Fireworks over Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai

New Year’s Eve 2024-25 Dubai’s Most Exciting Events Not to Miss

by Dubai Travel Planner

What are the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai?

Ready to start 2025 with a bang? There’s no better city to ring in the New Year than among the glitz, glamour and pomp of Dubai, the world’s most cosmopolitan city that knows how to party.

It should go without saying that the period from Christmas to New Year is one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit Dubai, so do expect peak pricing for both accommodation and dining, not just special events.

You can check out our complete guide to Dubai at Christmas here, you may also want to see our winter guide to Dubai if you’ll be sticking around in Dubai a little longer than just New Year’s Eve.

Please bear with us, we are still updating this guide for the latest news and events in 2024-25; we’ve left some of last year’s information here to help you plan what will likely be on this year.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Dubai 2024-25

There’s a huge range of celebrations across Dubai for the New Year. You will find you need to advance book at the vast majority of restaurants and venues to secure your spot as part of a package deal.

The largest fireworks events in Dubai occur at:

  • The Burj Khalifa / Downtown Dubai
  • Jumeirah Beach / Bluewaters
  • Atlantis the Palm
  • Al Seef / Dubai Creek
  • Dubai Festival City
  • Global Village

This year brings a host of new venues though looking to ring in the new year with all the glamour and sophistication the city can muster – plus, we throw in some family-friendly and budget-friendly ideas too.

Collage of images from Dubai new year celebrations

Here’s what you need to know about Dubai’s major New Year’s Eve events.

Tips for Getting around Dubai New Year’s Eve

Before we dive into events, be warned; trying to get around Dubai on New Year’s Eve can be nothing short of a nightmare, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow.

Whilst the city does have an excellent Metro system, the sheer volume of visitors means everything is jam-packed. Only head out and about in town if you have a predefined booking somewhere or place to be; otherwise, expect to be caught in the crush of the crowd.

Taxies, even if prebooked, can be cancelled on you or impossible to book; as you can imagine, the price of Careem and Uber rockets sky-high. Do carefully plan your evening well in advance for transport eventualities. We include more tips on Dubai public transport over here.

Do plan to arrive at your chosen venue earlier, and ladies, we strongly advise you to throw in some comfy flat shoes as you may find you need to walk some distance.

Best Views of Burj Khalifa fireworks for New Year

The spectacular centrepiece of Dubai’s New Year’s fireworks always revolves around the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai—this year’s show will be no exception. The show Beyond Dreams will last 9 minutes, with over 15600 pyrotechicn elements and 200 state-of-the-art light beams and lasers

Pre-registration is required to view the fireworks in person to prevent overcrowding in Downtown Dubai. You can also catch the Emaar live stream from 8:30 PM if you can’t attend in person (don’t even attempt it if you don’t have a ticket!)

new Years Fireworks in Dubai Emaar My Dubai New Year Information

For New Year 2025, we recommend a pre-booked table in a restaurant with fabulous views. Some of the hotel restaurants with the best Burj Khalifa views include:

  • Address Sky View – Deck Too and Cé La Vi will offer you fabulous front-row seats with arguably the best panoramic views of Burj Khalifa.
  • At.mosphere – you can’t get much more in the centre of the action than within the Burj Khalifa; enjoy the “Secret Brunch” – 7 hours of free-flowing beverages from the 123rd floor.
  • Karma Kafe – found in Souk Al Bahar, offers revellers a prime terrace view with VIP seating options.
  • Hotel Cartagena – JW Marriott Marquis will offer stunning views of the Burj over an exceptional evening Brunch package.
  • Thiptara – a romantic favourite of ours, Thai dining in Palace Downtown with stunning Lake & Burj Khalifa views.
  • See our complete listing of restaurants with great Dubai Fountain views from both Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar; these will also offer you great ground-level views of the Burj Khalifa & the fireworks.

If you’d rather have a cosy night in than a big night out this year, why not book yourself a hotel room with a spectacular view of Burj Khalifa?

Atlantis, The Palm New Years Gala Dinner

Always known for pulling out the biggest act in town for New Year in an exclusive ticketed event, Atlantis the Palm has done it again for New Year 2024. “New Year’s Eve Under the Stars” will feature headline act Lionel Richie to help partygoers rock into the New Year.

Tickets available from Platinum List, starting from a fairly staggering 4,500 AED from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Expo City New Year’s Eve (TBC 2024/25)

Never mind that Expo closed its doors back in March 2022, the Expo City venue is now synonymous with some of the biggest party venues in town.

Following on from a December full of Winter City for celebrating the festive season, we understand a ticketed New Years Celebration will take place as well. Event details still TBC.

