5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Ye… we’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer and closer! 

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning your New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Middle East is full of fun events and parties to choose from! 

Before the countdown begins, read through the below suggestions and choose how you’d like to ring in 2025! 

Watch Ras Al Khaimah’s record-breaking light show

The Emirati city of Ras Al Khaimah is planning to break its own record this year, with a show that’s set to make history. The city plans to outdo its New Year’s Eve displays over the last five years, which set consecutive Guinness World Records.

Amping it up this year, Ras Al Khaimah’s show will run for 15 minutes – that’s seven minutes longer than previous years! This year’s theme will centre around ‘Our Story in the Sky’ and will use advanced drone artistry and creative laser tech to display symbols that represent the city’s heritage. 

Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront, from Marjan Island to Al Hamra Village, will also feature its own drone show and an exciting display of fireworks.  

Other ways to celebrate in Ras Al Khaimah: 

• Spend a day celebrating with food trucks, kids activities and DJ at Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve Festival on Al Marjan Island
• Slip on a mask and attend a Masquerade Gala Dinner at Rixos Bab Al Bahr
• Bring the kids along to a Grand Gala on the beach at Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort 
• Attend a Winter Wonderland and Beach Party with panoramic views of the city from Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s Neo Sky Bar 

Get a front row seat to Dubai’s fabulous fireworks 

Every year, the UAE takes on Sydney, Australia for the title of the most extravagant New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Which destination will win? You can find out firsthand by attending one of two major firework displays in the Emirates. 

As the clock strikes midnight, Dubai’s world-famous landmarks will light up with fireworks and lasers flashing across the Downtown sky. This year, the city is set to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025 with more than 45 fireworks displays at 36 strategic locations, including tourist, hotel, and commercial areas. The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) will organise and supervise these events to cater to the diverse needs of visitors from various nationalities. The show will also include a performance by the Beyond Dreams which includes over 110 experts, original music, displays and over 200 state-of-the-art light beams. 

The best place to watch Dubai’s epic fireworks are at the Dubai Fountain promenade outside Dubai Mall or at Bluewaters Island, Dubai Festival City Mall and Atlantis The Palm. 

Other ways to celebrate in Dubai: 

• Watch Lionel Richie perform his biggest hits at the Atlantis, The Palm 
• Step back in time at a 20s-inspired dinner and poolside party at the Palazzo Versace 
• Enjoy a nine-course dinner and a Burlesque show at the tallest buiding in the world, the Burj Khalifa 
• Dance the night away with a non-stop party at Cana Beach 

Celebrate at Abu Dhabi’s outdoor festival 

Turning up the celebrations on 31 December through to 1 January is Abu Dhabi’s annual Sheikh Zayed Festival. Although the festival itself runs for four months from November to February, celebrations kick up on a notch on New Year’s Eve with a large fireworks display and plenty of extra festive cheer. 

The festival is the perfect place to ring in the new year with the family while also experiencing the Emirates’ ancient traditions, modern technology, interactive exhibitions, traditional shows and arts and crafts.   

Entry is only AED 10 per person and is held at Al Wathba, around 40 minutes southeast of Abu Dhabi Island. 

Other ways to celebrate in Abu Dhabi: 

• Watch the city’s fireworks display with prime viewing locations at Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Maryah Island, Emirates Palace, and more 
• Bring the family and your nighties along to a Pajama Party at WB Abu Dhabi or enjoy a three-course meal called ‘Dinner at the Directors Club’ 
• Experience the glitz and glam of the 70s at a New Year’s Gala Disco at Hilton Abu Dhabi on Yas Island 
• Ring in the new year under the stars with live music and global cuisine at Yas Island’s Assymetri 
• Slip into costume and attend a late-night, poolside Masquerade Ball at Al Maryah Island’s Rosewood Hotel 

Enjoy a family-style Middle Eastern feast in Doha 

For a low-key but exquisitely delicious start to the new year, take the family to Qatar’s Al Nahham for a Middle Eastern feast. 

The restaurant, located within Doha’s Banana Island Resort, will say farewell to 2024 with a New Year’s Eve Dinner featuring delicious food and opportunities to make cherished memories.

The dinner starts at 7.00pm and runs through to 1.00am, and is open to guests of all ages. In addition to enjoying a great feast, diners will also have lush views of the Arabian Gulf. 

Other ways to celebrate in Doha: 

• Party like the Irish (and they sure know how to party) during an Irish Harp featuring a live band and DJ at the Sheraton Grand Doha 
• Spice up the new year at a series of Latin-inspired celebrations including a Samba night at the Brazilian Ipanema, a five-course feast at the Latin hotspot Fuego and a sharing set menu with a Japanese-Peruvian twist at Chotto Matte 
• Dance into the new year and enjoy spectacular views during a late-night party at La Vista 55 
• Fill up during a luxurious seven-course meal at Riva Restaurant on Banana Island Resort