Fireworks Dubai 2023: The Best Places to Watch the Dazzling Displays in the City

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Just how cool would it be to experience the new year celebration in a city as exciting and dazzling as Dubai. Building on its reputation as the city of superlatives, just about everything here is bigger, better and more grandiose. When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations, Dubai doesn’t mess around. 

Both chic and sophisticated or wild and crazy, the city of Dubai lends itself perfectly to the sparkle that accompanies the New Year’s festivities. Whatever your desired setting following a romantic dinner or a wild rave with your crew, there’s no escaping the captivation of the splendid fireworks against the backdrop of the dazzling city of Dubai.

Here is our recommendation of the top spots to best enjoy and watch the fireworks of Dubai in 2023.

The Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is poised to once again host a grand masterpiece of fireworks, light, and laser shows this year. As the clock strikes midnight, crowds gather in anticipation. The best part? It’s a free event, and the fireworks display never fails to awe spectators.

For those who preferred celebrating without the uncertainty of finding a prime viewing spot amid the crowd, a ticketed section was introduced this year, but it’s already sold out. This marks the first time this location has hosted a ticketed event on December 31. Nonetheless, as this option is now closed, you can still find excellent spots around for free.

The ticketed section, called “Emaar NYE at Burj Park,” was priced at AED 300 for adults and AED 150 for children aged 5 to 12, while children under 5 get in for free. What does this ticket include? Guaranteed uninterrupted views of the NYE celebration and shows, live entertainment, a meal from designated food stalls, and two drinks to toast the occasion.

Plan for a night filled with excitement as the gates open at 4 pm. If you’ve already purchased your tickets online, you’ll need to collect a badge between Tuesday, December 26, and Saturday, December 30, from Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, or Dubai Marina Mall.

Burj al Arab Jumeirah

The Burj al Arab Jumeirah fireworks show was exceptionally stunning last year, offering various options to secure that perfect vantage point. For a different perspective and a lot fewer crowds, venture to Black Palace Beach, nestled beside the Royal Palaces of Al Sufouh. Added bonus: catch a glimpse of the fireworks at the Atlantis.

Seeking a cosy and relaxed atmosphere with family? Head to Kite Beach and bask in the fireside view of the Burj Al Arab. Lastly, consider reserving a spot at one of Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s restaurants. With delicious cuisine and a splendid view, it’s a no-brainer, we’d say.

Atlantis, the Palm 

As tradition mandates a dazzling pyrotechnic show for New Year’s Eve, head to the luxury hotel to spend the final days of 2023. Embrace the option to join the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Royal Gala, relishing fine dining while securing the best seat for the show. This time, savour an exclusive performance by the pop icon and international superstar, Kylie Minogue.

But for those who aren’t keen on spending the evening at the hotel and/or restaurant, simply take a stroll on the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk and observe the pyro show hosted by both Atlantis and the Burj al Arab.

Ras Al Khaimah

Encircled by the mystifying Al Hajar mountains, the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah prepares itself to wish you a ‘fiery’ new year. Organizers have stated that come New Year’s Eve, they are planning to treat RAK residents to a 12-minute long visually stunning pyrotechnic spectacle stretching 4.7 kilometres long. The Emirate is also preparing for another Guinness World Record-breaking fireworks display this year, which will feature pyro-drones, lights, colours, shapes and music as an additional element that will be harmonized with the drones’ movement to make the viewers mesmerized. The show is promoted under the hashtag #RAKNYE2023.

Sheikh Zayed Festival

Located in Al Wathba, this festival has emerged as a must-visit destination, offering an all-inclusive package to ring in the new year. Visitors can revel in various activities, from concerts to competitions and captivating attractions, while eagerly awaiting the countdown. The festival commences daily at 4 PM, welcoming visitors for a nominal fee of AED 10 (USD 2.72) to witness the breathtaking fireworks display from this locale.

This year, the fireworks at the Sheikh Zayed Festival will span over 60 minutes, all set to break four Guinness World Records. An elaborate drone show, showcasing 5000 drones, will accompany this spectacle, marking the first of its kind in the region.

Global Village

The Global Village, a hub of cultural unity from various countries worldwide, is geared up to usher into 2024 across 7 different time zones. Join this grand event for non-stop entertainment on the Main Stage, featuring a DJ spinning tunes from around the world throughout the night. Here’s the schedule of countries and their celebrations aligned with their midnight bell:

China : 8:00 PM
Thailand : 9:00 PM
Bangladesh : 10:00 PM
India : 10:30 PM
Pakistan : 11:00 PM
UAE : 12:00 AM
Turkey : 1:00 AM

True to the Global Village spirit, each country’s celebration will feature a spectacular cultural show alongside a stunning fireworks display!

Hatta Festival

Set against the breathtaking scenery of the newly developed Leem Lake and Hatta Wadi Hub, the Hatta Festival is gearing up for a spectacular fireworks display to ring in the new year. Witness the iconic Hatta sign spring to life in a mesmerizing dance of lights just moments before midnight.

As visitors eagerly await the countdown, they can immerse themselves in a myriad of activities suitable for all ages. The best part? Admission is free, ensuring that this event is accessible and inclusive for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Hatta Festival’s enchanting conclusion, forging memories that will linger as the city bids a stylish farewell to the year.

Beyond traditional venues

You don’t have to stick to a specific event venue for New Year’s Eve. If you’re the type to venture out and create your unique celebration, consider these alternative ideas:

Go on a cruise dinner

For those looking for a special New Year’s Eve celebration, we recommend going on a dinner cruise to fully savour the dazzling fireworks show. Set sail from either the Dubai Marina or the Dubai Creek and watch in awe as the vibrant New Year’s Eve passes by, accompanied by an excellent meal at the floating restaurant. 

High-rise watering hole

A lot of visitors may want to kick off New Year’s Eve with a chic dinner and a glass (or a bottle) of sparkling champagne. As consuming alcohol in public is strictly prohibited in Dubai, it’s off to a rooftop bar then, where high-profile DJs set the atmosphere so you can rule the dance floor while watching the ensuing fireworks.

Here are some of the best joints in town:

• Level 43 Sky Lounge: Perched atop of the Four Points by Sheraton on the 43rd floor, the bar’s exalted location naturally provides guests with a stunning 360-degree view of the dazzling celebrations.
• Iris Dubai: This open-air lounge offers great cocktails, a selection of fusion food and a calming breeze. It’s perched on the 27th floor of the Oberoi Hotel Dubai.
• The Treehouse: This rooftop bar is located at the Taj Dubai Hotel and has built a reputation as an oasis of relaxation in the midst of bustling Dubai. Relax and mingle as the year comes to a close.

Hotels and restaurants

Various hotels and restaurants usually go wild this time of year by offering great deals to entice potential patrons. You can encounter many ‘all you can eat/drink’ buffets serving exquisite food and drinks. It’s safe to say that these establishments also take into account the end-of-year festivities by providing guests access to their terraces, balconies and other designated spots to ensure the best view of the pyro spectacles. There are some popular restaurants that you can visit to celebrate the 2023 New Year, including the Black Tap, Cé La Vi, and Chic Nona.

Head out to the desert

For a change of pace, why not head out into the desert this year and spend the passing of the year away from the city under a starry sky? You can still spectate the fireworks show of course, but why not swap the roaring beat of the DJ with a quiet moment of reflection atop a camel in the heart of a Bedouin camp? Enjoy the hospitality of the desert courtesy of authentic Bedouin hospitality involving barbecues, exquisite Arabian coffee and shisha.