All the UAE New Year’s Eve fireworks and how to see it for free

From Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, the skies will light up

Last updated:
2 MIN READ
1/19
Extravagant pyrotechnic shows are planned for Burj Khalifa and a water-music dance at The Dubai Fountain. One of the best vantage points to see the fireworks is from the Dubai Fountain. Get there early as thousands gather along the waterfront to catch the light and water show at midnight.
Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News
2/19
Or, book a table at one of the restaurants lining the waterfront by The Dubai Mall. Another great vantage point is Souk Al Bahar, with restaurants giving clear views. Again, book ahead for with the whole family. A firm family favourite though is the Burj Plaza, the open-air promenade in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa. Access is free but roads close early so get there by 5pm.
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3/19
Is there a better place to celebrate in Dubai? Book yourself into the Atlantis resort for a New Year’s Eve to remember
4/19
If you want something easy on the pocket, then the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is a great vantage point to catch the Atlantis fireworks. The 11-km boardwalk offers numerous spots for visitors to watch the fireworks. If you head to the Rixos-end of the crescent, you’ll be able to spy the Burj Khalifa celebrations too. Bear in mind, though, access to the Palm is restricted to control traffic on NYE, so plan and arrive accordingly.
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5/19
Another Dubai staple is the Burj Al Arab annual fireworks. Madinat Jumeirah is a great vantage point for those looking for a fancy night out. Easier on the pocket (free even) is Kite Beach.
Clint Egbert
6/19
Grab your family and head to the Dubai Frame as the iconic structure lights up for the first time ever with a three-minute fireworks show planned for the big night, followed by a laser display. If you angle yourself correctly, near Zabeel Park, you can catch the Dubai Frame and the Burj Khalifa fireworks together.
Supplied by Dubai Tourism
7/19
Enjoy dinner with a view at one of the mall’s restaurants overlooking Festival Bay, before the special Imagine water and light show plays up to ring in 2020 with fireworks
8/19
You can also watch for free on the promenade. Another vantage point is the corniche at Marsa Al Khor.
9/19
Definitely one that’s easy on the wallet, the Dh15 entry ticket to Global Village brings you a multi-cultural experience
Atiq Ur Rehman /Gulf News
10/19
Now, if you are really shy of spending that Dh15, then the Global Village fireworks are visible from Emirates Road for free, and the car park of course.
11/19
Beachfront destination La Mer is also ready with its own dazzling display of fireworks this NYE. Either book yourself at one of the many restaurants at the open-air venue
12/19
The free vantage point is the beach itself, where you can sit back and watch the sky light up. The beachfront destination will also put on a laser show, while an immersive LED light show with special effects and visuals lights up the night at Kite Beach, with fire dancers getting their groove on nearby.
Antonin Kélian Kallouche/Gulf News
13/19
Looking for a New Year party with old-world charm? Head to Dubai’s heritage district of Al Seef and explore creekside dining with the best seats as you take in the views of the fireworks.
14/19
The promenade also gives you the same view for free at Al Seef
Gulf News archive
15/19
If a sandy start to 2020 is your thing, head to The Beach, Meraas’ laid-back destination, and enjoy live band performances, followed by fireworks. The Beach will transform into an open-air party
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16/19
Kick off the New Year in style at Yas Island. Yas Island will also be organising plenty of festivities to ring in the New Year 2020, from celebrations in shopping malls to musical extravaganzas. Complimentary shuttle buses will transport visitors from the car park.
17/19
Al Maryah Island is set to usher in 2020 with a star-studded music and fireworks spectacular with live performances by Tamer Hosny and Nancy Ajram. A 10-minute firework show is expected will delight audiences, preceded by a countdown
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18/19
If the Abu Dhabi Grand Canal has always been a firm favourite then this is the perfect place to catch the NYE dazzle in the skies.
Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
19/19
With a dazzling display that promises to be nothing short of spectacular, the NYE 2020 fireworks gala is taking things up a few notches with drone shows, pyrotechnics, creative and colourful Japanese aerial shells and more. For the best seats in the house, catch the fireworks along the coastline between Al Hamra village and Al Marjan Island, as well as on the South and North Bay of the island, just in front of the Doubletree Hilton Resort and Spa for free.

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