The New Year in Dubai: Top Spots to Ring in 2020

Looking for ideas to celebrate New Years Eve in Dubai in 2020? You came to the right spot. There are few cities in the world that go as over the top as Dubai during the New Year — from the spectacular fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain to beachside parties along Barasti Beach. However, finding the right New Year party in Dubai can be a little daunting with all the options.

Below you’ll find our top picks for celebrating the New Year in Dubai. Kevin (my fearless co-editor) and I spent months researching these spots before picking our top choice Thiptara — a Thai restaurant overlooking the Dubai Fountain. If you happen to see us at Thiptara, stop by to say hello and let us know Gourmet Globetrotter sent you!

While planning our New Years Eve celebration in Dubai one thing became clear. There isn’t a single website or blog that clearly lays out the key information on the celebrations. Like how much does it cost? What kind of food will be served? What’s the dress code? How do you book? We emailed all these businesses and did the hard work for you!

We hate to break the news, but most of the big parties and celebrations don’t come cheap. But if you’re willing to sacrifice the packages with free flowing booze, you can find some cheaper options that won’t break the bank too much. We also included some cheaper New Year celebrations on the list. So without further adieu, here are our top 9 best places to ring in the New Year in Dubai.

9. Explore ‘Global Village’: The Epcot of the Middle East

Shopping, camel rides and Fireworks? Okay, you have me sold. Global Village is a little like Epcot on steroids. Each year, thousands of families flock here to ring in the New Year. Besides all the fun activities, special stage shows and live DJ performances, it’s also one of the best deals especially for a family.

• The low down: It’s a big celebration for the family and a cheap night out with fireworks and shows.
• Timing: 8 AM – 1 AM
• Dress code: Casual and comfy shoes. You’ll be walking!
• Cost: Individual tickets are just 15 AED per person ($4 USD). By far, the cheapest option on our list. There is a New Years Eve Family Pack, which includes four entry tickets, a carnaval card preloaded with 100 AED (or $27 USD) along with a restaurant discount voucher for 15% off and a car pass. The drawback? The package is only available for purchase in person at the Guest Care Center next to the Gate of the World at Global Village (cost 249 AED or $68 USD total).
• Location: Global Village is located at Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, Dubai, U.A.E.
• How to book? No advanced reservations necessary. Just show up.

8. Find Your Inner Zen in the Desert

Not into elbow to elbow crowds? Or the big city lights? Then you might be into a special New Years Eve desert package with Rayna Tours. Get the ultimate desert safari experience in a 4WD safari jeep then stay for the party and a Bedouin-style barbecue dinner.

• The low down: Evening includes unlimited soft drinks, juice, BBQ dinner, English-speaking driver, belly dance show, Henna tattoo, Arabic tea and coffee.
• Timing: Pick up from hotel between 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm and drop back will be between 1:30 am to 2:00 am.
• Dress code: Comfortable and layers for the desert.
• Cost: Without alcohol: 250.75 AED ($68 USD per person); With alcohol: 352.75 AED ($96 USD per person).
• How to book? Go directly to Rayna Tours website and purchase online.

7. Party it Up at Soho Beach DXB for the New Year in Dubai

Is a thumping club more your scene? Then you might be into Soho Beach DXB‘s big New Years Eve bash that they’re advertising as the “craziest party in Dubai.” Oh boy. This is the second year they’re hosting the “craziest party in the world” that will include house music and live entertainment — climaxing with tons of confetti and “crazy colors and happiness.” Well, you won’t see us there. But to each their own.

• The low down: This will be a massive double party with Berlin-based, techno DJ Dixon playing simultaneously in Soho Garden DXB while international party brand Elrow headlines at Soho Beach DXB with Solardo and many others. An unforgettable festival with live DJs spinning tunes and returning with its “Sambodromo Do Brasil” edition. According to the organizers, they’re offering more music, decorations and more fun than ever before.
• Timing: 9 PM – until you can’t dance any more.
• Dress code: Bring your finest club gear.
• Cost: 799 AED (or $217 USD per person)
• Location: Soho Beach, Al Meydan Rd, Dubai
• How to book? Tickets will be available to purchase online here.

