DO OR DINE: 8 FABULOUS WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE TO 2022 IN ABU DHABI
DO: WHERE TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS IN ABU DHABI
Celebrating the New Year has become synonymous with watching fireworks, and Abu Dhabi has got some fabulous (and free) places to watch the whizz bangs as the clock strikes 12.
It goes without saying it is likely to be very busy on the roads on the 31st, especially around the hotspots for firework watching so drive safely and expect delays.
YAS BAY – Whether you’re dining in one of the many bars and restaurants or standing on the boardwalk, Yas Bay is sure to put on an epic display. Get front row seats at the incredible Asia Asia, get there early to nab yourself a parking space or catch them from Al Bandar/Al Zeina. There will be two displays: one at 9PM and one at midnight.
SHEIKH ZAYED FESTIVAL – Looking to blast a massive 3 Guinness World Record attempts this year, the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is set to have a huge 40-minute display, plus a drone show with over 3000 drones, as well as a fountain, and laser show. And for just AED5 a ticket with loads of fun stuff to do, including shows, parades and amusements rides, you might just want to spend the whole day there. The festival opens at 3PM and tickets should be booked in advance. Book your tickets here.
THE CORNICHE – An oldie but a classic, enjoy the fantastic display from over 8km of coastline on Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Check out some great restaurants along the way like 3B: Burger, Brisket & Beyond, for some slow cooked brisket goodness.
DO: WHERE TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS IN ABU DHABI
AL MARYAH ISLAND – Head down to the south plaza at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, for an exceptional display over the water. It's on a first come first served basis, so make sure you get there early to secure your spot, or book yourself into the restaurants facing the water for a great view.
SAADIYAT BEACH CLUB/JUMEIRAH SAADIYAT – Here you get two displays in one, with Jumeirah Saadiyat and Saadiyat Beach Club putting on neighbouring displays. Check out their packages by checking our New Year’s listings here.
EMIRATES PALACE – Marvel at live entertainment, a fire show, a fountain and water show, an aerial show, and of course a stunning fireworks display, in one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic hotels. Tickets start from AED3,500.
(Unconfirmed) HAZZA BIN ZAYED STADIUM, AL AIN
(Unconfirmed) MADINAT ZAYED, AL DHAFRA
DINE: NYE DINING IN THE DESERT AT AL WATHBA DESERT RESORT AND SPA
Are you looking for something a bit more out-of-the-ordinary for New Year’s Eve this weekend? Check out the New Year’s Eve dinner at the Al Mabeet Desert Camp, out of Jumeirah Al Wathba. Enjoy dining under the starry desert sky, with a fabulous set menu including fois gras, poached lobster, and live grills, while you watch a spectacular belly dancing show, traditional folk dancers, and a live DJ. Splash out and book a room for the night as well as a visit to the beautiful spa the next day - the perfect cure for any New Year excesses.
Packages start from AED550 pp.
Location: Al Mabeet Desert Camp, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa
Date: 31st December 2022
Time: 8PM – 1AM
Price: Soft AED550 | House AED850 | Bubbly AED950
Book: 02 204 4444
DO: HEAD TO A WINTER FESTIVAL AT SHEIKHA FATIMA PARK
From the 24th – 31st December Sheikha Fatima Park is turning into a winter wonderland as they promise a December to remember at their winter festival. With a week-long schedule of family-friendly fun including arts and crafts, face painting, a wintery parade, and the chance to meet Santa and his elves. It may even be the perfect place to set up and watch the fireworks on the Corniche.
Location: Sheikha Fatima Park
Date: 24th – 31st December 2022
Info: 02 645 7733 or sfp@imkan.ae
DINE: ENJOY NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION AT HOME WITH LA CUISINE DE MANOU
If you are planning a party at home this NYE, take the pressure off, grab a glass of something bubbly, put your feet up and let La Cuisine de Manou do all the hard work for you. Offering a curated NYE catering menu for every size of party this is perfect way to take the hard work out of the celebrations, leaving time for you to enjoy the night and spend time with your guests. We love the hot and cold hors-d’œuvre selections and the salmon Wellington, not to mention La Cuisine De Manou’s exceptional dessert selections. Yum.
