New Year's Eve fireworks in UAE: Over 60 spots to watch skies light up, ring in 2026

Are you planning to stay home to ring in 2026? Think again. With multiple options to catch stunning fireworks across the nation, residents have yet again been spoilt for choice.

Every year, visitors fly into the UAE to celebrate the and welcome the next year. From wondrous drone shows to spectacular fireworks and concets, the nation is known to bring in the new year in style.

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Here are some of the top spots you can watch fireworks light up the sky at midnight:

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Abu Dhabi

1. Abu Dhabi Corniche

Visitors will be treated to wonderful visual display of fireworks over the glistening sea. The 8km-long corniche display will be visible from multiple locations including, the MOTN Festival, Manar at Lulu Island, Corniche Beach.

2. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Bring in the new year with the melodious voice of John Legend and a colourful firework show. This ticketed event is located at the terrace of one of the most luxurious hotels in the emirate.

3. Liwa Festival

At the heart of the adventurers' beloved Liwa Festival, all those camping under the stars will be able to enjoy a fireworks show at midnight. Aside from those at the festival itself, residents and visitors can watch the display from all the main built up areas around the Tal Moreeb dune, Liwa Festival and Liwa Village.

4. Sheikh Zayed Festival

The annual cultural event that is running till March 22 this year celebrates Emirati heritage through exhibitions, performances, and global showcases.

The festival features traditional arts, crafts, food, fireworks, parades, and family-friendly activities that highlight the UAE’s history and diversity.

6. Yas Island

The island, synonymous with leisure and adventure, will also offer a fabulous display of fireworks.

This showcase can be seen from Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina, Yas Beach or Manar at Samaliyah Island. The island will offer two shows, one at 9pm and another one when the clock strikes 12.

Dubai

7. Burj Khalifa

Iconic. That's how the fireworks show at Burj Khalifa is often described. Perhaps one of the most popular options globally, this show brings together thousands of people to bring in the new year spectacularly.

8. Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm

You could also watch fireworks across Palm Jumeirah as Atlantis, and the island itself, are set to light up skies — providing wondrous aerial views.

9. Expo City Dubai

This year too, Expo City Dubai will light up skies at midnight to welcome the new year. The family-friendly destination has been a top choice for residents since it opened for the epic Expo 2020.

The show will include a countdown at 9pm for children with confetti, a children’s music playlist and dazzling projections on the Al Wasl Dome. Another countdown will also take place at midnight. Tickets for the show start at Dh150.

10. Al Seef

Old world charm with a just a sprinkle of modernity, you can ring in the new year at Al Seef – Dubai's heritage district.

Enjoy a wonderful display of fireworks, set against the stunning architecture of the location and traditional dhows.

11. Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai

Right next to the display at The Beach, will be the display at Bluewaters Island. The show will leave viewers stunned as they will watch shows taking place simultaneously at Bluewaters Island and The Beach.

If you hate the crowds and want a better, unobstructed view of the show, you can head to Ain Dubai for a fabulous 360º view, along with food and beverages. Tickets start at Dh315 for a standard cabin and Dh695 for a premium cabin.

12. The Beach, JBR

One of the most popular tourist spots in the city, residents and visitors can enjoy the sparkling display of fireworks by the shore of The Beach. Located just a stone's throw away from major residential areas like Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers – spectators will be wowed by the gorgeous views of the lit, colourful skies at midnight.

13. Global Village

As the clock strikes 12 in different countries around the world, this multicultural haven will also light up the skies in synchrony. With displays every hour from 8pm, the entertainment destination will count down to 2025 with other nations – and finally UAE.

14. Dubai Parks and Resorts

Think of your favourite theme park, now, imagine it turning into a festive wonderland. Shimmering lights, themed decorations and holiday-themed entertainment will be waiting for guests that intend to spend the last day of the year there.

To ring in the New Year, a special fireworks show will take place on Wednesday, December 31 at 9.30pm.

15. On the water

If you're thinking of something different, you could ring in the New Year over the glimmering Marina or the Arabian Sea.

Several yacht and tour operators will be offering multiple packages — with companies offering tailored routes to catch the best view of the fireworks show.

Tour Dubai is offering live entertainment, a buffet dinner along with fantastic panoramic views for Dh1,200 per person.

For something more budget-friendly consider the public Dubai Ferry, waterbus and abra marine transport. There are various offers and routes to consider, with stops at Dubai Water Canal, Atlantis, The Palm and Al Seef.

Other locations

Dubai is set to host fireworks shows across 40 locations. Here are the rest:

1. Address Montgomerie

2. Al Arab Marina

3. Al Marmoom Oasis

4. Arabian Ranches Golf Club

5. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

6. Burj Al Arab

7. BVLGARI Resort & Residences

8. Dubai Creek Harbour

9. Dubai Festival City

10. Dubai Frame

11. Dubai International Stadium

12. Emirates Golf Club

13. Five Palm Jumeirah

14. Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah

15. Hatta

16. J1 Beach (La Mer)

17. Ja Beach Hotel

18. Jumeirah Beach Hotel

19. Jumeirah Golf Estates

20. Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa

21. Madinat Jumeirah

22. Motiongate Dubai

23. Nammos Restaurant

24. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

25. One & Only Royal Mirage

26. One & Only The Palm

27. Palazzo Versace Dubai

28. Park Hyatt

29. Sofitel The Palm Dubai

30. Topgolf Dubai

31. Town Square

32. Trump International Golf Club

33. Voco Monaco Dubai – The World

Sharjah

16. Al Heera Beach

The 3.5km-long stretch will have a ten-minute long fireworks display to bring in the new year.

17. Al Majaz Waterfront

Visitors will be in for a treat with a five-minute fireworks show, set against the backdrop of Sharjah's stunning skyline lighting up the sky.

18. Khor Fakkan Beach

Spanning over 3km, Khorfakkan Beach, will feature acts, including laser shows, EL wire performances, and roller LED characters. A ten-minute long fireworks show will also thrill spectators.

Ajman

19. Ajman Corniche

This popular picnic location for families and groups of friends will transform into a sparkling NYE hotspot at midnight and 2025 rolls in.

Ras Al Khaimah

20. Al Marjan Island

The fireworks can be enjoyed from several vantage points, including the entire Marjan Island, the waterfront area between Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, the RAK NYE Festival grounds, and parking zones like Dhayah, Jais, Yanas, and Rams.

21. Corniche Al Qawasim

An early show will be held for families to ring in the New Year, a few hours before midnight — so that everyone can enjoy the festivities. The fireworks show will begin at 8pm on New Year's Eve

• Dubai
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• New Year

Meher Dhanjal

meher@khaleejtimes.com

Meher Dhanjal is a Digital Journalist who breaks news first and breathes second. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings.