The best places to go for New Year’s celebrations in Abu Dhabi 2025/26
The year 2026 is almost here! Judging from the exciting staycation deals, the amazing fireworks displays and the myriad of other festive entertainment options, the capital city’s residents have a lot to look forward to. If you don’t have plans for the NYE, we have prepared a list of exciting activities for New Year in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS 2026
Watching fireworks is amongst the top things to do in Abu Dhabi for New Year’s. No matter how many times the event rolls around, there is always something exhilarating about seeing the night sky light up.
Love a good fireworks display? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a roundup of places to watch New Year’s fireworks in Abu Dhabi.
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: Count down to 2026 with other revellers and see the sky come alive with fireworks at the New Year’s Eve extravaganza at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
- Yas Bay: Watch the local landmarks light up as fireworks are launched at Yas Bay — right at the stroke of midnight.
- Shangri-La Abu Dhabi: Watch the beach at Shangri-La Abu Dhabi come alive with a spectacular fireworks display as the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche: Visitors will be treated with a visual display over the waters at Abu Dhabi Corniche. The spectacle will be visible from several locations like the MOTN festival and Corniche Beach.
NEW YEAR PARTIES AND DINING DEALS IN ABU DHABI
Tantalising meals, epic brunches, extravagant New Year’s Eve parties, and everything in between — some venues offer spectacular deals to celebrate New Year’s in Abu Dhabi 2026. Let’s take a look….shall we?
THE OSCARS 25TH ANNIVERSARY NYE GALA DINNER ABU DHABI GOLF RESORT
As Abu Dhabi Golf Resort marks 25 years, the red carpet is rolled out for a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor gala dinner beneath the stars.
Expect glamour, live entertainment and anniversary-exclusive rates—an unforgettable celebration long remembered after midnight. There’s also a chance to win AED 250,000 up for grabs!
To avoid any inconvenience, don’t forget to book in advance!
- Price: From AED 449 | AED 149 (kids 6 to 12)
- Timing: 08:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Location: Abu Dhabi Golf Resort
- Contact: +971-56-536-8629
NYE Dinner at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Bid farewell to 2025 at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara on December 31st. Enjoy the best eats from active live cooking stations and more.
- Price: From AED 1,650 per adult | AED 829 per child (4 to 12 years)
- Timing: 08:00 pm to 11:30 pm
- Location: Bateen Liwa
- Contact: +971-2-895-8700
NYE Dinner at Emirates Palace
When it comes to activities in New Year for Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental pulls out all the stops. Choose a unqiue menu from any of the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurants for New Year’s Eve Dinner to remember. The party starts with a welcome cocktail at the Grand Dome from 07:00 pm. Options for dining include Broadway, Lebanese Terrace, Hakkasan and Talea.
- Price: Contact the hotel
- Timing: From 07:00 pm
- Location: West Corniche, Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Contact: +971-2-690-9000
Samba Soiree at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Get ready to get your groove on at the Samba Soiree at Hilton Abu Dhabi come New Year’s Eve. From chef-led cooking stations to entertainment, the night promises to be memorable.
- Price: AED 1,650 (adults) | From AED 450 (kids)
- Timing: 07:30 pm to 01:00 am
- Location: Yas Bay
- Contact: +971-2-208-6900
OPT FOR A STAYCATION FOR NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION IN ABU DHABI
The hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi are gearing up to celebrate 2026 with exciting staycations that can be enjoyed during New Year’s Eve and beyond. Here are some of the best ones you can sign up for.
SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI
Say goodbye to 2026 with A Glamorous New Year’s Eve Escape at Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri. Enjoy a gala under the stars with curated drinks, gourmet dining and mesmerising fireworks.
- Cost: From AED 3,296
- Validity: Until 1st January 2026
- Location: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
- Contact: +971-2-509-8888
W Abu Dhabi
Book a stunning suite overlooking the race track at W Abu Dhabi during New Year’s Eve and the following day. The hotel’s suite offer includes daily breakfast for two at Garage, 20% discount at restaurants, early check-in and more. Plus kids up to 11 years old stay free!
- Cost: From AED 2,351
- Validity: Until January 30th 2026
- Location: Yas Island
- Contact: +971-2-656-0000
New Year Party in Abu Dhabi: Events and Concerts
Have the time of your life at these events and concerts during New Year’s eve in the capital.
Alicia Keys
The multi Grammy winning artist is expected to perform at Saadiyat Island as part of Saadiyat Nights.
- Cost per person: From AED 70
- Date & timings: 31st December 2025, from 05:00 pm
- Location: Saadiyat Island
John Legend
John Legend will be performing his latest hits to welcome 2026 in style. Enjoy other perks like gourmet dining, after party and fireworks display.
- Cost per person: From AED 3,500
- Date & timings: 31st December 2025, from 10:30 pm
- Location: Emirates Palace
- Contact: +971-2-690-9000
Nassif Zeytoon and Haifa Wehbe
Haifa Wehbe’s chart-topping tracks, including “Ya Hayat Albe,” “El Wawa,” “Touta,” and “Baba Fen,” reflect a career that redefined modern Arabic music. The singer will lighting up the stage with Arab artist Nassif Zeytoon.
- Cost per person: From AED 495
- Date & timings: 31st December 2025, from 09:30 pm
- Location: Space 42 Arena, Yas Island
- Contact: +971-2-552-8055
FAQS ABOUT NEW YEAR’S IN ABU DHABI
WHAT TO DO IN ABU DHABI ON NEW YEAR’S EVE?
Apart from fireworks and NYE events, you can book tickets to concerts of internationally renowned performers.
WHERE CAN I WATCH NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS IN ABU DHABI?
The list includes places like Emirates Palace and Yas Bay.
WHEN SHOULD I MAKE MY RESERVATIONS FOR NEW YEAR’S DINNER IN ABU DHABI?
You should make your booking as early as possible to avoid any inconvenience.
WHERE CAN I CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN ABU DHABI?
There are plenty of places to celebrate Christmas in Abu Dhabi. You can visit Yas Links or Yas Acres Golf & Country Club to watch the tree lighting ceremony. Or visit Winter Fest at Yas Bay to kick off the festivities.
That’s all for our review of New Year’s activities in Abu Dhabi. Check out the annual events and festivals in Abu Dhabi for more fun.
If you are visiting Dubai this New Year’s Eve, why not make the most of these New Year’s brunches in Dubai?
