From deluxe dinner galas to all-night parties, these will help make it a night you won’t forget in a hurry.
It’s the one night of the year when you’re not supposed to Netflix in your PJs (although hey, if you still want to, you’ll find absolutely no judgement from us).
But if you want to see off the last 12 months with a bit more glitz and glamour, you’re not short of options in Dubai.
Read:
Downtown’s NYE celebrations are set to be a bit different…
Ellen DeGeneres is sending more than 400 people on a luxury trip to Dubai
December 31 can bring with it high expectations—however we’ve sifted through the events on offer to bring you 10 of the most unmissable.
So if you’ve got an empty calendar and a lack of ideas, we’re here to help. Whether you want a front-row seat to the fireworks, a place to boogie the night away, or a fine-dining deal, here are 10 spots where party poppers are at the ready…
At.mosphere
See 2017 off on a high (122 floors high, in fact) at the world’s tallest restaurant, nestled in the iconic Burj Khalifa. Not only will you get a bird’s-eye view of the night’s fireworks and lights, but you’ll be treated to an evening brunch filled with refined dishes such as fois gras, seared seabass and fresh oysters. There’ll also be illusionists and a live violinist on hand to make sure it’s a night that’ll impress.
At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 7pm to 1am, Dhs2,900 per person for a window table, Dhs2,700 per person for a non-window table. Tel: (04) 888 3828. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com.
Dubai Opera
The Downtown venue with the sweeping roof is holding its first-ever New Year’s gala, and it sounds like a very swanky affair (think a black-tie dress code and dancing). Guests will be treated to drinks and canapés, before a performance from the London Concert Orchestra and soloists Iona Domnich and Jesus Leon Rendon. Following either a sit-down al fresco dinner or an indoor reception, there’ll be toasts as the clock strikes 12am, along with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai. Dhs3,500 per person for the gold package, Dhs3,000 for the silver package, and Dhs2,500 for the bronze package. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com.
La Petit Maison
If you’d rather something that feels luxury yet still low-key, this French foodie haven is putting on a James Bond-themed evening. Wear your finest tuxes and cocktail gowns, and tuck into the à la carte menu featuring dishes such as slow-cooked duck, roast rib of beef, and pan-fried dover sole. There’ll also be a DJ dropping beats until the early hours, so you can dance off your three-course meal afterwards…
La Petit Maison, Gate Village 8, DIFC, 8pm to 3am, Dhs1,500 minimum spend per person. Tel: (04) 4439 0505. lpmlondon.co.uk/dubai.
Atlantis The Palm
If you want to see 2017 out at one of Dubai’s most emblematic structures, this annual gala dinner should fit the bill. Held on Atlantis Beach, there’ll be prime waterfront views of the five-star hotel’s fireworks display, as well as canapés, bubbly, a luxury buffet, and a 30-piece live band.
Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 7.30pm to 3am, Dhs2,900 per person, Dhs2,030 for children aged 12 to 20, under 12s go free with a paying adult. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com.
Folly
When it comes to views, Folly has one of the city’s best, with its rooftop bar peering out over the Madinat Jumeirah—so it seems like a great place to say goodbye to the year that was. For NYE, the restaurant is putting on an eight-course tasting menu, before a DJ hits the decks on the al fresco terrace.
Folly by Nick & Scott, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, 8pm to 2am, Dhs795 with soft drinks, Dhs1,295 with bubbly and house beverages. Tel: (04) 430 8535. folly.ae.
Zero Gravity
If it’s an all-out party you’re after, this beach club bash looks set to deliver. International DJs Jax Jones and Sigma will headline Zero Gravity’s New Year’s festivities, while there will also be rides and games for a real carnival-inspired vibe.
Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, 8pm to 3am, tickets from Dhs199 on platinumlist.net, or Dhs395 on the door. All-inclusive premium package is Dhs999. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae
Nikki Beach
This Pearl Jumeirah gem will also be putting on quite the show, with up to eight hours of non-stop merriment. Kicking things off with a beach club disco party from 1pm, the party will later move indoors to Nikki Privé (on the club’s first floor) for more DJ tunes and dancing.
Nikki Beach Club, Pearl Jumeirah, 1pm to 3am, Dhs500 for four-hour package, Dhs1,000 for eight-hour package. Tel: (04) 376 6000. nikkibeach.com.
Asado
You’ll feel like you’re ringing in midnight in Buenos Aires at the Palace Downtown’s resident Argentinean restaurant, with an authentic five-course menu and live Latin music. Expect prime Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views if you pick an al fresco dining spot too.
Asado, Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs1,900 for soft beverages and indoor seating, Dhs2,900 for soft beverages and outdoor seating, Dhs2,500 for premium beverages and indoor seating, Dhs3,500 for premium beverages and outdoor seating. Fifty per cent discount for children age six to 11, free for under fives. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com.
Armani/Hashi
If progressive food is your thing, then this Japanese eatery’s special six-course menu is for you. With dishes including sea urchin sushi, teriyaki Japanese wagyu rib-eye and shishito tempura, this dining experience will take you on a sensory adventure indeed. The matcha-green-tea sugar sphere will make a particular highlight for your Instagram feed.
Armani/Hashi, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 6pm to 1am, Dhs950 for six-course menu (includes selected beverages). Prepayment required, Dhs400 surcharge for terrace seating. Tel: (04) 888 3666. armanihoteldubai.com.
Read:
Staying put for Christmas? Try one of these festive menus
So many A-listers jetted into Dubai for this super-luxe party…
Pierchic
The waterfront views of the Burj Al Arab celebrations are spectacular enough, but the five-course gala dinner at this romantic spot brings its own wow factor to the table. With dishes including French blue lobster, scallops with foie gras and high-grade Australian wagyu, it sounds like a night to remember (there’ll also be a DJ and live band too to get the festivities going).
