New Year's Eve concerts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from Sting to Najwa Karam

Music lovers have plenty of options when it comes to year-end celebrations

Sting is set to perform at Atlantis, The Palm, this New Year's Eve. AFP

The UAE's New Year’s Eve celebrations will have an eclectic live soundtrack this year, with concerts spanning western and Arabic pop, dance, jazz and flamenco.

Some of the big names ringing in the new year across the Emirates include British artists Sting and John Newman, as well as Arabic pop stars Tamer Hosny, Najwa Karam and Diana Karazon.

DJs will also play on the night, with performances from spinners Sebastian Ingrosso, Fedde Le Grand and Robin Schulz.

Here are some of the key gigs taking place on New Year's Eve.

1. Sting at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

British singer Sting will headline one of the UAE's most lavish New Year's Eve celebrations.

Guests will have the chance to ring in the new year with the singer performing a collection of the greatest hits from both his solo repertoire and The Police's back catalogue, including Every Breath You Take, Englishman in New York and Shape of My Heart.

Doors open at 7pm; tickets from Dh6,500; atlantis.com

2. Tamer Hosny at Mother of the Nation Festival, Abu Dhabi

The Egyptian singer is one of the biggest Arab pop stars and is known overseas, thanks to collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Akon and Shaggy.

With his upbeat pop hits and charming stage presence, he is an apt choice to close the Mother of the Nation Festival, with a concert followed by a midnight firework display.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh245; ticketmaster.ae

3. Najwa Karam, George Wassouf and Sherine Abdel-Wahab at Festival Arena, Dubai

Lebanese singer Najwa Karam leads a triple bill concert spanning three decades of Arabic pop.

Karam, known for songs Ma Fi Noum and Saharni will be joined by veteran Syrian singer George Wassouf and Egyptian pop star Sherine Abdel-Wahab.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh600; dubai.platinumlist.net

4. Diana Karazon at Palazzo Versace, Dubai

The Jordanian singer will perform on a purpose-built stage as part of New Year's Eve dinner party at the resort.

Born in Kuwait, this year marks the 20th anniversary since her debut single Ensani ma Binsak. Karazon has since built a diverse career as singer, actress and television personality. Her latest track is pro-Palestine folk song El Chaab El Batal.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh1,799; palazzoversace.ae

5. Tyga and Quavo at Blu Oasis, Dubai

The popular US rappers will headline New Year’s Eve celebrations at the newly opened desert resort.

Both seasoned artists return to the UAE with new albums, with Quavo releasing the critically acclaimed Rocket Power in August.

Reservations only; 054 25 26 845; bluoasis.ae

6. John Newman at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR

The Love Me Again singer will perform a DJ set as part of the resort's celebrations.

A celebrated collaborator, Newman is known for his work on the Rudimental hits Feel The Love and Not Giving In, the Calvin Harris duet Blame, and Feeling with Swedish collective Blnk.

After taking a two-year career break, Newman began the next phase of his career this summer as a DJ with a set at European mega dance festival Tomorrowland.

Newman will perform as part of the hotel’s gala dinner celebrations.

Doors open at 7pm; tickets from Dh3,000; rixos.com

7. Indira Hayes Toi Dupras at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

Argentine tango dancer Indira Hayes teams up with Dubai singer Tory Dupras for a family friendly cabaret show created by Dubai soul singer Layla Kardan and choreographed by Parisian dancer Louise Hadj.

The evening will also include buffet dinner and beverages.

8.30pm to 12.30am, tickets are Dh1,950 and Dh400 for children aged 6 to 12; 04 399 4141 and hotel website

8. Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes at Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Bamboleo away with singer, guitarist and one of the founders of the group Gipsy Kings, Andre Reyes.

The French singer will perform the hits as well as traditional and popular elements of flamenco and rumba music.

The event will also feature a five-course dinner and fireworks display.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh6,500; dubai.platinumlist.net

9. Dubai Opera Big Band at Dubai Opera

For those looking for old school entertainment in a glamorous setting, check out the Dubai Opera Band, performing as part of a gala dinner event.

Come midnight, crowds will be ushered to the venue's promenade for some of the best views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh2,000; dubaiopera.com

10. NYE Beach Festival at Zero Gravity, Dubai

Fresh from performing at Dubai music festival DXBeats last month, UK group Rudimental will return to the emirate to ring in the new year as part of the day-long music festival.

The collective’s catchy brand of house, soul and funk has made them international festival favourites with hits including Feel the Love and Waiting All Night.

Rudimental will be joined by Sigala, the British DJ responsible for the hits Easy Love and Lullaby, as well as DJ Nathan Dawe.

Doors open at 11am; tickets from Dh299; dubai.platinumlist.net

11. Fedde Le Grand at Barasti Beach, Dubai

After supporting Armin van Buuren's NYE concert at Media City Amphitheatre last year, the Dutch DJ is now the headline act at Barasti Beach.

Fedde Le Grand is best known for the 2006 UK number-one track Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh150; dubai.platinumlist.net

12. Khaled Abdulrahman, Eida Al Menhali, and Hamad Al Ameri at Liwa Village, Abu Dhabi

After a successful inaugural New Year's Eve celebration last year, Abu Dhabi's Liwa Village will host another open air concert featuring a trio of popular Emirati singers.

In addition to the music, the desert site will also host pop-up food trucks and arts and craft stalls.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh150; abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

13. Sebastian Ingrosso at Terra Solis Dubai

Dance away under the stars at Dubai's glamping retreat Terra Solis. Headlining this year's celebration is Sebastian Ingrosso, best known as one-third of the EDM giants Swedish House Mafia.

As well as spinning some of the group's hits, Ingrosso set should also include solo favourites Reload and Calling (Lose My Mind).

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh200; dubai.platinumlist.net

14. Charlie Sloth at Five Jumeirah Village, Dubai

The UK DJ and influential hip-hop personality is behind the decks for this party.

Expect an expansive setlist with modern and classic hip-hop and grime tracks.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh1,000; soul.st

15. Robin Schulz at The Penthouse, Dubai

Ever since releasing his acclaimed remix of Mr Probz's Waves in 2013, the German DJ has been consistently releasing dance hits and playing some of the biggest festivals including Creamfields and Tomorrowland.

Back with a new album Pink this year, Schultz’s pedigree behind the deck should guarantee a big celebration.

Doors open at 8pm; tickets from Dh2,000; thepenthouse.co

16. Bling Bling 2024 at Le Meridien Dubai

A family-friendly affair featuring a bevy of Indian artists led by rapper King.

Back with new album New Life, he joins a bumper line up featuring Sagar Wali Qawwali, DJ Sahil Gulati, DJ Hani & DJ Tushar. The venue will also feature various zones catered for children and family activities.

Doors open at 9pm; tickets from Dh699; dubai.platinumlist.net