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New Year's Eve 2024 in UAE: 23 places to watch fireworks in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, RAK, Ajman

Here's a guide to where you can take your loved ones to ring in the new year as skies are set to light up

Published: Wed 11 Dec 2024, 4:38 PM

Updated: Tue 31 Dec 2024, 2:50 PM

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Are you planning to bring in the new year with an explosion of colours in the sky? Look no further, the UAE has several spots dedicated to wonderful fireworks displays for when the clock strikes 12.

One among them, is the Burj Khalifa. People from across the globe fly in to Dubai to experience the enchanting fireworks and laser show at the world's tallest building. Getting there is no easy feat either, as residents and tourists gather around the 828-metre-tall building, camping for hours on end, to watch the fireworks display.

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If you too, plan to bring in the new year with this symbol of joy and celebration, take a look at the full list of locations where you can watch displays of fireworks across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Abu Dhabi

1. Abu Dhabi Corniche

Over the glistening sea, spectators will be treated to wonderful visual display of fireworks. The display, that will take place along the 8km-long corniche can be seen from multiple locations including, the 2023 MOTN Festival, Manar at Lulu Island, Corniche Beach.

2. Yas Island

This island, that is best known for its exciting adventure parks and leisurely hotels, will offer a spectacular view of the fireworks set to take place here. This showcase can be seen from Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina, Yas Beach or Manar at Samaliyah Island.

3. Tal Moreeb

At the location of adventurers' beloved Liwa Festival, all those camping under the stars will be able to enjoy a fireworks show at midnight. Aside from those at the festival itself, residents and visitors can watch the display from all the main built up areas around the Tal Moreeb dune, Liwa Festival and Liwa Village.

4. Al Hudayriyat Island

You can enjoy the fireworks show at Al Hudayriyat Island on New Year's Eve from a beachfront, while pouring yourself a cup of karak on the chilly night, or while taking some time to kick back and relax at Bab Al Nojoum.

5. Sheikh Zayed Festival (Al Wathba)

If you're planning to camp at Al Wathba, like many others, you would be able to watch the wonderful display of fireworks from the Camping Village, the Heritage Village or the Majlis area.

6. Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

Used for illustrative purposes only (Photo: Reuters)

Used for illustrative purposes only (Photo: Reuters)

If you're an Al Ain FC fan, what better place to celebrate 2025 than the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – the best part is that there is plenty of parking at the venue. The wondrous display of fireworks is surely set to light up your evening.

7. Madinat Zayed Public Park

File photo used for illustrative purposes

File photo used for illustrative purposes

If, perhaps, you'd like to be closer to nature, you can enjoy a display of colourful fireworks from Madinat Zayed Public Park in Al Dhafra.

8. Mugheirah Bay Waterfront, Al Mirfa

Al Dhafra's shoreline, you could choose to take in the spectacular fireworks while you enjoy shopping and leisurely experiences at Mugheirah Bay.

9. Ghiyathi

In this quaint little town of Al Dhafra, travellers and residents can watch the fireworks from the Tamm Centre area. Make sure to keep this location handy, as if you intend to travel to Western areas on New Year's Eve – this would be the ideal place to stop.

Dubai

10. Burj Khalifa

One of the world's most popular shows, this year a spectacular 9-minute display will set it apart from all other!

With more than 110 experts from 11 countries coming together, 2024 will come to an end while spectators watch a picturesque showcase – Beyond Dreams – with original music and displays of more than 200 state-of-the-art light beams.

Aside from fireworks, a stunning laser and light display is what entices visitors from across the globe to head to the metropolitan city.

Those planning to watch the iconic display, have a few options on how they can catch the show: head to Dubai Mall and watch the Dubai Fountain's light and water show in conjunction with Burj Khalifa's laser, light and firework show; or watch from a restaurant in Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar or Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard; or for those going with family, head to Burj Park.

11. Al Seef

Old world charm with a slice of modernity, celebrate New Year's Eve at Al Seef – Dubai's heritage district. You can enjoy a wonderful display of fireworks, set against the stunning architecture of the location and traditional dhows.

12. Atlantis, The Palm

Welcome the new year with a star-studded show as Lionel Richie is set to perform at the landmark hotel in Dubai. You can either grab a table at one of the hotel's many restaurants or watch the fireworks from the boardwalk nearby.

13. Arabian Gulf

Instead of enjoying the spectacular show from land, how about the sea? Grab a unique spot and watch the fireworks from a yacht in the Arabian Gulf. Those planning to rent one, can ask for a custom route that covers all the best fireworks vantage points.

