Ushering in the New Year in a grand way has become ‘tradition’ these days. When people ask you about your plans for the New Years and you just shrug and say that maybe curl up with a good movie at home, it’s as if you have gone crazy. They just can’t seem to comprehend the fact that not everyone celebrates New Years with a bang. But, for people who do, or want to try, this list is ideal for you. Don’t worry; there are plans for the calm ones too!
For the loud, party people:
Clubbing:
I think it is safe for me to say that if you like to party and if you’re in Dubai for the New Years, you are at the right place at the right time! Dubai is buzzing with parties and you are in for a treat at New Year’s Eve. But do remember, some clubs will burn a hole in your pocket. It should be worth it though because we only live once, right? The most happening and hottest clubs in Dubai include Zero Gravity, Meydaan, Barasti, Cirque Le Soir, Armani Privé, and many more!
Fireworks at:
Dubai Mall:
If you are not a clubbing person, then head out to Downtown Dubai and watch the fireworks display which Dubai is oh so famous for! Each year, the fireworks display at Burj Khalifa draws in thousands of visitors and this year is no different. Be sure to reach the Dubai mall by 5 pm else be ready to get swamped by eager crowds to catch a glimpse of the fireworks display (it’s gonna be in LED too!)
Burj Al Arab:
If you feel the Dubai Mall would be too much to handle, head out to see the fireworks at Burj Al Arab and usher in the New Year just a few minutes late (fireworks here begin after the Burj Khalifa). Mind you, it will not just be the fireworks that will burn but your pockets too! (List of free places to watch the fireworks comes at the end of this post so be patient!) At the Burj Al Arab, you get the privilege of partying at the world’s tallest atrium and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. And for this plus 15 minutes of one of the world’s best fireworks display, it’s worth it!
The Atlantis:
How exciting would ringing in the New Year at one of the world’s most expensive hotels be? If you’re up for the challenge, head on the Atlantis in Dubai and party on at the many events its restaurants are hosting. Zoom out a bit and get magnificent views of The Palm and the Dubai skyline. It will be a more private affair than celebrating with the masses and if you want to plan out a romantic New Year’s Eve, this is the spot to be.
Love the outdoors?
The Beach:
You can make an eve out of it by packing a picnic, inviting your loved ones, and heading out to one of the public beaches at Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Dance around to music, make friends with strangers, and chomp on homemade food; the beach is your oyster. With a fabulous view of the fireworks and the fresh air on your face, make this a night you will cherish forever.
Cruises:
For the ones wanting to spend a romantic evening, book a beautiful Dhow cruise and experience the magic of New Years with your loved one. With views of the Dubai skyline and the fireworks in a slightly mellow setting, bring in the New Year on a positive and relaxing note. Lose yourselves in a quiet corner of the Dhow or let your hair down with the partying crowd. Either way, make it a night to remember!
For the calm, cozy ones:
Book a hotel room:
Don’t feel like venturing out in the crazy crowd and lose yourself? No problem! If you still want to watch the fireworks display and don’t mind spending some money, book yourself and your family into a fancy hotel with a Burj Khalifa view and enjoy the display within the privacy of your space. Order in room-service, toast a glass of champagne and watch the display with your loved ones. What more do you need?
Avoid the mad rush:
Want to sit in your jammies and eat home-cooked food? Then you can simply watch the fireworks display online. Stream it here: http://www.mydubainewyear.com/
Or you can have a mini New Year’s party with a couple of close friends and stay in the comfort of your home. But remember to start the party early because roads are gonna be jammed and public transport is gonna get more crowd than ever. Ideally, start the party at around 5 pm and keep it going for however long you want.
Looking for a free display of the fireworks? Here are a few ideal spots to visit and enjoy the show:
- Head down to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Visit the Kite Beach at Umm Suqeim 4
- Pack a picnic for the Palace Beach on Al Sufouh Road
- Go to Discovery Gardens or Dubai Marina
- Ideally, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay, where you can watch the fireworks from wherever you see the Burj Khalifa.
It doesn’t matter what kind of a person you are. As long as you’re ushering in the New Year in a way that makes you the happiest, that’s all that’s needed. We wish you a very happy 2016 and hope that all your dreams come true!
P.S. Be sure to leave the house early because it’s gonna be a mad, mad rush out there and we don’t want you to get stuck somewhere!
All images courtesy: Google Images