6. Get Fancy at The Ritz Carlton

Are you feeling classy? Well, look no further than The Ritz. This high-end beach resort offers several parties to ring in the New Year. But we particularly dig the sound of their fancy schmancy party, “Gala on the Gulf Lounge.” The evening begins with a 1-hour champagne and oyster reception along the shores of the Arabian Gulf with the city skyline in the background. You can dance along with a live band and DJ, enjoy a full open bar and dinner buffet. Get your fancy pants on because they’re rolling out a caviar bar along with a charcuterie selection and several live cooking stations. After the clock strikes midnight, the after party continues poolside at La Baie offering a la carte beverages and bubbly. Clearly, you’ll be paying a pretty penny, too.

• The low down: Evening includes packages with unlimited non-alcoholic and alcohol options, buffet dinner and live music in a top-notch setting.
• Timing: 7 PM – 2 AM
• Dress code: Dress to impress; No beach attire or shorts, shirts must have a collar. We’ve been told it’s strictly enforced.
• Cost: Without alcohol it’s 1795 AED (or $488 USD per person); With alcohol, it’s 2,195 AED (or $597 USD per person).
  • This party is kid friendly with pricing for teenagers at 1,250 AED ($340 USD) or children 6- to 11-years old at 750 AED ($204 USD) and children aged 5 years and under are free.
• Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Al Mamsha Street, Jumeirah Beach Residence.
• How to book? Reservations can be made by email dine.dubai@ritzcarlton.com or calling +971-4-318-6150.

5. Set Sail on a New Years Eve Dinner Cruise

Looking for something a little unique? Count down to the New Year on a luxury dinner cruise along the scenic Dubai Creek. Enjoy a buffet dinner, live entertainment and great views of the city aboard an authentic dhow (a traditional Arab sailing vessel). The evening will include a 5-course dinner served buffet style and live entertainment to count down the New Year. This trip is all about the relaxation — where you’ll take in stunning views of of the city with champagne in hand to watch the fireworks light up the evening sky.

• The low down: Evening includes unlimited soft drinks, juice, coffee/tea, a welcome drink, dinner buffet, live music, a glass of champagne and WiFi on board.
• Time: 9 PM – 1 AM
• Dress code: It’s a dressy affair – though women should avoid wearing clothes that expose shoulders or knees.
• Cost: Upper deck: 1,028 AED (or $280 USD per person); Middle deck: 925 AED ($252 USD per person).
• Location: Checkin at Deira Creek, opposite of Deira Twin Towers.
• How to book? Tickets can be purchased directly here.

4. Go Back to the Roaring 1920’s at The Atlantis

The Atlantis resort in Palm Jumeirah offers several New Years Eve packages. But we personally love the sound of their “Roaring 20’s New Years Eve Gala Dinner.” Get ready to break out the check book because this party is MONEY! The evening will begin with canapés, champagne and performers inspired by The Roaring 20’s era. Then a 30-piece live band will kicks off the night’s entertainment. There will be a dinner buffet with live cooking stations, unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and free-flowing champagne. Sounds like a party! You’ll have front row seats for their very own Atlantis fireworks display, too.

• The low down: Evening will include buffet dinner, live entertainment, orchestra, unlimited alcohol and fireworks with a cool 1920’s vibe.
• Time: 7 PM – 3 AM
• Dress code: Black Tie 20’s inspired
• Cost: 3,300 AED (or $900 USD per person). Young adults (12-20 years): 2,250 AED (or $612 USD); and Ages 4-11 is 625 AED (or $170 USD).
• Location: Crescent Road, The Palm.
• How to book? Go directly to The Atlantis Dubai New Years Eve packages website. As a side note, The Atlantis has more affordable options that start at $340 USD per person.