Info: Must be ordered 24 hours in advance | 48 hours for large catering orders
Book: contact on WhatsApp +971 56 732 2519
DO: ENJOY MORE OF THE MOTN FESTIVAL
Didn’t get a chance to make it down to the Mother of the Nation Festival on the Corniche? The fan favourite has been extended till January the 1st! With 6 zones full with family friendly activities: including the live arena, featuring non-stop entertainment and live music, the creative zone inspire space, amazing world food delights in the food hub, a kids wonderland amusement park, grab some bargains at the shopping district, and get your adrenaline pumping at the thrill zone, this is sure to make your New Year's Eve a load of good fun,
General admission starts from AED30 (online, AED35 on the door), and adventure seekers can get a bundle for a whole day of fun and over 26 additional rides and attractions for AED140. Ticket information can be found here.
Location: Mother of the Nation Festival, Abu Dhabi Corniche
Date: 23rd – 1st January
Time: 4PM – 12AM (1AM on NYE)
Info: info@motn.ae or 02 444 0444
DINE: GRAB 50% OFF AT PENELOPE’S
Penelope’s Brasserie and Jazz Bar Américain at Yas Marina has been making waves as the place to see and be seen since its opening last month. With it’s swanky interiors, French cuisine, and amazing signature cocktails, this is a fabulous addition to the Abu Dhabi food scene. It's 50% off until the end of December.
Location: Penelope’s Brasserie and Jazz Bar Américain, Yas Marina
Time: 6:30PM – 2AM
Book: 050 204 2475
DO: WATCH AN ICE SHOW AND MORE AT FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
Is there anything more perfect than a winter in snow capped Italian streets? And while we may not have actually made it to Italy this season, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi may well be the next best thing! With a whole host of seasonal entertainment including gingerbread making workshops, gigantic snow globes, roaming performers, and a Winterfest show. We are big fans of the ice show in the Red Theatre, for an Italian twist of the classic Christmas story! Wintefest is running to the 8th January.
Location: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Time: 11AM – 8PM
Book: https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/en/booking
DINE: GET YUMMY CHINESE AT CITY PALACE CHINESE
If you're avoiding the hustle and bustle this New Year's Eve and fancy a night in, get delivery from City Palace Chinese, and enjoy amazing hand pulled noodles, yummy Chinese chicken, and Abu Dhabi’s famous Peking Duck. We love the house favourite beef lamian, a fresh and flavourful noodle soup, and you cannot go wrong with the xiao long bao. If you like a bit of sweet and sour try the guo bao chicken, with its moreish sweet sauce. Enjoy this fabulous Chinese restaurant which is now 20% off of dine in with BB+.
Location: City Palace Chinese, Al Falah Street
Time: 11:30AM – 10:30PM
Book: 02 626 2762
SIGN UP TO BB+
With BB+ you can get all these restaurant discounts plus loads more at a huge range of venues across Abu Dhabi. We also have offers for brunch, business lunches and more! Sign up today!
DO: EXPLORE THE BRAND NEW MUGHEIRAH BAY
There is a new tourist attraction in town, that might just be your thing to do this New Year's Eve. Located in Al Dhafra, next to the eco-tourism campsite Bab Al Nojoum – Al Mugheirah Resort, this 12 hectare destination offers a skate park, splash park, outdoor gym, cycling track, multi-purpose sports courts, laser tag and paintball centre, as well as restaurants and retail venues. This bay looks over the Mamsha Al Mugheirah, where the 2km boardwalk offers unparalleled views of the surrounding natural mangroves and the ocean beyond.
Lorenna White
1/2/2023
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