Burj Khalifa NYE fireworks: It costs thousands of dirhams to book table with a view

Dubai - Restaurants that offer an uninterrupted view of the spectacular show are already booked out.

By Nandini Sircar and Mitchell Finlayson

Published: Tue 29 Dec 2020, 12:05 AM

Last updated: Tue 29 Dec 2020, 7:20 AM

Dubai residents are going all out to bid goodbye to a troubled year and ring in 2021 by shelling out thousands of dirhams for a table with a view.

Cost is not a barrier for many as they are heading out to Downtown Dubai to watch the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks at midnight.

Despite the pandemic, residents intend to make the most of the 31st of December by watching the legendary celebration on New Year’s Eve. Restaurants that offer an uninterrupted view of the spectacular show are already booked out.

Even with social distancing norms and limited crowds expected this year at one of the world’s most keenly watched NYE galas, reservations at restaurants around Souk Al Bahar, offering clear views of the Burj Khalifa, are going for anywhere between Dh1,500 to Dh2,500.

When Khaleej Times reached out to a few restaurants in the area that offer the spellbinding views of the fireworks, one of the staff members at The Meat Co. said, “All our outdoor seating is now fully booked.”

At 99 Sushi, dishes and free-flowing premium beverages start from Dh3,500 if one wishes to sit inside the restaurant, and prices go up to Dh4,500 if one wishes to reserve a table on the terrace.

Another restaurant, Tribes, confirmed the table rate to be Dh2,000 per person with free-flowing premium beverages with a maximum of four people allowed at the table.

Similarly, Bice Mare is only left with indoor seating, with all their outdoor spots sold out.

Zahr El Laymoun confirmed the price to be Dh850 for indoor and Dh1,750 for outdoor for a two course meal with unlimited soft drinks and juice for a table of four people.

Front row seats to the Burj Khalifa at Deck with a delicious international buffet are priced at Dh1,288.

La Serre offers a Moulin Rouge-themed celebration with live acts throughout the evening by dancers, violinist and a DJ. Both indoor and outdoor terrace seating with Burj Khalifa views are a favourite among many.

Although last year’s estimated crowd rounded up to about a million, many residents strive hard and are willing to pay the markup to find a spot with the perfect view.

Meanwhile, exotic food and unparalleled views to dazzling fireworks and enthralling music will start with pre-drinks at Sahn Eddar, before moving into the terrace for a massive five-course Mediterranean dinner. This will be followed by ushering the New Year with a glass of premium French bubbly, while enjoying the Burj Al Arab’s glittering fireworks display. It will cost Dh3,500 for adults and Dh1,900 for children ages four to 11.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com