3. Enjoy Dinner with a View at Serafina

Located at the steps of the Dubai Fountains and facing the magnificent Burj Khalifa on the ground floor of Souk Al Bahar, Serafina has unobstructed views of the city’s biggest and best fireworks display. Serafina will offer a full Italian menu with such dishes as beef filet and foie gras, along with Turbot filet and mango panna cotta. They will also offer a full vegetarian menu as well as a full bar with sparkling Veuve Clicquot.

• The low down: Serafina is right in the heart of downtown Dubai and overlooking the fountains. They will be hosting a plated and coursed dinner experience with 3 different price points based on what level you’re seated (i.e. the best view).
• Time: 8 PM – 1 AM
• Dress code: Dress to impress.
• Cost: Clutch your pearls lady, this isn’t cheap! Water deck level is 3800 AED or $1,035 USD per person; Lower Deck is 3500 AED or $952 USD; and upper terrace is 2500 AED or $680 USD.
• Location: Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar.
• How to book? Email their reservations office directly at serafina@ginzarestaurants.com

2. Dine on Italian Seafood by the Fountains at BiCE Mare

Our second place goes to BiCE Mare, an Italian and seafood restaurant with a terrace off the Dubai mall overlooking the Burj Khalifa and fountains. Out of all the places we contacted, they were the very first to get back to us with the details on their special New Years Eve dinner. We ended up passing since unfortunately, I’m allergic to many of the items on the menu. Each of the 5 courses includes a choice between 2 options with the main entree being either grilled Dover sole (fish) or Wagyu beef tenderloin.

• The low down: The 5-course set menu includes unlimited drinks for selected wines and spirits. A good spot if you’re into seafood and Italian with tables overlooking the Dubai fountain.
• Time: 7:30 PM – 1 AM
• Dress code: Dress to impress.
• Cost: 3000 AED (or $800 USD per person) for outdoor seating; 2000 AED ($544 USD per person) for indoor seating.
• Location: Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar.
• How to book? Email their reservations office directly at bicemare@biceinternational.com

1. Get Front Row Seats for the Fireworks at Thiptara

Finally, our #1 pick goes to Thiptara, overlooking the Dubai fountains and the fireworks from the Burj Khalifa. The special New Years Eve menu includes a 5-course Thai menu with packages inclusive of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. The venue truly lives up to its name, which means magic at the water. We can’t wait for the big celebration and ringing in an epic New Year in Dubai!

• The low down: Thiptara offers a top-notch New Years Eve menu that includes a 5-course Thai menu with packages inclusive of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks as well as indoor or outdoor seating. If booking the alcohol package, it includes free flow of selected wines, house spirits and Presecco sparkling wine.
• Time: 8 PM – 1 AM
• Dress code: Dress to impress.
• Cost: This is one of the better deals. There are several packages to chose from —
  • Indoor seating without alcohol: 2020 AED (or $549 USD per person); with alcohol: 2625 AED (or $715 USD per person).
  • Outdoor seating without alcohol: 3045 AED (or $829 USD per person); with alcohol: 3675 AED (or $1,000 USD).
• **Insider tip: Book by December 15 for a 15% discount for an early bird reservation. We ended up booking indoor seats without alcohol for $467 USD per person. So quite the savings.
• Location: Downtown Dubai, Ground Level, Palace Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (across the water from the Dubai opera)
• How to book? Email their reservations office directly at Thiptara@thepalace-dubai.com.

And there you have it! We are so excited to ring in our New Year at Thiptara and experience Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi — our first trip to United Arab Emirates. Looking for other ideas to celebrate the New Year? Check out our New Years Eve recommendations for Panama City. Or our top ideas for the New Year in Mexico City. And of course, stay tuned for more coverage of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the holidays near.