Top 20 Things to Do on New Year’s Eve in UAE 2026

Looking for the best way to ring in 2026? Here are 20 things to do on New Year’s Eve in UAE that turn the countdown into pure magic. From Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks to yacht parties in Abu Dhabi and record-breaking shows in Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirates know how to throw a celebration. 

Whether you’re chasing luxury dinners, beachside parties, or desert adventures under the stars, every city brings its own sparkle. Get ready for lights, music, and moments, because New Year’s Eve in the UAE isn’t just a night, it’s an experience.

Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Dubai

Dubai transforms into a celebration hub when the clock ticks toward midnight. This section of our things to do on New Year’s Eve in UAE highlights the best places to celebrate in true Dubai style, luxury, excitement, and pure spectacle.

1. Watch Burj Khalifa Fireworks

No New Year’s Eve in Dubai is complete without witnessing the breathtaking Burj Khalifa fireworks. The world’s tallest tower lights up the sky with a laser and firework show that draws crowds from all over the world. You can catch the spectacle from Burj Park, Souk Al Bahar, or Dubai Mall Waterfront for the best view. Arrive early, grab a spot, and watch Downtown Dubai turn into a sea of color and music as 2026 begins brilliantly.

2. Yacht Party at Dubai Marina

Welcome 2026 on the waves with a glamorous Dubai Marina yacht party. Picture yourself cruising past the glittering skyline, enjoying a live DJ, gourmet dinner, and midnight fireworks over the water. Whether it’s an intimate celebration or a lively group event, yacht parties offer a luxurious and unforgettable way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai. Raise a glass as the city lights reflect off the Marina waters, it’s one of the most elegant experiences you can book for the night.

3. Dinner at Atlantis The Palm

Experience the height of elegance at Atlantis The Palm’s Gala Dinner, one of Dubai’s most exclusive New Year’s events. Enjoy a lavish international buffet, live performances, and front-row seats to the famous Palm Jumeirah fireworks. With the Arabian Gulf on one side and the city skyline on the other, it’s the perfect mix of luxury and celebration. Dress to impress, dine under the stars, and dance barefoot on the beach as the countdown begins. This is New Year’s Eve in Dubai at its most glamorous.

4. Desert Safari Celebration

For something truly unique, swap the skyscrapers for sand dunes and celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Dubai desert. The evening starts with thrilling dune bashing, followed by a traditional BBQ dinner, belly dancing, and fire shows under the stars. When midnight strikes, enjoy fireworks lighting up the endless dunes. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and serenity, ideal for those who want a memorable, offbeat way to welcome the New Year.

5. Party at Zero Gravity

Looking for the ultimate beach party? Zero Gravity hosts one of Dubai’s hottest New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring top international DJs, live shows, and fireworks by the water. Dance barefoot in the sand, sip cocktails by the infinity pool, and soak up the festival atmosphere until dawn. The combination of world-class entertainment and stunning Marina views makes it a must-attend event for party lovers in Dubai.

6. Global Village Countdown

Celebrate around the world in one night at Global Village Dubai. This family-friendly attraction hosts multiple countdowns to match different global time zones, meaning you can see fireworks more than once! Enjoy street performances, cultural shows, food from 90+ countries, and a lively festive atmosphere. It’s one of the best New Year’s Eve events in Dubai for families and travelers who want something fun, colorful, and international.

7. Bluewaters & JBR Fireworks + Drone Show

Head to Bluewaters Island or JBR Beach for a stunning night of fireworks, drone shows, and beachfront fun. This free public celebration combines cutting-edge light technology with Dubai’s coastal beauty. Grab dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants, stroll along the promenade, and enjoy live entertainment. It’s one of the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to experience New Year’s Eve in Dubai without missing out on the magic.

8. Dhow Cruise on Dubai Creek

Sail into 2026 with a New Year’s Eve dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or Marina. Traditional wooden dhows are beautifully decorated for the occasion, offering buffet dinners, live music, and panoramic skyline views. As fireworks reflect on the water, you’ll experience a calm yet festive celebration away from the city crowds. Perfect for couples or families looking for a peaceful way to welcome the New Year.

9. Dubai Opera Gala

Step into sophistication with a New Year’s Gala at Dubai Opera. This world-class venue hosts a night of live orchestras, fine dining, and an elegant countdown under the chandeliers. Guests can step out onto the terrace to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks light up the night sky. If you’re looking for a refined and romantic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai, the Opera Gala is your stage for the evening.

