Celebrate a spectacular New Year’s Eve in Dubai

As 2018 draws to a close, Dubai gears up for one of the most magical nights of the year, providing unbeatable entertainment for the whole family. From world-renowned fireworks displays and beach-front concerts to an unforgettable evening at Dubai Opera or Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai’s legendary New Year’s Eve celebrations offer a night to remember for both residents and tourists across the emirate.

Here’s a list of some of the city’s most anticipated events to help you countdown to midnight in style, brought to you by Dubai Calendar.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Burj Khalifa

Back once again to amaze the crowds across Downtown Dubai is Burj Khalifa’s legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks display, set to attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. Special viewing platforms will be set up across the location, but make sure to arrive early as spaces fill up fast.

Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai

Dazzling Display at Burj Al Arab

Dubai’s iconic seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, will host its widely acclaimed fireworks display to ring in the New Year in one of the city’s most impressive frames, illuminating the hotel’s distinct architecture against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. One of the best locations to catch this extraordinary show for free is from Kite Beach, a public beach adjacent to Burj Al Arab.

Location: Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim

New Year’s Eve Royal Gala at Atlantis

Atlantis, The Palm is hosting a festive evening featuring a 30-piece live band, luxury buffet serving a variety of dishes, live cooking stations and an unrivalled view of Palm Jumeirah’s dazzling fireworks display. Children under 12 years can celebrate in style at the complimentary ‘Under the Sea’ area offering arts and crafts, an enormous slide, a bouncy castle, outdoor cinema, sea-themed entertainment and a unique petting zoo, keeping them entertained right up until midnight.

Location: Atlantis, The Palm

Lights, Water, Sound and Fire at Dubai Festival City

From sunset onwards, visitors will be given free access to a dramatic and dazzling IMAGINE Show designed especially for New Year’s Eve, and accompanied by four hourly firework displays starting from 9pm until midnight. To top it off, the waterfront attraction will feature a live band inviting you to dance your way into 2019.

Location: Dubai Festival City

Pyrotechnics at the Palm Jumeirah

Each year, Palm Jumeirah organises a remarkable fireworks show to ring in the New Year. For free access to the action, Palm Jumeirah’s Boardwalk offers a spectacular view, set against the glittering sea and view of the striking Marina skyline.

Location: Palm Jumeirah

QE2 New Year’s Eve under the stars

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), a historic cruise liner that is now a permanent floating hotel at Dubai’s Port Rashid, is hosting an unforgettable evening with a series of events planned for New Year’s Eve. Each location offers midnight access to the decks to enjoy outstanding views of the Downtown Dubai fireworks display.

Location: Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid

‘The Party Tonite’ Desi Night Celebrations for New Year

Zabeel Park, one of the largest parks in the city, is setting up a dance floor to ring in the New Year for a family-friendly Bollywood celebration. Thanks to Zabeel Park’s prime location, guests will have a clear view of Burj Khalifa’s incredible fireworks display when the clock strikes midnight.

Location: Zabeel Park Gate 3

Golden Garden Party at Soho Garden DXB

Soho Garden is the perfect location to catch Burj Khalifa’s fireworks display while enjoying the celebrations in this pioneering open-air venue. This New Year’s Eve, the Meydan-based oasis is set to ring in 2019 in the brightest way with its Golden Garden Party. Dance through the night with live mixes or journey through all four of Soho Garden’s distinct districts, making the most of this magical evening.

Location: Soho Garden, Meydan Racecourse Grandstand

New Year’s Eve at Dubai Opera

Bring in 2019 with extraordinary entertainment at Dubai Opera. The city’s definitive performing arts centre is set to host a night of music and dancing with a VIP view of Burj Khalifa’s fireworks and water fountain show. The night will kick off with soulful tunes by Atlanta’s Chinua Hawk, who will perform hits from pop legend Michael Jackson and acoustic prodigy Ed Sheeran. Following Hawk’s set, the pioneer of Arabian EDM, DJ Said Mrad will take over the stage to electrify the dance floor.

Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai

Dance Your Way into the New Year at Soho Beach

Soho Beach, a contemporary nightlife venue, is gearing up to welcome in 2019 with bright lights and vibrant beats and a spectacular view of Burj Khalifa’s iconic fireworks. With a breath-taking panorama of the iconic skyline, Soho Beach is arguably one of Dubai’s best outdoor spots to celebrate the winter weather this New Year.

Location: Soho Beach DXB, Meydan Road

New Year’s Eve at Emirates Golf Club

Ring in 2019 with a journey starting in the glittering 70s. The Lawn at Emirates Golf Club is hosting an outdoor feast accompanied by classic renditions of Queen, ABBA and more followed by resident DJs keeping the festivities rolling late into the night. Set on the expansive golf course under the glittering Marina skyline, the celebrations will feature a display of fireworks marking the beginning of the New Year.

Location: The Lawn, Emirates Golf Club

Beachside Celebrations at Barasti Beach

Wrap up this year with an unforgettable beach party at the world-famous Barasti Beach, hosting a star-studded New Year’s celebration with appearances by Dutch electronic duo Bassjackers and New York-born actor, podcaster and hip-hop hype man, Fatman Scoop. If you’re looking to get the celebrations rolling earlier, the venue is hosting One Last Barasti Pool Splash of 2018 starting at 10am, so grab your bathing suit and enjoy a poolside afternoon with laidback tunes until it’s time for the evening bash.

Location: Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina

Electric Extravaganza at The Irish Village

The Dublin-inspired leisure hotspot is hosting a New Year’s extravaganza starring Maplejacks & DJ Marky Mark to ring in the New Year with Irish-inspired festivities. With terrace views overlooking the gardens and lake on the outside, and traditional Irish music to entertain guests on the inside, this little hideaway in Al Garhoud brings the joy and hospitality of Ireland to the bustling streets of Dubai.

Location: The Irish Village, Al Garhoud

Dubai Calendar is a free resource and all-access platform to activities and events across Dubai. With tickets available for purchase via the website and app, users can unlock the city’s upcoming events, as they explore an average of 150 listings at any one time, with 35 new events added each week. Whether entertaining friends who are in town, or planning an evening out with the family, Dubai Calendar’s list of go-to events will help you count down to midnight across the city.

Full details and prices of events can be found on Dubai Calendar’s website and app.