Barely time to clean up the tinsel and turkey and already talk has turned to New Year’s Eve.
The countdown to arguably the biggest night of the year is on and panic (for some) has probably just about set in. It really is time to make a decision if you haven’t already.
NB. For the now-smug minority who planned and booked in September, move along please. For all the other ‘normal’ folk out there, read on. It’s never too late in this city and tabloid! brings you the ultimate last-minute guide for NYE 2012.
Sandance; 3pm-3am; Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.
Who: The fireworks are always worth the ticket price alone at this beach-front location (you get a cheeky view of displays all along the sea front as well as those at Sandance) but thrown in live performances from Ellie Goudling, Rita Ora, Paul van Dyk, Roger Sanchez and Zane Lowe and the ticket has paid for itself five times over. Ora told tabloid! this week she cannot wait to “let rip” in Dubai as it’s her favourite NYE destination so far and she plans to top it in 2012.
Why go: With full bar facilities, waiter service and live cooking stations plus a chilled-out dress code of swimwear before sunset - beach chic after dark, it’s the ultimate day out all round.
Tickets: Priced Dh295 in advance (Dh350 on the door, VIP are sold out), are available at platinumlist.ae
Contact: For table packages call 055 2004321 or email nasimi.beach@atlantisthepalm.com
Getting there: Arrival by taxi or by using The Palm Metro is strongly recommended as the traffic build up is notoriously bad.
Atelier Festival NYE; 2pm-3am; Meydan Racecourse, Dubai.
The third edition of what organisers Alchemy Project and Meydan call ‘The biggest Music Festival in The Middle East’ will feature six international artists all on one stage, one night and one festival.
Who: Faithless (who look like they didn’t spilt up after all as announced earlier this year), Gorillaz Sound System, Armand Van Helden, Inna, September and the mighty Snoop Dogg. The American rapper’s show in Abu Dhabi went down in history as one of the best concerts in the Middle East and he’s kept his promise to return. Expect a kandora-wearing Snoop at any moment and other antics.
Why go: Fireworks will feature at this 12-hour event. Dress code is ‘fashionable’ and there is no age limit.
Tickets: Priced Dh400 (Regular), Dh750 (VIP) and Dh1,500 (Platinum) are available on boxofficeme.com
Contact: Call 056 6752181 for table reservations and visit TheAtelierWorld.com.
The Party; 9.30pm until late; Crowne Plaza’s Jumeirah Ballroom, SZR, Dubai.
Who: DJ Aakrisht jets in from Mumbai to provide this Bollywood-themed party with Indi and Bangra pop as well as Bollywood favourites and Disco. Tickets include a lavish multi-cuisine buffet and two beverages per person.
Why go: Food, entertainment and great company aside, the raffle at this one gives you the chance to scoop Air India tickets, dinner vouchers, electronics and perfume. Baby sitting is also provided free of charge giving mum and dad the night off.
Tickets: Priced Dh950 for a couple and Dh550 per person are available at boxofficeme.com
Contact: Call 050 6549100
NYE 2012 by audio tonic & infusion; 360 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai; 9pm-3am.
Who: Half of the production behind Crazy P, Hot Toddy has steadily been building his rep as a solo artist since his debut release in 1999. He is now in-demand as a remixer, with his takes of Joey Negro, Mousse T, Lovebirds, and his gorgeous version of Crazy P’s ‘Never Gonna Reach Me’. Throw in Inland Knights AKA Andy Riley and Laurence Ritchie, DJs, producers and label owners of Drop Music, Borrowed and Raise Recordings, and the party is guaranteed.
Why go: Both audio tonic and Infusion are known for bringing the most innovative and forward thinking acts to the region. So a joining of forces is certain to be something to be reckoned with. Expect music to House, Chill Out, Nu Disco and the dress code to be fancy.
Tickets: Priced Dh750 inclusive of half bottle bubbly and canapés until midnight, or Dh360 after midnight (available on the door only), are available at platinumlist.ae
Contact: Call 056 6826617 (after 3pm) for table reservations or visit audiotonic.net
The Only Way is N’Dulge; N’Dulge, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; 9pm-4am;
Who: The night sky will be filled with a few more stars than usual when TV celebrity Mark Wright, formerly of The Only Way is Essex shows up with a sprinkling of celebrity friends. Toned, tanned and totally loveable, 25 year-old Essex boy Wright will mingle and pose for photos with guests before counting down to the fireworks at Midnight. A former club promoter and semi-pro footballer, cheeky chappy Mark shot to fame as the lead cast member in the new ITV2 hit reality show before heading to the Australian outback to star in ITV1’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
Why go: This is two parties for the price of one – inside and outside. The main arena dance floor will be filled with Ibiza beats of Hot Creations, currently the one of the coolest club nights on the Balearic island. DJs Burnski, Robert James and Mark Jenkyns, with a live vocal performance by Alex Mills, the voice behind Miguel Campbell’s deep house hit Something Special, will all perform.
