Watching the fireworks light up the skyline is a customary ritual for residents in the Middle East, amidst the rampant dinners, indulgent parties and concerts to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Despite COVID-19 bringing socialization to a standstill for the last two years, this year marks the first with zero restrictions. 

No matter where you are based in the Middle East, there’s a busy calendar with enough options to make this celebration nothing short of incredible.  If you have no plans, it’s not too late. Get your reservations in as soon as possible, as the countdown is officially on.

IF YOU WANT TO GO OVER THE TOP

New Year’s Eve in the UAE has long been associated with over-the-top experiences – think parties, discos and restaurants capping in on views of the Burj Khalifa. Keeping up with the tradition, this year, not just the UAE but Riyadh, Manama and Muscat, too, have joined the party to host some of the most magical nights with stunning views of the city.

DOWNTOWN DISCO 

Dubai Opera is hosting a New Year’s Eve Gala and Disco in Downtown to mark the end of 2022. To mark the celebration, international singers and dancers and Britain’s Got Talent’s Aaron Brown and Jasmine Takacs will grace the evening. The show is followed by a three-course dinner and unlimited house beverages. 

Location: Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai 

For more information, click here

A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE BURJ 

Amelia Lounge will kickstart the New Year with an evening that will entail a variety of cocktails, an a la carte menu in authentic Nikkei cuisine, and live performances from DJ Cimeo. There is a $544 (2,000 AED) minimum spend for indoor seating, and an $816 minimum spend for lounge seating with Burj Khalifa views. 

Location: Downtown Dubai

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BEACH PARTY AT NIKKI

Nikki beach is set to be the outdoor party spot of the year! The party starts with a buffet or table service dinner with a varied drink selection, depending on your package. The classy dinner will be followed by in-house DJs and Dutch DJ, Bakermat.

Location: Nikki Beach Dubai, Pearl – Jumeirah 

For more information click here

BILLIONAIRE, RIYADH

This New Year’s, Billionaire Riyadh will showcase its most spectacular performances and a diversity of dishes. The night ends with some of the best DJs in the kingdom. 

Location: District Riyadh

For more information click here.

A WHITE BEACH PARTY 

Shangri-la offers picturesque views of the briny deep turquoise ocean and the opportunity to luxuriate in a secluded beach resort. This New Year’s Eve, Shangri-la is throwing a white beach party with aperitifs and a delicious spread and live performances. The offer includes a 3-night stay for two adults, a dinner buffet on the night of the 31st and a breakfast for 2 adults. 

Location: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat

For more information click here.

ZUMA 

This New Year’s Eve, Zuma Doha is hosting a dinner with an expansive menu, live performances and a dance party with world-renowned DJs. Tables for up to 4 guests offer an extensive cocktail menu and various a la carte options.

Location: Al Maha Island, Lusail, Qatar

For more information click here.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT MEMORABLE 

For those not too keen on partying, don’t worry, there are many other ways to enjoy your evening. Be it a long drive, a shopping spree or a concert, there’s a booming entertainment scene awaiting you.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND YOUR FRIENDS TO A GAME OF GOLF

This year, Top Golf Dubai is throwing a disco-themed New Year’s Eve party with evening-long music and live entertainment. The fun-filled night will also include an unlimited food and drinks package for $218 or $163 for a soft drinks package. 

Location: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

For more information click here

RING IN 2023 THE GLOBAL WAY 

Global Village will be celebrating New Year at 7 different times, according to the time zones of 7 different countries. The celebrations will start at 8pm (GMT +4), marking midnight in the Philippines, then Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and UAE and finally, the celebrations will end at 1 AM to mark Turkey’s New Year. Tickets can be bought at the location.

Location: Global Village, Dubai

For more information click here.

A LONG DRIVE AWAY FROM THE CITY 

For the venturesome, Hatta Dam is one of those relaxing spots that you cannot get enough of. The location is in close proximity to the Oman border and due to its geographical location, it enjoys cooler weather. For a weekend escape, a kayaking adventure or a short getaway, Hatta is rife with activities to do.

Location: Near Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai

For more information click here.

PARTY WITH KYLIE MINOGUE AT ATLANTIS

Following Robbie Williams’ performance in 2021, Kylie Minogue will be headlining New Year’s Eve at Atlantis this year. Canapes and bubbly will precede the 30-piece performance. The night will be reminiscent of the brilliance and extravagance of Hollywood, with fireworks rounding up the night. Prices start at $1,606 for 14 years and above. 

Location: Atlantis, Dubai

For more information, click here.

DUBAI GLOW GARDEN

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Dubai Glow Garden’s showcase of neon animals and plants with options to relax and lounge in. The price is $19 per ticket and allows access to Dino Park, which entails interactive models of prehistoric creatures that are life-sized and roar at you. Buy tickets at the location. 

Location: Zabeel Park 

For more information click here

DJ JONAS BLUE AND SIGALA ENTHRALLING THE CROWD AT ZERO GRAVITY

Tracey Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’ shot Jonas Blue to fame. He has also produced the song ‘Mama’ at the top of the charts in 2017. Sigala, too, has some great tunes, from Came Here For Love to Sweet Lovin ‘. 

Location: Zero Gravity Dubai 

For more information clikc here

MAKE THE MOST OF A DELUXE GETAWAY 

This year, Ritz Carlton in Bahrain has introduced a package for New Year’s Eve that is hard to miss. Starting from $476, the staycation will include a deluxe room, a relaxing bath in a marble tub and a sample of the Signature Dypthique bath. What’s more? The hotel offers a five-course menu at La Table Krug by Y, offering a sensuous journey to the tastebuds. During the festive period, you can also make the most of the afternoon tea, gingerbread-making master classes and an NYE Gala Dinner. 

Location: Ritz Carlton, Bahrain

For more information click here.

NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH 

At $24 per person, Emirates Bio Farm welcomes guests on January 1st, 2023, to enjoy a vegetarian brunch. The Farm boasts a farm-to-table concept at their restaurant, ‘Farmer’s Table Restaurant’. Their pastoral kitchen is committed to curating organic and low-carbon footprint meals that have the freshness you can taste. Some of their best dishes include fresh salads, organic juice and hot vegetarian dishes. 

Location: Emirates Bio Farm, UAE.

For more information, click here

CELEBRATE IN BEDOUIN STYLE

Immerse yourself in a Wadi Rum desert for 24 hours.  The experience starts with exploring the expansive desert location and the Wadi Rum Village, followed by a party in the backdrop of Bedouin and international music at the Wadi base camp. After you enjoy the night, you can opt for a 1-2 hour camel ride the next morning. 

Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan

For more information, click here