Abu Dhabi - Heavy vehicles not allowed to enter Abu Dhabi, Yas islands
Published: Sun 31 Dec 2017, 3:56 PM
Abu Dhabi officially began its countdown to the New Year on Thursday with the launch of the emirate's first-ever New Year's Eve Countdown Village. Headlining the opening celebrations at the specially designed outdoor venue was Emirati singing sensation Mohamad Al Shehhi, who belted out his most popular hits to the huge crowds.
Led by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, the New Year's Eve Countdown Village also hosted a multitude of other stage performances and acts, including the superstar DJ from Paris, DJ Keza, Canadian-Lebanese singer Danny Aridi and the oriental western fusion band Arnabeat. Another on-stage show, one that not only entertained but also got people moving, was a fitness performance and challenge led by the LEZ Mills Primal Gym involving exercises such as boxing, MMA, Body Attack, and Muay Thai.
Meanwhile, the Village also ensured that its younger visitors were taken care of with their very own Kids Stage, on which the Angry Birds show performed four times daily, followed by a meet and greet with its beloved characters.
Restricted entry to Abu Dhabi, Yas islands
Due to New Year's Eve celebrations, Abu Dhabi Police announced on Sunday that lorries and big trucks will not be allowed to enter Abu Dhabi and Yas islands.
AD Police tweeted that this step was taken to ease traffic flow.
The closure will take place on Sunday noon until Monday morning.
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Also read: 8 places in UAE you got to be at to welcome 2018
The New Year's Eve Countdown Village at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater will open its doors every day from 4pm for visitors of all ages to celebrate the final days and hours of 2017. It will offer a programme packed full of exciting events, installations and workshops, not to mention electrifying performances from regional and local acts.
Other headliners still to come include Emirati A-lister Hussain Al Jassmi, Arab superstar, Fouad Abdulwahed, and Egyptian multi-talented music star, Tamer Hosny. Also performing will be UAE-based rock band The Boxtones, Funk Jam group Carl and the Reda Mafia, violinist-vocalist extraordinaire HÄANA, Algerian Berber singer Soaud Massi, and the renowned bands Lulu Project, and Tarabband.
Following the much-awaited countdown programme on Sunday 31 December that will feature a spectacular laser, lights and confetti shower extravaganza as well as a memorable 15-minute firework show with dazzling pyrotechnic effects, the "King of Laughter" Ali Al Sayed, will bring out his comedy act to start the new year.
The Countdown Village is also home to a dedicated flagship retail zone, hosting more than 40 retailers - who will be debuting new concepts for Abu Dhabi - to create an essential urban experience.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of thrilling entertainment acts as performers roam across various zones delivering interactive spectacles. Kids can have a go on the bouncy castle, watch the Kids Bboys Crew Show or cheer on the Battle Kids Bboys Crew vs Adult Bboys challenge. They can also get involved in variousAngry Birds-themed activities in the dedicated Angry Birds Activation Zone, including the Egg Pit, Sling Shot and Splat That, take part in workshops or sit back and relax in the Chill Out Zone.
There are also giant snow globes, an Instagram museum, giant ball pits and games, the #urbaninstallations
Pin Board and Lite Brite, LED light garden, Live The Illusion, Ice Cream Wall and Head in the Box installations, LED swings and bungee trampoline.
The Heritage Village zone celebrates Emirati culture with various workshops, where guests can learn about fishnet, fish strap, shasha boat, sail, dhow and sadu making, oyster opening and pearl display, palm weaving and telli making, rope making and palm tree climbing.
Visitors can also tuck into delicious food with a dedicated F&B zone bringing together more than 50 outlets to satisfy every palate. They can also write their dreams and wishes for 2018 on special cards on a New Year wishing wall in selected areas, and send virtual wishes by sharing their New Year's wish on Instagram using the hashtag #confettiwish.
Residents can book tickets in advance. Tickets prices and timings for Friday 29 until Sunday, 31 December as below
New Year's Eve Countdown Village at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater:
- General Admission: From 4pm - midnight on Friday and Saturday, and until 2am on New Year's Eve. Entry is Dh 40 and free for children under 6.
- Gold tickets: Dh 150 including a seat at the celebrity concerts and complimentary drinks.
- VIP tickets: Dh 300 inclusive of VIP seats, high-end catering and VIP parking.
- Groups: Parties of 5 people and above will enjoy 20% discount on tickets.
Other places to celebrate New Year's Eve:
Al Maryah Island:
- Kadim Al Sahir and Balqees concerts: Free entry. Doors open at 7pm, concert at 10pm.
- Midnight firework display: 12am sharp.
Yas Island at the du Arena:
- Katy Perry #NYEYAS: Tickets from Dh 350 on sale at ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE.
Adding to the mix of activities and events on New Year's Eve, several celebratory gala dinners will be hosted across Abu Dhabi's luxurious hotels:
- New Year's Eve Gala Dinner: Emirates Palace. Tickets from Dh 2,750. From 7pm.
- New Year's Eve White Party: Eclipse Terrace Lounge, Four Season's Hotel Abu Dhabi. Tickets from Dh 150.
- New Year's Eve Party - 1920s-Style: Butcher & Still, Four Season's Hotel Abu Dhabi. For reservations, please call +971 (0)2333 2222.
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