If you'd like to do the same, without burning a hole in your pocket – just book an abra or a ferry. Some routes also stop at Atlantis, The Palm and Al Seef – giving you wonderful views of the fireworks display.

14. The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence

One of the most popular tourist spots in the city, residents and visitors can ejoy the sparkling display of fireworks by the shore of The Beach. Located just a stone's throw away from major residential areas like Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers – spectators will be wowed by the gorgeous views of the lit, colourful skies at midnight.

15. Bluewaters Island

Right next to the display at The Beach, will be the display at Bluewaters Island. The three-minute show will leave viewers stunned as they will watch shows taking place simultaneously at Bluewaters Island and The Beach.

16. Global Village

As the clock strikes 12 in different countries around the world, this multicultural haven will also light up the skies in synchronisation. With displays every hour from 8pm, the entertainment destination will count down to 2025 with other nations – and finally UAE.

17. Expo 2020

Photo: Expo City website

Photo: Expo City website

Expo City Dubai will have two countdowns, one for families at 9pm and another one counting down to midnight, in a major celebration for all.

Celebrations at 9pm will have a specially curated playlist of children's music, confetti-blast countdown and projections on Al Wasl dome.

Then, celebrations from 10pm will include a licensed area with a live DJ and a dazzling fireworks display at midnight.

Other Dubai venues that will host fireworks:

Besides the main NYE venues that are open to all, dozens of other establishments and communities in Dubai will be lighting up the sky, including:

  • Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
  • Jumeirah Golf Estates
  • Sofitel Dubai The Palm
  • Arabian Ranches Golf Club
  • One and Only Royal Mirage Hotel
  • Summer - Dubai Festival
  • Dubai Festival City Mall
  • Atlantis The Royal Hotel
  • Emirates Golf Club
  • Dubai Frame
  • Palazzo Versace Dubai
  • Jumeirah Beach Hotel
  • Hatta
  • Dubai Parks and Resorts
  • Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach
  • Al Saif Street
  • Address Montgomerie Dubai
  • Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort
  • JA Beach Hotel Jabel Ali
  • J1 Beach (La Mer)
  • Terra Solis
  • Bulgari Hotels and Resorts
  • Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel
  • Nshama Town Square
  • One and Only Hotel The Palm
  • Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel
  • Al Marmoom Oasis Camp
  • Voco Monaco Dubai
  • Nikki Beach Resort Dubai
  • Blu Oasis Resort
  • Dubai Design District
  • Top Golf Dubai

Sharjah

18. Al Majaz Waterfront

Supplied photo

Supplied photo

Visitors will be in for a treat with live saxophone and violin performances throughout the evening. A five-minute fireworks show, set against the backdrop of Sharjah’s stunning skyline, will light up the sky.

19. Al Heera Beach

Supplied photo

Supplied photo

The 3.5km-long stretch will have a ten-minute long fireworks display to bring in the new year.

Attendees will witness spectacular synchronised LED, fire, and saxophonist shows across the three waterfronts.

20. Khorfakkan Beach

File photo

File photo

Spanning over 3km, Khorfakkan Beach, will feature acts, including laser shows, EL wire performances, and roller LED characters. A ten-minute long fireworks show will also thrill spectators.

Ras Al Khaimah

21. Marjan Island, Hamra Village

Supplied photo

Supplied photo

Set against the waterfront stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village, the festival features live music performances, children’s activities, and food trucks.

The fireworks can be enjoyed from several vantage points, including the entire Marjan Island, the waterfront area between Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, the RAK NYE Festival grounds, and parking zones like Dhayah, Jais, Yanas, and Rams.

Ajman

The skies in Ajman will also be dazzling with fireworks spectacle with nearly a dozen locations set to host pyrotechnic shows. The two primary venues that are accessible to all are:

22. Ajman Corniche

This popular picnic location for families and groups of friends will transform into a sparkling NYE hotspot when the clock strikes 12 and 2025 rolls in.

23. Al Jurf Area opposite Ajman Boulevard

Close to residential communities, this firework show location is perfect for families in the area who prefer to celebrate within their neighbourhoods.

Other venues in Ajman will also be lighting up the skies:

  • Ajman Saray
  • Ajman Hotel
  • Bahi Palace Ajman Hotel
  • Fairmont Ajman Hotel
  • Marsa Ajman
  • Ajman Beach Hotel
  • Corner Lounge
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman
  • Ajman Food Festival

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