New Year’s Eve 2021 parties in Abu Dhabi: from dinners to family-friendly events

The countdown to New Year’s Eve has officially begun. This year, it falls on a Friday, making it a true weekend celebration in the UAE and a number of venues across Abu Dhabi are hosting dinners, brunches and other events to see off 2021 in grand style. Whether you’re looking for a full-on party or a family-friendly affair, planning ahead is a must. It’s time to make resolutions and New Year’s Eve reservations for December 31 ... The home-grown Japanese restaurant, which recently opened its Abu Dhabi outpost at Yas Bay Waterfront, is offering guests panoramic views of the fireworks across the bay to be enjoyed alongside a multi-course meal. Starters include a selection of Japanese street food, sushi and nigiri. The second course includes one of the restaurant's signature Tokyo-style pizzas (we recommend the 5 Formaggi, topped with a drizzle of acacia honey), followed by a main dish. Finish with fluffy Hakata cheesecake. 8pm onwards; from Dh225; Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island 04 770 7949; www.akibadori.com With unparalleled views of Al Bateen Marina, this party spot should be on your radar for the last day of the year. A DJ will be on hand to mix classic old-school hip hop, RnB and pop classics with modern tunes, while light bites and drinks will be served. All with incredible Corniche fireworks views at midnight. 9pm-1am; packages from Dh548; Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen; 02 208 0000; annexabudhabi.com Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive terrace area offer some breathtaking views of Al Maryah Islandand its fireworks, all while enjoying a menu that includes a fish carving station with tuna, salmon and king fish. There will also be assorted cured fish and a “seacuterie” experience at the oyster station with seafood on ice. Meat lovers can indulge at the BBQ station with brisket, tenderloin, flank steak and short ribs, with the soundtrack to the night provided by Glo Lounge next door to keep the New Year's Eve energy flowing. 7.30pm-midnight; packages from Dh788; Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5550; rosewoodhotels.com The newly opened Amazonian-inspired spot is turning up the heat with a masquerade party. The dress code is to “find a mask and wear it well” as you party with DJ Froid and indulge in a five-course South American and pan-Asian meal. 8pm-4am; packages from Dh295; Cristal Hotel; 055 169 1220 Suit up in elegant black and gold for the Al Maryah venue’s New Year's Eve bash. With its Incan Empire theme, DJ Eva Voytko will provide the party atmosphere, and there will be plenty of authentic Latin American bites and Incan-inspired drinks to go around. At midnight, raise a glass to some of the best views of the Al Maryah Island fireworks. Minimum spend of Dh800 in the main dining room, Dh1,200 on terrace; 02 306 7000; coyarestaurant.com/abu-dhabi Gear up for a four-and-a-half-hour Yum Cha celebration comprising food trolleys and free-flowing beverages. There will be a delicious selection of dim sums to indulge in, complementing the barbecue and duck rolls. At midnight, guests will be escorted to Glo Lounge for the countdown and fireworks. 7.30pm-midnight; packages from Dh565; Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5550; rosewoodhotels.com Party into the new year with B.I.G – Brunch in Garage. The upbeat venue has teamed up with Secret Parties for a one-off NYE special. Guests can dine from five kitchens which will be serving up a variety of cuisines for every taste bud, plus, there will be plenty of entertainment as you countdown to midnight. Packages from Dh398; W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island; secret-parties.com Kick things up a notch with Glo’s masquerade party this New Year’s Eve. Guests are encouraged to come dressed to impress for an evening of glamour and intrigue, with a DJ and saxophonist adding to the vibe. The rooftop venue also offers one of the best views of the fireworks. Packages from Dh1,500 for a table of four; Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; ; 02 813 5550; www.rosewoodhotels.com The fine dining establishment has put together a scrumptious set menu for the occasion. End 2021 by feasting on dim sum and Alaskan king crab salad with yuzu, before moving onto mains such as the Boston lobster with chilli and garlic or jasmine-smoked beef ribs. Resident DJ Marina will be dropping the hits, and there are the famous Emirates Palace fireworks to enjoy at midnight. 6pm-11.30pm; packages from Dh788, minimum two guests; 02 690 7739; www.hakkasan.com/abu-dhabi The cosy venue in Rosewood Abu Dhabi is offering a package with lounge-style food and free-flowing drinks. Coupled with incredible views of Al Maryah Island’s waterfront from the outdoor seating space, New Year's Eve at Hidden Bar has all the makings of a night to remember. 8pm-midnight; packages from Dh565; Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5550 ; www.rosewoodhotels.com The Mexican cantina, which recently launched at Yas Bay Waterfront, offers views of the fireworks as well as live entertainment. Choose from one starter, one taco, one main course and one dessert from options that include beef tartare, scallop ceviche, baja shrimps, mushroom tostada, lamb chops, sea bream, churros and tres leches. 9.30pm-12.30am; from Dh399; Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island Le Cafe will host Emirates Palace's popular New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner this year, following the theme of a luxurious resort holiday. The palace terraces boast some of the best views of the fireworks over the Corniche, and there is also a programme of live entertainment, a dedicated children's area and a delicious menu on offer. 7pm onwards; packages from Dh1,500; 02 690 7999; mandarinoriental.com For a sophisticated way to end the year, one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular fine dining restaurants is curating an indulgent 14-dish affair. Diners will be able to tuck into the Japanese restaurant’s finest offerings including the signature Bluefin tuna Hosomaki and Kobe edamame, king crab au gratin, seabass and sea scallop ceviche and the lobster maki. There will also be a sashimi tasting platter, dance performances, a saxophonist and a DJ. To cap it all off, the venue offers front row seats to the Al Maryah fireworks. 8pm-midnight; Dh1,399; The Galleria Al Maryah Island; 02 672 3333; reservations.ad@99sushibar.com When it comes to New Year's Eve, what could be better than an elevated, all-round experience? Stratos, the revolving restaurant at Le Royal Meridien not only offers 360º views overlooking the capital but the restaurant is setting off their New Year's Eve celebrations with a dinner from 7pm-9.30pm, followed by an afterparty from 10pm. Dh495 for dinner and Dh250 for the afterparty; Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi; 02 695 0490; stratosabudhabi.com The Park Rotana restaurant is hosting a gala dinner buffet with various food stations, including ones for sushi, oysters, caviar, risotto, Peking duck corner, raclette cheese and carved meats. These will be complemented by signature beverages and live entertainment. 8pm-1am; from Dh420 for adults and Dh225 for children between 6 and 12; 02 657 3317; rotanatimes.com/parkrotana The gala dinner at this Southern Sun spot is both aesthetic and tasty, and includes a seafood ice bar, a foie gras station, caviar and blinis stations, a burrata bar, hand-crafted maki rolls, prime rib carvery, salmon coulibiac carvery, tempura served under a hot lamp, pistachio-crusted lamb rack and a cheese vault, plus live entertainment. 8pm-midnight; from Dh325 for adults and Dh110 for children between 6 and 12; Southern Sun, Tourist Club Area; 02 818 4888 11 things for children to do over winter break in Dubai

New Year’s Eve 2021 parties in Abu Dhabi: from dinners to family-friendly events

From late-night bashes to sophisticated fine dining events, here’s where to ring in 2022 in the UAE capital