New Year’s Eve in UAE 2021: Where to see fireworks, drone shows in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah

Spectacular, spectacular. No words in the vernacular … to describe the extravaganza that awaits citizens, residents and visitors on New Year’s Eve. Suffice to say there will be pyrotechnics and laser shows and music and dancing and more. Book yourself the best seats in the house! Here’s what’s happening around the nation.

Drone show To mark the onset of 2022, the night sky above Dubai will be illuminated with a drone show at 8:00pm and 10:30pm on New Year’s Eve. The incredible aerial spectacle will see hundreds of drones dancing across the sky to create beautiful patterns and illusions. Performed at Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR, this magical visual show, which can be seen from one of the many restaurants and eateries in the area, promises to be an unforgettable night.

Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world is all set to outdo itself with fireworks and a light and laser show, to celebrate both the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and New Year’s Eve. The theme this year is Eve of Wonders. If you want to be sat next to the action, pre-register on the U by Emaar app to receive an individual QR code. As the clock strikes midnight, the much-anticipated fireworks at the world’s tallest tower will be accompanied by an electrifying laser act synched perfectly to match the choreographed water show at The Dubai Fountain. We recommend booking a table at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Dubai, including Souk Al Bahar or Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard for the closest, most unobstructed view of the tower.

Expo 2020 Dubai: At the world’s greatest show, you can ring in 2022 in style with a line-up of world-class DJs pumping up the beats, two stunning fireworks displays and a midnight ‘ball drop’ at Al Wasl Plaza besides celebrations across many of Expo’s 192 Country pavilions.

Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Festival will usher in the New Year by setting a world record – for fireworks. There’s also a cool drone display planned, music and a dancing fountain.

Yas Island: Is home to the best party spots and this New Year’s Eve, it’s going to prove it. Watch the skies light up with dancing fireworks as you eat and drink and make merry at one of the island’s great venues.

The Capital Celebrates: This event on Al Maryah Island’s promenade is set to see a footfall of more than 12,000. There are live performances by Amr Diab and Myriam Fares ahead of midnight, which is when the sky will change shades as fireworks are let loose. Entry to the main concert is on a first-come, first-served basis, with guests are encouraged to arrive early. However, a number of large screens will be in place so nobody misses the action.

One of the most iconic buildings in Dubai, Burj Al Arab, will be lit up with some spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. There are a couple of ways to watch it. If you’re willing to splurge, book at table at one of the many restaurants at the Madinat Jumeirah hotel. Alternatively, beat the rush and get to the beaches close to the Burj Al Arab early — such as Kite Beach — to grab a prime, free spot to watch the festivities.

Take to water Or take to the water and watch the festivities from aboard an RTA Abra or Ferry, with boats departing from a number of locations with front row seats for the fireworks displays at Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Festival City, and JBR and Bluewaters. Boats leave from a number of locations, visit the RTA website for more details and times.

There are also a host of hotels celebrating the arrival of 2022 with fireworks including Park Hyatt Dubai; Jebel Ali Golf & Resort; Four Seasons Resort — Jumeirah; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel; Bab Al Shams; Address Montgomerie; Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa; Sofitel The Palm Jumeirah; One & Only The Palm Jumeirah; Palazzo Versace — Dubai; Bvlgari Resort & Residences — Dubai; Nshama Town Square Dubai; Jumeirah Golf Estates; Nikki Beach Resort & Spa; Vista Mare, The Palm; Palm Beach,

Fireworks will also light up at the Abu Dhabi corniche.

Atlantis, The Palm: Dress up to the nines when you are heading to this NYE gala dinner – it’s going to be a fancy affair. Join the festivities, including a beautiful view of Dubai’s skyline and fireworks that promise delight.

The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk: Watch the world’s largest fountain dance in anticipation of the new year, see fireworks break over the water, colouring it all in glittery sparkles. Book a spot at one of the waterside restaurants at The Pointe for a fun evening.

La Mer: With an on-site waterpark that’s sure to thrill the young ones and a trampoline park, this space is great for an evening that ends with fireworks.

Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Island, the world's largest and highest observation wheel, is great for those who want to see multiple displays of pyrotechnics. From atop the giant Ferris Wheel, you’ll be able to see lights near Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, The Palm!

Global Village: Dubai's famed multicultural festival park, will stage spectacular fireworks unlike any other! It will synchronize New Year's Eve celebrations with up to eight different nations. In one night, there will be eight fireworks shows!

Al Seef: Old school ambience meets cool contemporary celebration at this district near the Dubai Creek. You can walk past with traditional dhows and centuries-old architecture before settling into one of the waterfront restaurants for a good view of the fireworks to come.

Sharjah: A 10-minute long fireworks show will light up the night sky over Sharjah’s Al Majaz Waterfront as part of New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31.

This year, Khorfakkan beach will also have a 10-minute long fireworks display.

Ras Al Khaimah is going the drone route to break records – this time it’s eyeing the Guinness World Records for the ‘Most Remote Operated Multirotors/Drones Launching Fireworks Simultaneously’ and the ‘Highest Altitude Multirotor/Drone Firework Display.’ The show, with more than 15,000 fireworks effects, will be held across a 4.7km stage and last for about 12 minutes.

Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall is another prime location to watch the fireworks that will be part of the IMAGINE show, which features lasers, and a water and fire display. Grab a table at the mall’s restaurants that offer a view of the Festival Bay waterfront for the best experience.