13 Incredible Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai

Take in Dubai’s breathtaking views from the comfort of a glass-enclosed, air-conditioned luxury vessel. The boat also has a gorgeous open terrace and outdoor deck, perfect for enjoying the shimmering skyline under the stars and moon. This is a fun, relaxing evening on the water with guaranteed stellar views of iconic Dubai landmarks, along with an obstruction-free view of the New Year fireworks. If you want something fancier and more private, you can also rent out a yacht to take you out along the Dubai Creek or Marina.

Check out the best dinner dhow cruises.

This New Year, scratch something off your bucket list. A helicopter tour of Dubai offers the most mesmerizing views of the city. Depart from the gorgeous Palm Jumeirah Island and enjoy a ride above the Dubai’s most iconic monuments and landmarks. Your private tour also includes a guide who will share interesting, fun, informative stories throughout your flight. The pre-departure lounge is also a treat in itself so be sure to arrive a little early.

Here's a complete guide to choosing the best Helicopter tours in Dubai.

It doesn’t get much better than a thrilling drive over gorgeous, golden sand dunes. Head deep into the heart of the desert and witness one of the most stunning sunsets of your life. You’ll be guided to a posh Bedouin desert camp and greeted with a traditional Arabian welcome. Next, enjoy a delicious buffet dinner that includes barbecue meats, salads, an array of main-course dishes, and plenty of desserts. The ambiance is nothing short of enchanting. It’s an unforgettable evening camel rides, sand boarding, henna painting, sheesha, and belly dancing!

Read our curation of tips and hacks for a memorable Desert Safari experience.

New Year Eve in Dubai sees a spectacular display of fireworks - marking the good times ahead. Tourists and locals flock in thousands catch a glimpse and concenterate around the Dubai Fountain, Souk al Bahar, Umm Suqeim Park, Burj Park, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeira beach and sometimes bang in the middle of the roads! If you have plans to travel within Dubai on New Year's eve, make sure you reach your destination before 10 PM. The roads are chock a block until 12 AM as everyone is trying to score a good spot to watch the fireworks.

Read on to know the best spots to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks.

Dubai hosts some of the most happening New Year parties in the world and if you're a party animal, there's no better way to clock in the New Year than dancing your way into it. Hit up Barasti Beach, Distillery Gastropub for a Coyote Ugly themed party, Warehouse for a Great Gatsby themed party, The Penthouse for a jungle themed party, or Atlantis on the Palm (this year, Atlantis Palm Dubai is part of rock band KISS' last ever world tour) for legendary new year parties. Dress to impress and enjoy an extravangant New Year's eve in Dubai. Additionally, most parties in Dubai have a dedicated kids’ sections that promises to keep them entertained through the night, ensuring you have a night off to enjoy the fun.

Check out the top New Year parties and concerts taking place this year.

Madinat Jumeirah boasts one of the most coveted New Year’s gala dinner with fire dancers, musicians, live entertainment and free-flowing champagne topped with myriad options of cuisines. The fireworks from here are spellbindingly beautiful and for a chance of scene, carry a beach mat and head to one of the public beaches at Jumeirah to spend some time under the starlit sky. Don't forget to get here early for a decent parking spot!

For an offbeat New Year eve experience in Dubai, head to Al Seef or La Mer and spend some quality time at these waterfront markets decked in festivity and live music, while kids have fun at the carnival rides and petting zoo! You're spolit for dining choices and be ready to be surprised with New Year special additions to the aura. Not to forget, the spectacular views of the New Year fireworks you're bound to witness as the clock strikes 12.

If you're visiting La Mer for the first time, here's our guide to the best in La Mer.

Global Village New year celebrations are well renowned among locals and tourists - so expect to see tens of thousands flocking in. An amalgamation of world culture, Global Village Dubai is the ideal place for celebrating New Year as you can witness New Year traditions of more than 75 countries around the world. The Global Village New Year musical fireworks are a class apart and quite the visual-treat. Shop, dine and spend your New Year's eve doing all things fun. The Carnaval is favourite among kids, so don't worry about keeping them entertained. Here's all you need to know before visiting Global Village Dubai.

If you're more of an outdoorsy person, leave the glamour and decadence in Dubai and make your way to Hatta. An exclave of Dubai and Oman perched high up in the scenic Hajar Mountains, Hatta is an adventeruous hub with kayaking, mountain biking, zip-lining, hiking and more other adrenaline pumping activities. For those who prefer a slower pace, head over to the region's natural treasures and cultural attractions, like the Hatta Lake and Heritage Village. We'd strongly suggest an overnight stay at the chic Hatta Damani Lodges or the best glamping site in the town - the Sedr Trailer Resort. Whatever you choose to do in Hatta, you're clocking in the New Year in style!

Check out the Top 12 things to do in Hatta

What better way to start a New Year than push your boundaries and step out of your comfort zone? Those of you who've had Skydiving on your bucketlist, why not tick it off before the year ends? Skydiving over the Palm Drop Zone and catching a glimpse of all the New Year festivities from above is an experience to remember, so grab your tickets before these prime New Year slots sell out.

Still having second thoughts about Skydiving? Our first-timer's guide to Skydiving in Dubai will prep you end to end.

If you're in the mood to enjoy some delicious food as well as look out at the beautiful glimmering Dubai skyline, head to the QE2 for a Gala Dinner. This black-tie event features a divine seven course meal and delicious drinks to enjoy as you listen to the live band playing some of your favourite songs. And if you want something less glam, the Boat Deck is hosting a Tea Party with an open bar. More so, when the clock strikes midnight, enjoy a prime view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks from the world-famous cruise ship-turned-hotel.

If you haven't taken a QE2 tour yet, now would be the best time to go for it.

Ring in the new year with eminent musicians at Dubai Opera. Featuring artists like DJ Said Mrad, DJ Saif & Sound, and Carrie Gibson’s Nuvo Soul band, Dubai Opera is going all out to ensure your new year starts with a bang! Open to those aged 12 and above, you can book tickets for a table of two, three, four, six, or eight. The event start at 8 PM and will go on till 2 AM. One of the most hyped shows this year, it is going to be a bash unlike any other!

Dubai Opera also has a number of shows playing currently, find the list of Dubai Opera shows here.

Dubai is home to some of the most beautiful properties around the world. Why not spend a night or two in the lap of luxury? Wake up to 2021 in a comfortable yet exclusive location and enjoy everything the property has to offer. Some options are Waldorf Astoria Dubai, Raffles Dubai, Five Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis the Palm. Plan it right and you can attend their New Years' Eve parties, enjoy delicious fare, or even access waterparks that are close by like Wild Wadi in Jumeirah.