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There is no place on Earth quite like Dubai, especially on New Year’s Eve. From dazzling fireworks displays to delectable dinners and parties that welcome the first sunrise of the year, there is no shortage of things to do or events to attend. As the countdown begins for saying goodbye and start a new year, it’s time to decide where exactly you will be welcoming the new year.
Below, discover an array of options from around the city.
Amazónico
Amazónico Dubai is preparing for a cosmic countdown this December 31 with its first interplanetary-themed celebration, titled Jupiter’s Jungle. Known for being one of the hottest hangouts in the city, the venue is divided into a lounge, a main restaurant, and a rooftop bar. For New Year’s Eve, each of these distinct sections will allow guests to unwind and dance the night away exactly the way they want to. Set against a magical backdrop of exotic flora and fauna, the party will feature a specially curated menu and electrifying beats from French composer and producer DJ Safar.
Isola Restaurant
Photo: Courtesy of Isola Restaurant
Located within Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, Isola Restaurant provides a chance to celebrate the festive season in a more relaxed and sophisticated manner. The homegrown concept will be celebrating the new year with a lively performance by La Negra Mayté & Co. featuring the sounds of soul, R&B, and funk. Accompanying this musical journey will be the chance to indulge in the rich culinary traditions of the southern Italian Islands – Sicily, Sardinia, and Capri. Stunning views of the Dubai skyline are the cherry on top of an already exciting experience.
Palazzo Versace
Photo: Courtesy of Palazzo Versace
In line with its reputation for opulent excess Palazzo Versace has an array of distinctive experiences lined up for anyone looking for something a little different. This New Year’s Eve, choose to discover an enchanting fairy tale extravaganza under a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theme. From a delectable five-course menu at Vanitas and an expansive buffet at Giardino, to private dining experiences by the pool, the property has ensured your last dinner in 2023 is as special as can be. End the night with an after-dinner party by the pool accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display.
Chic Nonna
Known for its Florentine flavors, Chic Nonna is inviting guests to step into a night laced with mystery and glamour on December 31. ‘A Night with the Sopranos’ will commence at 8pm with festive dishes evoking the joyful spirit of this season. While both indoor and outdoor seating is available, the more tempting option is certainly on the terrace – how else would you get the perfect view of Burj Khalifa’s fireworks? At the bar lounge, discover the perfect ambiance for this themed night with 70’s style decor and jazzy tunes that will eventually give way to a DJ as the night goes on.
Gaia
Inspired by the Athens Riviera, Gaia is inviting guests to partake in an evening evoking the quintessential elements of Grecian beauty, from the breathtaking pine-clad peninsula to the azure Mediterranean waters. Marked by a quiet sophistication and elegance, the night at Gaia will begin with the culinary artistry the restaurant is known for. In addition to the a la carte menu, guests will be delighted to savor special dishes specially curated for the season by Chef Izu and his team. Following the dinner, guests can move to NYX for a Cyclades-inspired party featuring a guest DJ from Athens.
St. Regis Gardens
Photo: Courtesy of St. Regis Gardens
St. Regis Gardens, the culinary extension of The St Regis Dubai, The Palm, is turning into the ultimate New Year’s Eve destination this year. At Signor Sassi, find yourself transported to the ’70s and ’80s with meticulously curated decor, from Venetian Maurino-inspired chandeliers to the luxe art-dèco bar. Elsewhere, Leña opens its doors to the public with an unforgettable celebration. This bonfire-themed soirée will provide first-row seats to Palm Jumeirah’s fireworks along with exciting live performances. A similarly exciting experience awaits at Chez Wam, a destination known for its vibrant nightlife.
Atlantis Dubai
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis Dubai
With a one-of-a-kind celebration, Atlantis Dubai provides more than enough testimony to its reputation as one of the most luxurious properties in Dubai. A New Year’s Eve gala dinner is set to wow guests with entertainment from a 30-piece live band, an extensive buffet with free-flowing beverages and live cooking stations, and an extraordinary fireworks show. Guests will also be treated to a performance from musical icon Sting. The 17-time Grammy-winning artist will be taking the stage for a show featuring both his timeless hits and latest songs.
Babylon
For a memorable celebration seeped in pure decadence, head to the city’s best dinner-and-show destination, Babylon. A spectacular lineup of live entertainment, including singers and live bands, will be headlined by the Lebanese singer and songwriter Aziza. By merging classical Arabic Tarab with the vibrant hues of pop music, she has managed to create her distinct sound, one that is sure to ring the new year in with plenty of exhilaration. Combine this with exceptional food and sophisticated interiors, and you have the perfect environment to celebrate a year’s worth of memories.
Be Beach
For a night marked by rhythm, revelry, and the unparalleled joy of dancing the night away on a beach, make your way to Be Beach, the newest Dubai hotspot set against the breathtaking backdrop of Dubai Harbor and Ain Dubai. The lifestyle venue is ready to ring in 2024 with a night of partying on the sand from 7pm to 4am. So, get ready to count down to the new year with the most electrifying electro-house beats by Be Beach’s resident DJs. Of course, views of the city’s unmatched fireworks displays only add to this beachfront allure.
Moonrise
If you’re in the mood for a Michelin-starred evening, then Moonrise is exactly where you need to be. Headed by acclaimed chef Solemann Haddad, the restaurant is holding a special one-night-only dinner on December 31. The exclusive event will feature signature moonrise dishes from the current menu and the archives along with some of the best views Dubai has to offer. Twelve diners will be able to indulge in delicacies such as explosion pani puri and ’90s Alfredo, featuring ingredients sourced meticulously from all over the globe – Japanese hamachi, Hokkaido scallops, labneh from Syria, organic local Sidr honey, Palestinian olive oil, and small-batch naturally fermented butter from a small farm in the west of France.
Los Angeles Times
Madeline Fass
Amandine Lhoste
