New Year’s Eve in UAE: Where to watch fireworks and celebrate with children

Residents and people visiting the UAE are getting ready to ring in the New Year with fireworks, parties, and more. Dubai alone is set to have 45 New Year’s Eve (NYE) fireworks displays across 32 locations on the night. Are you wondering where to see the fireworks or celebrate with your children and family? Here are some locations you could choose from and things to keep in mind before you head out for the NYE celebrations on December 31.

1. Burj Khalifa fireworks: In case you missed getting tickets for the viewing spot at Burj Park, there are a few vantage points from where you can see the fireworks for free. You can head to Vida Downtown Hotel, Manzil Downtown Hotel, Palace Downtown Hotel, Address Downtown Hotel, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Opera, Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa, Address Sky View, Dubai Mall, Address Boulevard Hotel, Address Dubai Mall, or Downtown Kitchen. According to a statement from Emaar on its official website for the New Year celebrations, visitors are advised to reach the viewing spot by 4pm on December 31, to avoid any inconvenience due to road closures in Downtown Dubai.

2. Fireworks and dinner at Riverland: Dubai For those interested in watching the fireworks at Riverland Dubai, the entry fee is Dh15 per person, redeemable against dining and attractions. Annual pass holders and guests with a valid ticket to Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai theme park, Legoland Water Park, Neon Galaxy, or JumpX can enjoy free entry. The venue will have two dining experiences offering a barbecue feast with a variety of grilled dishes. Families can enjoy laser shows and fireworks at 7pm and 9pm. Al Mashowa Restaurant at Riverland will have a special live barbecue for New Year from 6pm to 10pm. Dinner will be complimentary for children below five years old. The Keg will host a New Year's Social, on December 31 from 6pm. Dinner will be complimentary for children below five years old.

3. New Year's Eve at The Greenroom: Head over to The Greenroom in Els Club Extensions, Dubai Sports City for a New Year’s Eve party with your entire family. Count down to the New Year with live music, special activities for the children, unlimited drinks, and a three-course meal. Children under five can enter and enjoy free.

4. New Year's Eve at Global Village Instead of celebrating the New Year just once, why not make it seven times more fun? Global Village will ring in the New Year in seven different time zones. Starting from 8pm in China up until 1am in Turkey, each midnight will have a dedicated countdown and firework display. Ticket prices start from Dh22.5 for online booking. Children under three years old, senior citizens above 65, and People of Determination can enter for free.

5. New Year's Eve at Central Abu Dhabi Bid farewell to 2023 in Central Abu Dhabi with front-row views of the Yas Bay Waterfront fireworks. The family-friendly hotspot at Yas Bay will have unlimited drinks, food, and arcade credit for everyone on December 31 from 8.30pm to 12.30am. Put on your dancing shoes and party hats and join the countdown to the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Children under five years old can enter for free.

6. New Year's Eve at Town Square: Dubai Join the neon celebration and welcome 2024 with a bang. The New Year’s Eve event at Town Square in Dubai will have views to the fireworks, live DJ music, parades, carnival games, children's workshops, carnival tents, and roaming acts. There will be plenty of dining options too from 6pm to 1am. While the public area will be free to access, activities may be chargeable.

If you are heading out with children, here’s a checklist of essentials to pack: 1) Wet wipes or wet towels. 2) Hand sanitider. 3) Water and snacks for children, and milk powder, a thermos of hot water, and clean bottles for babies. 4) Disposal bags or diaper disposal bags. 5) An extra set of clothes for children and diapers for babies. 6) Charged devices, board games and books. 7) Foldable chairs and wicker or plastic mats. 8) A small blanket or warm clothes.