celebrated figure in Arabic music since winning Studio El Fan in 1988, has released iconic hits such as Bhibbek We Bghar, Jan Jnooni, and Ahla El Eyoun. Joining him is Adam, known for his soulful voice and timeless tracks like Ala Baly and Bas Bhebbak. Since his rise to fame in 2009, Adam has earned recognition as one of the leading voices in Arabic music, with accolades including a Murex Award for Promising Young Artist.

Who: House Legend Roger Sanchez

Where: Five Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Packages: Dh400 and above

Grammy-winning house music icon Roger Sanchez will lead the lineup at Bohemia Beach Club’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Five Palm Jumeirah. Famous for tracks like Another Chance, Sanchez promises a high-energy performance to mark Defected Records’ 25th anniversary. He’ll be joined by DJ and producer Monki, The Kimono Bros with their unique mix of house and disco, and Fabrice, known for his boundary-pushing beats.