Top 10 places in Abu Dhabi to ring in 2018

Fireworks light up tke sky of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi to welcome 2017. - KT file photo

New Year's Eve is just around the corner, but don't panic if you still haven't made plans for your celebration. Here are the top 10 last-minute spots in Abu Dhabi that will certainly make the end of 2017 a truly memorable one.
Abu Dhabi Corniche - Hussain Al Jassmi, Tamer Hosny and fireworks
The very first 'New Year's Eve Countdown Village', taking place on the Corniche will include a line up of activities.
Spread over four days, from December 28-31, the village, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, will host electrifying performances by regional and local stars, bands and DJs, while also featuring an entertaining mix of family-focused activities.
The New Year's Eve performers include Emirati singing sensation Hussein Al Jassmi as well as Egyptian singer Tamer Hosny, and visitors will also be able to view the spectacular firework display.
Entrance fee is Dh40 for adults and free for children under six years of age. Celebrations are from 4pm-2am at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Al Maryah Island - Kadim Al Saher, Balqees and fireworks display
Every year, Al Maryah Island hosts an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebrations, with some of the top stars from the Arab world counting down, right before the Abu Dhabi skies are lit by captivating fireworks.
This year, Iraqi superstar Kadim Al Saher, also known as 'The Caesar of Arabic Music', and Khaleeji songstress Balqees will perform live on the Waterfront Promenade at Al Maryah Island.
Entry is free and doors open at 7pm, while the celebrations are from 10pm-1am.
Winterland Carnival
The Winterland Carnival on Yas Island offers plenty of fun activities for the families, including a snow park and snowball fights, as well as some spectacular views of the live six-minute long fireworks display.
Free entry, Yas Island du Forum
Yas Island's du Arena - Katy Perry live
Grammy Award Nominee Katy Perry will ring in the New Year with her debut Abu Dhabi performance.
The 'Teenage Dream' pop superstar will delight fans with some of their favourite tracks on a glittering stage set.
Tickets start from Dh150 for Arena admission, to Dh1,395 for the Tree House admission.
Emirates Palace - New Year's Eve Gala
For those who like to go all out for their New Year's Eve celebrations, the opulent golden five-star hotel is the place to be.
Each year, the hotel hosts an unforgettable party on the Palace Terrace, where guests can welcome the New Year in style, while having a glimpse of the fireworks display located on the Palace's beach.
Celebrations kick-off at the Palace Terrace at 7pm and will continue till 3am. Prices are Dh2,750 for adults and Dh1,375 for children.
Rosewood's Fabulous New Year's Eve Gala
The culinary team at Rosewood Abu Dhabi will showcase a fabulous New Year's Eve Gala to welcome 2018 with delicious food and live music in a black and white theme melody.
The hotel is hosting the gala for the first time, and the celebrations will roll out in a secret waterfront area with front row seats to the spectacular Al Mariah Island fireworks show.
Prices are Dh950 per guest, and the celebrations begin from 8pm.
Great Gatsby Party
For those who want to travel back to the 1920's Chicago era to celebrate the New Year's Eve, the Great Gatsby Party at Butcher and Still will do the job.
Located at Four Seasons Hotel, guests will enjoy a lavish dinner for the much-loved a la carte menu, as well as jazz music from the roaring twenties, and the ladies will even be welcomed with complementary fashion accessories.
The party starts at 7pm, while dinner is from 11pm-3am, and prices are from Dh250 per guest.
Groovy 70's New Year's Eve Party at Zsa Zsa
The Zsa Zsa cocktail party will take guests back to the disco musical era of the 70's this New Year's Eve.
Disco, soul and Motown classics will fill the air in the party, and guests will surely be flocking to the terrace at midnight for the best views of the fireworks display.
Party is at 10pm and prices starts from Dh450 per person in Four Seasons Hotel.
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE will be hosting one of the world's biggest DJs, Solomun.
Alongside Solomun, the igniting power of some of the top local DJs are also set to perform, including DJ Jean B Jixo and Danz, Frederick Stone, as well as Aidin Karami.
Party begins at 7pm and prices are Dh550 for women and Dh750 for men over 21 years of age.
Desert New Year Party
One of the best ways to welcome the new year in the UAE is to celebrate it at the beautiful desert.
The Desert World Tourism and Travel offer guests ways to embrace the new year with true bedouin entertainment.
Six hours of desert fun with sand skiing, dune bashing, camel riding, a tasty BBQ buffet, fireworks show and some live entertainment, including DJs, break dance, belly dancing and a traditional tanoura dance, will surely sweep anyone off their feet.
Celebrations start from 6pm-3am, and packages start from Dh170-Dh220 per person, www.desertworld.net
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com