Tickets: Priced Dh250 are available from N’Dulge, Nasimi Beach and platinumlist.ae
Contact: For table reservations call 055 2004322.
Happy New Year 2013!; Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE; 7pm-5am;
Who: Legendary Gipsy Moreno of the Gypsy Kings will serenade over a sunset beach dinner before making way for international superstar guest DJ Sharam (Deep Dish). The Iranian legend will be joined by residents spinning Balearic beats, Frederick Stone, Jixo & Danz, Kaytek and Jean B.
Why go: When the others are winding down this is one party which will be heating up. A magical sunset five-course Mediterranean dinner prepared by world famous chefs, entertainment, all topped off with fireworks at Midnight. Plus you can celebrate til sunrise at this one.
Tickets: Priced Dh750 for men and Dh550 for ladies inclusive of unlimited selected beverages and Dh1,100 inclusive of dinner, are available at platinumlist.ae
Contact: For more information and table packages call 050 1422800.
REHAB; XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai; 8pm-4am;
Who: It’s no secret Wild Ones, Whistle, Good Feeling and I Cry singer Flo Rida is a fan of Dubai and he’s showing the love for NYE with a performance along with Yves Larock, DJ pro Moe, SJ Serhan and of course the infamous XL Beach Dancers.
Why go: The superstars will be in the house but this party will be chilled, relaxed and fun. Flo Rida killed 2012 with millions of albums sold and a music video shot in Dubai. He doesn’t disappoint when he performs live. Larock is one of the biggest names in the DJ world and a member of the Africanism All Stars with other big names such as Bob Sinclair, David Guetta, DJ Gregory, Malinga Five and Joachim Garraud to name a few.
Tickets: Priced Dh395 are available at platinumlist.ae
Contact: For bookings and inquiries call 056 640 6161 or email xlbc@accentureinvestment.com
Country Club New Year Bash; Dubai World Trade Centre; 9pm-3am
Who: Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta will perform along with Indian Idol finalist Meiyang Chang.
Why go: It’s got glamour in the form of Dutta, and Chang, thanks to his acting and dancing gigs, will be a joy to watch.
Tickets: Free entry for Country Club members. Non members can collect their free passes from the Country Club.
Contact: 052-9359327 (Dubai) and 055-7113697 (Abu Dhabi)
Here are more events from across the UAE:
ABU DHABI
Club So-Hi, Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel
Glow into 2013 with Resident DJ Tamer and the Glow Glow dancers, entry Dh450, inclusive of free flowing house beverages. Call 02-6545138.
Etoiles, Emirates Palace
NYE Circus Extravaganza to welcome 2013, music by DJ Scottie B, aerial performers, air silk dancers, stilt walkers, sword swallowers. Doors open at 11.30pm. Advance tickets Dh300 for women and Dh400 inclusive of unlimited beverages, Dh500 at the door. Call 02-6908960 or 050-6619590
Oceans, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
Grand Finale on NYE, music by DJ Roland and saxophonist Maher Daou, gala dinner at Dh330++ inclusive of a five course set menu and a beverage glass, unlimited select beverage package at Dh520++, tables from Dh2,000, regular entry Dh150 with a welcome drink. Call 050-8864597 or 02-6741094.
Thirty 1st Bar, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Welcome 2013 in style, mixes by DJ Froid, Dh220 with unlimited beverages from 10pm.
Call 02-6574888 / 800-116000.
Zenith, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
NYE Arabic Party, with a guest DJ playing the latest Arabic hits all through the night! Get in the Oriental mood when a belly dancer hits the stage with a live performance! Tickets Dh200 net for women and Dh400 net for men, including a free flowing regular house beverages. Call 02-6773333.
DUBAI
Armani/Prive, Burj Khalifa
Dance into the New Year to the sounds of an international guest DJ in Armani style from dusk until dawn. Entrance Dh500 per person or Dh1,000 per person including open bar select beverages, Call 04-8883060.
Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Hed Kandi NYE Glow Party featuring DJ Carl Hanaghan, DJ Dan Van, Dean Oram and Aimee Jay on Sax, warm-ups by Marty Metcalf and Tom Fergusson. Doors open at 7pm. Entry Dh200 in advance and Dh250 at the gate, includes a bbq plate. Call 04-3181313.
Boudoir, Dubai Marine Beach Resort
NYE’s So Rich So Preety, party like a rock star featuring: DJ Keza and DJ Genario, a lucky girl will win a pair of Christian Louboutin’s for the best style. Entry Dh550 for women and Dh750 for men, inclusive of all-you-can-drink select premium beverages. Call 050-1003310 or 056-1751010.
Domeland Chi@ Al Nasr leisureland
Bacardi Blast, desi party featuring DJs Abhijeet, Jeff, Manoj and Zubair. Early bird tickets Dh100. Call 050-5715745 or 050-7342004.
Downtown Dubai New Year’s Eve
Music aficionados are in for a special treat with a live performance by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, performing at the Burj Steps. The light, water and fire and glitzy projections on a 210 metre long screen. Complete details at mydowntowndubai.com
Dubai Drums
NYE Desert Drumming Party at Gulf Ventures Al Awir Desert Camp, share rhythmic spirit with drumming, dancing, singing and a bonfire to keep everybody warm, belly dancer, fire dance show, camel rides and African dance display, 8pm. Dh500 for adults and Dh250 for children aged 6-16, Dh50 extra for those requiring bus transportation. Call 04-3474790.
The Fairmont Hotel
Cavalli: NYE Bond Blast, fancy being the smooth 007 or the feisty Bond girl, fulfill your dream at this themed evening and party with Roberto Cavalli, Paris House Addict, the French trio will be performing live. Call 800-2282554 for package prices and reservations.
Cirque Du Soir: NYE Vegas Style, welcome 2013 with a bang. Unlimited beverage packages from Dh950 for women and Dh1,150 for men, 10.30pm. Call 056-1154507.
Embassy, Grosvenor House Tower Two
Dance the night away with DJ Dezarate, spanning three floors of dance and glamour. Dh600 for women and Dh800 for men inclusive of an open bar featuring select premium beverages and snacks, Dh1,500 inclusive of a 4 course set menu and an open bar at Kitchen 45.
Call 04-3176000.
Hard Rock Café Dubai
See the Show with live resident band Smooth Criminals, festivities from 9pm. Dh350 for a three-couse set menu and a beverage at midnight, entry Dh200includes a limited menu and a beverage at midnight. Call 04-2328900.
Healey’s, Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Ring in the New Year in style, a DJ will be spinning tunes all night long, new hits and old favorites! An a la carte menu offering a selection of food items and refreshing beverages will be available all night. Alternatively, guests can opt for an unlimited house beverage package for Dh 399 per person! Call 04-3560600.
Ikandy, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza! Come dressed in your glamorous attire and Burj Khalifa views while listening to cool tunes and sipping celebratory bubbles. Dh600 per person with house beverages only, Dh1,000 per person with house beverages, food and a bottle of champagne per couple or Dh1,400 per person with premium spirits ,food and a bottle of champagne per couple.Call 04- 3438888
Melrose Ballroom, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
Toast in 2013 to a selection of famous tunes from the ‘70s ‘80s and ‘90s with the V3 band. Plus a chance to win some diamonds. Dh600 inclusive of buffet and soft beverages, Dh1,000 inclusive of buffet and sparkling package, children under 12 dine complimentary. Call 04-449 8888
Movida, Radisson Royal Hotel
The Prohibition Ball, turns the venue into a 1920’s theme, featuring classic beverages from the ‘20s sipped from porcelain teacups. Call 052-9111281 or log onto movida-dubai.com for complete details.
Pullman Mall of the Emirates
Mad for Diamonds masquerade party at Vantage, gala dinner at Sanabel, free flowing beverages until midnight at Dh800 per person. Chill on the Rooftop pool lounge with a plate of festive nibbles and two beverages at Dh300 per person. Call 04-3772000.
Royal Island Beach Club, Lebanon, The World, Dubai
New Years Spectacular Island Party. International Brazilian Band and DJ. An International buffet will be presented with live cooking stations including an oriental selection of dim sum and sushi’s. Reservations start from Dh2,499, Dh2,999 including transport, call 055‐6588462/ 055-8380566/ 050-3669055. Ferries are scheduled to leave the Marina at 7.30pm and smaller yachts will depart from The Palm Jumeirah East.
The Irish Village
An array of food stations with festive specialties, music and dance all night with The MapleJacks and DJ Marky Mark and midnight fireworks to welcome the New Year, Dh200. Call 04-2395000.
The Dek on Eight, Media One Hotel
Future Disco NYE with DJs Sean Brosnan (Future Disco, UK), Simon Reid (MustHaveSoul), Jonny Thornhill (MustHaveSoul) and Shaun Soomro. Entry Dh150 and Dh295 inclusive of beverages from 9-11.45pm. Call 04-4271000.
Vista, Intercontinental Dubai Festival City
Welcome 2013 at the new outdoor lounge terrace while listening to the sounds of DJ Danny C, two packages available, 9pm until 3am, Dh595 including premium beverages or 11pm until 3am at Dh495 including premium beverages. Call 04-7011127 / 28.
(List compiled by Wilbur Pereira, Editorial Assistant).
