Main fireworks display
New Year’s Eve is set to go off with a bang in Abu Dhabi this year. The main event is set to take place on Al Maryah Island.
The street life around Al Maryah Island’s promenade will see more than 8,000 people join in the countdown and watch the part unfold on TV all around the world. There will be live music and a truly epic fireworks display – if last year is anything to go by. There will be light snacks and refreshments available
Location Galleria Mall promenade, Al Maryah Island Timings All day and night Cost Free Contact Maryah Island
The best places to go with a view
1. Glo
If you want to literally be under the fireworks, then Glo is the place to go. The chilled-out roof-top bar is a popular choice for those who want an upmarket, sophisticated atmosphere for NYE. A guest DJ will be pressing play on the CD player to keep the mood up for the night.
Location Rosewood, Al Maryah Island When December 31 Cost Free entry, although tables for 4 can be booked for Dh1,500 Phone 02 813 5550 Website Rosewood
2. Skylite
Have you ever wondered what sits at the top of the Yas Viceroy underneath the white exoskeleton? Wonder no more, Skylite is opening its doors for you on December 31 and won’t charge you a penny for the privilege of stepping inside. Drinks are on you, though. You’ll be able to see the fireworks going off all over the city.
LocationYas Viceroy, Yas Island When December 31 Cost Free entry Phone 02 656 0600 Website Yas Viceroy
3. Jazz and Fizz
One of the best ways to enjoy fireworks in Abu Dhabi is to go up high. Located on the 37th floor of the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Jazz and Fizz puts you up there in the heart of the display. With a black and white theme and DJ, this is NYE party for the classy. Table booking is advised.
Location Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche When December 31 Cost From Dh129. Book at table for 5 for Dh760 Phone 02 813 7777 Website Sofitel
4. Le Méridien
There is no better place to enjoy the massive fireworks display than the outdoors plaza at Le Méridien. Dine at any Le Méridien restaurant before heading to the pool gardens and beach for a mild spot of boogieing. Live music from the band and a DJ will see you through to midnight when the countdown begins.
Location Le Méridien, Al Zahyiah District When December 31 Cost Multiple option. Entry inclusing 1 drink is Dh100 Phone 02 644 6666 Website Le Meridien
5. 55&5th
Move slightly out of town towards the St. Regis Saadiyat Island for a more refined view of the fireworks. You can enjoy a six-course set menu at 55&5th. The menus has taken on a Cuban theme, while the ambience has a 1920s twist.
Location St. Regis Saadiyat Island When December 31 Cost From950 Phone 02 498 8449 Website St. Regis
6. Azure Yacht Charters
Here’s an idea with a twist: How would you like to hide away from the crowds and hire your own yacht for you and your friends? Host your own private yacht party and sail off from Yas Marina with Azure Charters. For a maximum of 27 people you can enjoy the finest food and watch NYE go off with a bang from the waters.
Location Sets off from Yas Marina When December 31 Cost Dh1,000 per person, food and drink is not included Phone 050 600 8113 Website Azure
7. Giornotte
Enjoy NYE on the beach at Giornotte. Live music, dancing, fireworks, bubbles and an exquisite dinner on the Ritz-Carlton’s private beach will certainly be something to brag about. After midnight the party moves over to Sorso where you can keep the vibe thumping until a gentlemen’s 4am.
Location Ritz-Carlton, Al Maqta When December 31 Cost From Dh950 Phone 02 818 8282 Website Ritz-Carlton
8. Relax@12
To really get an uninterrupted view of the fireworks you need to go up… to the roof. Relax@12 at the Aloft offers an 360 degrees outdoor panoramic view of Abu Dhabi. A brace of DJs will be spinning JVC cassettes from the ’80s and ’90s. There’s also an all-you-eat buffet with endless drinks.
Location Aloft, ADNEC, Khaleej Al Arabi Street When December 31 Cost From Dh700 Phone 02 654 5115 Website Aloft