Dubai Opera New Years (TBC 2024/25)

One of Dubai’s most spectacular Downtown venues will be hosting a special Gala Dinner and party to bring in 2024.

The evening includes a 3-course set menu along with six hours of free-flowing beverages. As you approach midnight head out for the spectacular Downtown fireworks and Burj Lake display.

The auditorium opens at 6:00 PM, drinks from 6:30 PM, and live entertainment starts at 9:00 PM. Find out more at dubaiopera.com

Burj Al Arab Fireworks New Year 2024

There are both free and paid options to get the best views of the Burj Al Arab fireworks.

You’ll be able to view them for free along Jumeirah Beach, or Kite Beach if you pack your own picnic and blanket – but be early, as it’s likely when space is full, they will be turning people away to avoid overcrowding.

Dining in, you can look for options not just within Burj Al Arab but at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and from restaurants at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. – folly by Nick & Scott is always a star venue for New Year.

Global Village – New Years Around the World

Always renowned for their spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, this year will be no exception, with their new year’s fireworks taking in not one but 8-midnight celebrations! TBC all timings for 2024

At just AED 25 (online) or AED 30 on the door, this is one of the best value New Year’s Eve venues for families – and plenty happening early in the evening if you need to tuck little ones in bed. Look out for fireworks displays at:

  • 5:00 PM Sydney
  • 8:00 PM Philippines
  • 9:00 PM Thailand
  • 10:00 PM Bangladesh
  • 10:30 PM India
  • 11:00 PM Pakistan
  • 12:00 AM UAE
  • 1:00 AM Moscow

Major Family-Friendly Events in Dubai for New Year 2024

You call also look forward to further fireworks displays or spectacular firework vantage points at:

  • Dubai Festival City Mall – As one of the most popular venues on Dubai Creek, you can be sure there will be early evening fireworks for the younger ones, along with their stalwart IMAGINE show and a midnight celebration. Due to popularity and to control crowds, this is also now a ticketed event – you can grab your spot here (Kids AED 90, Adults AED 150)
  • Emirates Golf Club24K Magic NYE Gala will take place on the Lawns, a superb outdoor setting. One of the city venues that does allow the youngsters to stay up late and join the party, which will include tribute acts for Bruno Mars, Pink, George Michael & Robbie Williams, from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. Kids AED 450, Member AED 1,175 AED, Guests AED 1,275
  • Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, which hugs the outer crescent of the Palm, is another favourite spot if you’re seeking a free spot to catch the Atlantis firework action – but be aware of the Palm’s traffic issues and plan to get there early and wait to get home.
  • Al Seef – the old-meets-new Creekside area, will host midnight fireworks, and table bookings at one of the waterfront restaurants are highly recommended.
  • Other venues that have had free fireworks in the past – we’re still confirming these are going ahead this year include J1 Beach (formerly La Mer), Town Square and Dubai Frame.
  • Popular beachfront The Beach, JBR will not only have their nightly DSF Drone show at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, but you can also nab fabulous seats to the JBR/Bluewaters island fireworks. Many venues are participating with package dining deals including CLAW BBQ, La Mezecaleira, Eataly & Hurricane;s Bar & Grill

Popular New Year Party Venues in Dubai

All of these venues still TBC timing and pricing for 2024/25

There’s no surprise to see most of our favourite nightclubs in Dubai featured on this list:

  • Aura Skypool New Years Eve in the Sky in the centre of Palm Jumeirah will afford guests some of the most spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Palm Tower from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM, from 2,750 AED per person
  • Bla Bla this unbeatable party hotspot on The Beach, JBR, has unrivalled rooftop views towards Ain Dubai From 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM; pricing starts from AED 500
  • Wet Deck at W Hotel on Palm Jumeirah offers one of the ultimate beach parties for NYE; Early birds get in now for tickets 499 AED, 699 AED regular pricing or 999 AED walk up.
  • QE2 always promises a grand evening out in style. Their New Year’s Eve Grand Gala Dinner is sure to be no exception, kids allowed from 12 Years +, starting from 495 AED to 895 AED for alcohol packages.
  • Zero Gravity NYE Beach Festival – Enjoy unlimited food and drinks while being entertained by British DJs Jonas Blue and Sigala. Running from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM, early bird tickets 999 AED, up to 1999 AED.

Private Yacht Parties and Dinner Cruises in Dubai

One of the most popular nights of the year for taking a Dubai yacht cruise. Most take off from Dubai Marina, and you will definitely need to pre-book this sort of experience.

Another option is a dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek – we have a complete run-through of your cruising options in Dubai here.

If you are looking at heading to Abu Dhabi for New Year’s Eve, you can check out a detailed events listing here


Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai


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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.

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