10. La Mer Beach Bash

End the year with sun, sand, and music at La Mer Dubai’s New Year’s Eve Beach Bash. With laid-back vibes, food trucks, live DJs, and open-air fireworks, it’s perfect for those who want a casual yet vibrant celebration. Stroll along the boardwalk, dip your toes in the sand, and enjoy one of Dubai’s most scenic countdowns by the sea. This is where locals and tourists come together to celebrate under the stars, a true reflection of Dubai’s festive spirit.

Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi

As the capital city, Abu Dhabi brings elegance and excitement to New Year’s Eve. From fireworks over the Corniche to luxurious gala dinners and serene beach parties, the celebrations here strike a perfect balance between culture, class, and pure joy.

1. Yas Bay Waterfront Fireworks

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi at Yas Bay, where the waterfront transforms into a glowing party zone. Enjoy live concerts, world-class dining, and dazzling fireworks reflected on the Arabian Gulf. With music filling the air and stunning light shows, Yas Bay is the ultimate spot to ring in the new year with style and energy.

2. Abu Dhabi Corniche Fireworks

Join thousands along the Abu Dhabi Corniche for one of the city’s biggest fireworks displays. The seafront boulevard comes alive with pop-up food stalls, music, and vibrant crowds. Families spread picnic blankets, couples take strolls by the sea, and the entire skyline lights up at midnight, a simple, free, and the best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in UAE.

3. Gala Dinner at Emirates Palace

Few experiences match the grandeur of Emirates Palace on New Year’s Eve. This luxury hotel hosts an elegant gala dinner complete with live music, gourmet cuisine, and a breathtaking fireworks finale. Guests dine under chandeliers and celebrate by the private beachfront, surrounded by Abu Dhabi’s elite. It’s the definition of royal celebration, perfect for those who want to welcome the new year in opulence and comfort.

4. Saadiyat Beach Club Countdown

If you prefer a blend of glamour and coastal calm, Saadiyat Beach Club offers a lively yet refined New Year’s Eve celebration. Dance barefoot in the sand, enjoy cocktails under twinkling lights, and watch fireworks burst above the water. The setting, music, and sea breeze create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and relaxed, a perfect way to greet 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

5. Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba

For culture lovers, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba is a must. This vibrant event showcases Emirati heritage through live shows, parades, food markets, and a massive fireworks and drone display. It’s a beautiful way to experience the UAE’s traditions while celebrating the new year with family. The festival’s atmosphere combines entertainment and authenticity, making it one of the most wholesome New Year’s Eve events in Abu Dhabi.

6. Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World Celebrations

Families can enjoy thrilling New Year’s Eve celebrations at Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. From themed performances to extended park hours and fireworks, these attractions offer excitement for both kids and adults. Whether you’re speeding on record-breaking rides or taking selfies with your favorite cartoon characters, the fun here is nonstop, a great choice for a family-friendly countdown.

7. Dhow Cruise on Abu Dhabi Corniche

For a romantic and peaceful evening, book a dhow cruise along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. As you sail past illuminated landmarks, enjoy a full-course dinner and live entertainment. When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll have a front-row seat to the fireworks shimmering over the water. It’s an intimate way to experience New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi, away from the crowds but close to the magic.

8. Observation Deck at 300, Etihad Towers

Welcome 2026 from Abu Dhabi’s highest viewpoint, the Observation Deck at 300. Located on the 74th floor of Etihad Towers, it offers panoramic views of the entire city skyline. Guests can enjoy a luxury dinner, mocktails, and desserts while watching fireworks light up the night from above. It’s a refined, peaceful, and the best way to celebrate the New Year’s Eve countdown in style.

9. Desert Glamping in Liwa Oasis

Escape the city noise and welcome the new year under the stars in Liwa Desert. Luxury camps here offer glamping experiences with bonfires, BBQ dinners, and live entertainment. As midnight arrives, you’ll be surrounded by golden dunes, peace, and a canopy of stars. It’s the perfect offbeat New Year’s Eve experience for those who crave tranquility and adventure in equal measure.

10. Al Maryah Island Fireworks & Live Music

Al Maryah Island hosts one of the most stylish New Year’s Eve parties in Abu Dhabi. Expect outdoor concerts, waterfront dining, and synchronized fireworks over the bay. The vibe is modern, energetic, and perfectly photogenic, ideal for those who love a lively atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds. It’s a blend of luxury, music, and city lights that captures the spirit of New Year’s Eve in UAE.