All you need to know about Dubai New Year's Eve celebrations

Dubai - An ultimate NYE guide to the city's fireworks, party spots, family-friendly celebrations and best restaurants to dine in

The bubble of excitement is getting bigger every minute as we inch closer to New Year's Eve. Thousands of visitors throng popular destinations in Dubai; which transforms into an ultimate place to be to witness NYE revellery. 
If you are in Dubai during this time of the year, you cannot afford to miss out on the magnificent celebrations - be it the spectacular fireworks that light up the Dubai horizon, or hitting those partying destinations with your friends, or immersing in the festive spirit at the most happening family-friendly spots.
So, where are you heading this New Year's Eve?
Visit Dubai has introduced on their website an ultimate guide to revellers to help them hunt best spots matching their moods! The website brings consolidated information of fireworks in Dubai, New Year's Eve parties, Family-friendly NYE, What's on this NYE, and Dubai's most romantic spots. 
If you are a party animal, the list of the most glamorous spots will clear all your doubts. With world-famous fireworks, drawcard dance acts and glamorous parties on beaches, rooftops, restaurants and yachts, Dubai really knows how to turn it on for New Year's Eve. You can book your tickets to a Palm Jumeirah ball, dine at one of the city's hottest restaurants, organise a magical soiree at the beach hangouts, sail across Dubai Creek and dine aboard the world's largest wooden dhow, escape the crowds and welcome 2018 under star-lit desert skies, whatever you do, don't miss the clock striking midnight in Dubai.
If the fireworks don't amuse you enough and you would want to immerse in some foot-tapping music from best of the DJs, then hit the most happening New Year's Eve party spots!
Beachside celebrations - Atlantis, The Palm
For an unforgettable New Year's Eve, splash out on the luxurious Royal Gala at Atlantis, The Palm where the beach transforms into a fabulous party where you dance to a 30-piece band that plays until 3am, while feasting on lobster and caviar, and enjoying unrivalled views of Dubai's glittering cityscape. Festivities begin at 7:30pm and continue until the wee hours of 2018.
Price: Gala tickets cost Dh2,900 adult, Dh2,030 for children between 12 to 20 years
French flair - Cavalli Club
Luxuriate in the decadence of French Victorian times at Cavalli Club, Restaurant and Lounge where the theme for New Year's Eve 2018 is Let Them Eat Cake. Naturally, there will be cake - as well as pearls, lace, giant chandeliers and beautiful costumes, along with a four-course menu and music - a New Year's Eve you won't forget.
Price: Early bird entry packages from Dh750
All aboard - NYE cruises
Want to escape the crowds but still enjoy the spectacle of Dubai's extravagant New Year's Eve fireworks? Board one of Amwaj Al Bahar's luxury yachts that depart from several locations around the city at 9:30pm. Enjoy a buffet dinner while cruising the Arabian Gulf, followed by dessert in the lounge. From the top deck, see the fireworks light up the night sky and Dubai's landmark buildings. Dhow cruises also operate on Dubai Creek from 11pm to 1am.
Price: Yacht cruise Dh1,495 adult, dhow cruise Dh745 adult
Dine in style - Burj Al Arab
Come New Year's Eve, all eyes will be on Dubai's most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab, which serves as the backdrop for one of the city's longest fireworks displays. Five of the hotel's restaurants - Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, Al Iwan, Al Muntaha, Bab Al Yam and Scape Restaurant - will offer special New Year's Eve menus from 9pm until 3am to help ring in the New Year in the most delicious way possible. The dress code is like the food: smart and elegant.
Price: Dinner from Dh8,000 an adult (12 and older) 
High in the sky
Imagine overlooking Dubai's spectacular New Year celebrations from the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The tower's fine-dining spot, At.mosphere, offers two NYE options, available from 7pm until 1am. Families with children aged 10 and above can book a table at At.mosphere Restaurant, where the entertainment includes a violinist and an illusionist. At At.mosphere Lounge, it will be strictly adults only with a DJ all night long.
Price: Window and non-window tables at both At.mosphere Restaurant and At.mosphere Lounge cost Dh2,900 per person including drinks.
A stylish affair - Bulgari Resort
Celebrating their first New Year's in Dubai, the Middle Eastern outpost of Bulgari's luxury resorts is sparing no expense on festivities. While there is a selection of seated dinners on offer, couples can make the most of the Italian design house's hospitality in its private spiaggia cabanas set on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Inclusive of complete use of your own beach cabana, plus a set-menu dinner and Maserati limousine transfer service, you won't find a more exclusive New Year's soiree than this.
Price: Dh9,000 per cabana
Rooftop revelry - Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera
There's nothing Dubai loves more than a celebrity chef and a brand-new restaurant. In September 2017, the city was abuzz when Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera flung open its doors. British-born Connolly - one of Australia and New Zealand's best-known chefs - brings a relaxed vibe to his contemporary brasserie that focuses on unfussy seafood and steak. Come New Year's Eve, this will be the place to be as the space includes a rooftop terrace with picture-perfect views of the Burj Khalifa and its spectacular show.
Price: Starts from Dh1,000
Not your normal NYE - Desert fun
For a New Year's Eve with a difference, head to the desert for a Bedouin-style celebration. Tuck into a barbecue dinner and enjoy unlimited refreshments along with New Year cake, music and entertainment, folk dancing, fireworks and fun games. Have a photo snapped while sitting on a camel at sunset or a henna tattoo. The six-hour party starts at 9pm but can be added to an evening desert safari.
Price: From Dh400 per person 

Catch the sparkle - Spectacles in Dubai