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For many of us, the New Year holidays have always been about that heartwarming olio of hope, positivity and celebration. There’s just something about the turning of the year that allows us to believe in the promise of a better tomorrow.

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New Year 2024 holiday for the private sector

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Sunday, January 1, 2024, will be an official paid holiday in the UAE for all private sector employees.

For those looking to celebrate their new year’s eve in the UAE, we’ll provide you with some recommendations which may just suit your plan.

Dubai

The New Year celebration in Dubai is not merely a transition of time; it is a symphony of lights, a shopper’s haven, and a jubilant gathering of people from all walks of life, coming together to welcome the promise of a new beginning with unparalleled enthusiasm. The city hosts a diverse range of events, from mesmerizing firework shows to lively street performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for revelers of all ages. Below, we have recommended several celebration venues and events you can visit to enjoy the dazzling spectacle of lights and excitement in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

This year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacle at Burj Khalifa promises to outshine all previous displays with an amplified showcase of firepower and pyrotechnic marvels.

This annual event stands as a pinnacle of the UAE’s New Year’s Eve festivities, attracting massive crowds not only from the Emirates but from far and wide.

Emaar Properties, the city developer, has disclosed that a dedicated team of experts and technicians has spent over 671 days meticulously perfecting the fireworks presentation, among the world’s largest. Thousands are expected to witness this breathtaking show in Downtown Dubai, visible from various viewpoints across the city as the new year unfolds.

A remarkable 325 firing positions encircle Burj Khalifa for this spectacle. These positions will release pyrotechnic elements in 2,800 directions, meticulously coordinated using specialized computer technology. This intricate coordination will transform the sky into an elaborate canvas of colors and forms.

At the base of Burj Khalifa, a unique performance for the Dubai Fountain is also in the works. Helmed by Peter Kopik, renowned for his fountain choreography, this amalgamation of water, light, and sound will synchronize seamlessly with Burj Khalifa’s display.

For the Dubai Fountain, hundreds of shooters are in place to propel water to heights of up to 150 meters. Over 6,600 lights and 127 strobe strings will illuminate the water, while 6,700 fog nozzles will contribute to the dramatic showcase.

Access to Downtown Dubai for the fireworks extravaganza is free, but there’s a limited availability of tickets for prime viewing spots in Burj Park. Ticket holders can enter the venue from 4 pm onwards, enjoying live entertainment and a variety of food trucks, with each pass inclusive of a meal and two beverages. With the new year just days away, tickets for the event are sold out.

Dubai Shopping Festival

The 29th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will return this year from December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, with exciting new events and big sales. DSF features unbeatable promotions, retail deals, entertainment, pop-up markets, unique dining, drone shows, art installations, sporting events, and raffles from global and local brands.

In this year’s festival, the Dubai Lights art installations will also return, featuring Anooki illustrations. These larger-than-life characters will light up Al Seef and d3, offering a never-seen-before experience. People can interact with the characters, take Instagram-worthy photos, and create enchanting memories during Dubai Lights 2024.

Furthermore, the festival also features a world-class experience with the Dubai Shopping Festival’s DSF Drone Show, presented by Emarat Petroleum. Running nightly from December 10 to January 14, this event will light up Dubai’s skyline in collaboration with The Beach and Bluewaters. Featuring two new displays each night, the show presents enchanting stories using 800 drones, promising a breathtaking symphony of colors and shapes that will awe viewers.

Ras al Khaimah

Spanning the 4.5km waterfront from Al Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village, this showcase aims to set unprecedented records. Residents and visitors have the choice of two events to witness the fireworks. A free public gathering will feature DJ entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, and designated areas for both bachelors and families. Additionally, a ticketed private event named Soundfest will showcase international artists, offer a kids’ zone, and a diverse selection of culinary delights.

Preceding the December 31 festivities, locals and tourists can revel in various enjoyable celebrations, including tree-lighting ceremonies, Christmas events, and elegant dinners hosted by multiple hotels in the emirate. Those staying overnight on Al Marjan Island on New Year’s Eve will have prime viewing spots for the fireworks.

The New Year’s Eve Organising Committee, spearheaded by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, comprises teams from Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah Police, Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce, Public Works, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Hamra, and other entities.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi lights up with vibrant festivities and extravagant celebrations as it bids farewell to the passing year and welcomes the dawn of a new one. From luxurious hotel galas to chic restaurant gatherings and lively poolside parties, the city offers an assortment of experiences to ring in the New Year with style. With dazzling fireworks, gourmet feasts, live entertainment, and scenic views, here’s a curated selection of venues across Abu Dhabi, each hosting its own unique New Year’s Eve celebration to make the countdown to 2024 an unforgettable experience:

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant – Four Seasons Hotel

Nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant invites guests to indulge in a lavish 14-course menu, featuring 99’s acclaimed signatures. The experience includes the iconic 99 katsu sando with Kobe A5, complemented by free-flowing drinks until midnight. Guests are treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly before an extravagant after-party.

Location: Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Packages: AED 1,199 for dining room, AED 1,499 for a window seat, AED 1,999 for terrace
Contact: Tel: (0)2 672 3333

Al Raha Beach Hotel – La Piscine Restaurant & Pool Bar

Al Raha Beach Hotel sets the stage for a glamorous masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve celebration at La Piscine Restaurant & Pool Bar. Revelers can anticipate live cooking stations and a lineup of flamboyant entertainment, including a light show, belly dancers, and a Cuban band. A midnight toast with bubbly adds to the festivities.

Location: Al Raha Beach
Timing: 8 pm to 1 am
Packages: AED 575 for soft package, AED 775 for house package, 50% off for children aged five to 12, under 4s free.
Contact: Tel: (0)56 545 0145

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers – José by Pizzaro

Bid adieu to 2023 in style with a dinner at José by Pizzaro at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Savor delicious tapas and Spanish wine as the countdown to 2024 begins. Enjoy free access to the observation deck at 300, Abu Dhabi’s highest vantage point, for breathtaking views of the city bidding farewell to the year.

Location: José by Pizzaro, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Timing: 5 pm to 12 am
Package: Starting from AED 500
Contact: Tel: (0)2 811 5666

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi – Café Milano

Toast to the arrival of 2024 with a delectable set menu at Café Milano. Chef Delfino Chiarello’s bold five-course menu promises signature dishes such as carpaccio di cernia e caviar and braised wagyu beef. After dinner, head to the terrace for a front-row seat to the spectacular fireworks.

Location: Four Seasons Abu Dhabi Al Maryah
Timing: 6 pm to 1 am
Packages: AED 890 for indoor seating, AED 990 for outdoor seating, AED 440 for children aged six to 12.
Contact: Tel: (0)2 333 2222

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi – Grand Ballroom

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi presents a glitzy and glamorous masquerade-themed gala dinner within the Grand Ballroom. The evening is brimming with live performances and a stunning fireworks display to usher in the New Year.

Location: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Timing: 8 pm to 1 am
Packages: AED 600 for soft package, AED 800 for house package.
Contact: Tel: (0)2 510 1234.

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island – Poolside Buffet

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hosts a Roaring Twenties-themed poolside buffet for NYE, offering a prime view of the fireworks over Yas Bay. Guests can relish hot dishes alongside non-stop entertainment.

Location: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Timing: 7.30 pm to 1 am
Packages: AED 700 for soft package, AED 900 for premium package, AED 375 for children aged six to 12.
Contact: Tel: (0)2 208 6900.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort – White

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’s elegant all-day dining venue, White, presents a lavish New Year’s Eve buffet dinner across its indoor restaurant and alfresco terrace. The buffet includes live stations, free-flowing drinks, and captivating live entertainment leading up to midnight.

Location: Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Timing: 8 pm to 12 am
Packages: AED 1,200 for soft package, AED 1,300 for house package, AED 1,400 for premium package, AED 600 for children aged four to 11, under 4s free.
Contact: Tel: (0)2 811 4342.