New Year’s Eve 2021 parties in Dubai: from Dh450 to Dh8,000

Here are some spots to consider for good food, great views and various budgets

New Year's Eve 2021 falls on a Friday this year. Photo: The London Project

The countdown to New Year’s Eve has begun. This year, December 31 falls on a Friday, making it a true weekend celebration in the UAE. There are a number of exciting packages, exclusive dinners, and parties for those looking to ring in 2022 in style. So take your pick and get booking.

Under Dh500

Baby Q

Located on the 43rd floor of Media One Tower, Baby Q offers a prime view of the Dubai skyline and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. There will be DJs spinning top hits, bottomless beverages and dishes including popcorn shrimp, truffle pizza, patatas bravas, sliders, garlic prawns and grilled octopus.

8pm-midnight; Dh450; Dubai Media City; 04 443 5403; babyqdubai.com

Garden on 8

Plenty of outdoor seating and a central location makes this casual British venue a hit for New Year’s Eve. This year, visitors can expect a variety of packages and DJ Jono keeping the energy up as the countdown to the new year begins

8pm onwards; packages from Dh459; Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City; 04 427 1000; [e-mail]

Ikigai

The modern Japanese restaurant is ringing in the new year with a Ganjitsu evening brunch. There will be a three-course menu, with unlimited plates from the live seafood station (think fresh oysters and sushi) and terrace seating.

8pm-1am; packages from Dh250; first floor, Millennium Place Marina Hotel; 04 550 8114; ikigaidubai.ae

Lo+Cale

The restaurant is encouraging all its guests to suit up for a James Bond-themed ball. Indulge in a lavish buffet with unlimited lobster tail, oysters and sushi as you take in Dubai Marina views from the spot, which has indoor and outdoor seating.

8pm-1am; packages from Dh499; children 6-12 dine for Dh250, free for children below 6; Crowne Plaza, Dubai Marina; WhatsApp [phone]; [e-mail]

The Blacksmith

This Dubai Marina venue is staying true to a rock 'n' roll theme this festive season. Go old school with tunes from the 1960s and 1970s. There will be live music to sing along to and a sharing-style menu as you ring in 2022.

8pm-1am; packages from Dh250; Wyndham Dubai Marina; 04 407 8873; theblacksmithdubai.com

Eggspectation

Offering prime views of the drone show and fireworks at JBR, the Canadian restaurant is welcoming guests to enjoy its extensive a la carte menu with a minimum spend of Dh120 per person. We recommend the crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese, and Mediterranean flatbread.

7pm-1am; Dh120 minimum spend; The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence; 04 430 7252

Bombay Borough

If you're in the mood for some Bollywood beats, head to Bombay Borough's Bolly Bash, which will have a desi DJ spinning the latest Punjabi tracks. These can be enjoyed alongside a menu that includes veg curry with banana leaf rice and Rajputana chicken soola, plus signature drinks such as jal jeera mango mojito.

8pm-1am; Dh395; Dubai International Financial Centre; 04 327 1555

Under Dh1,000

Bagatelle

Aiming to deliver the joie de vivre that befits a New Year’s Eve celebration, Bagatelle's in-house DJs and live percussionist promise to get everyone in the party spirit. Elsewhere, chef Ricardo will serve up gourmet treats such as yellowfin tuna with avocado puree, crispy octopus a la grenobloise, tender duck a l'orange and profiteroles aux pommes.

9:30pm onwards; from Dh550; Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 354 5035

Isola Ristorante

The restaurant has put together a four-course Italian menu for the night. On offer are freshly shucked oysters, roasted scallops, risotto with langoustine, caviar and grilled sea bass, with vegetarian options also available. Isola boasts an extensive outdoor seating area, with sparkling Dubai skyline views.

8pm-midnight; packages from Dh690, Dh150 for children 4-14; Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse; 04 583 3124; isolarestaurant.com/dubai/

Joe’s Backyard

Party into the night at this meat-lover’s paradise which has put together a set menu fit for the occasion. There will be favourites such as the lobster roll sliders, seared wild seabass and chocolate torte. And since this is located on the 19th floor, the outdoor seating space will offer views of the Dubai skyline – and even Burj Khalifa in the distance.

8pm-12.30am; packages from Dh595; Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse; 04 583 3124 joebackyard.com

Rove La Mer

Bid adios to 2021 by the sea with the NYE dinner hosted at Rove La Mer Beach. Rovers (guests) can enjoy a great spread of delectable options including a carvings station as well as fresh seafood selection at the NYE dinner. All this wrapped with an envious view of fireworks and live DJ entertainment is bound to be the perfect night.

Koko Bay

Freshly shucked oysters and gorgeous skyline views await at this beachfront venue on New Year's Eve. Koko Bay has a special menu for the night with five hot and five cold appetisers, the aforementioned oysters, and main courses such as jasmine-tea-smoked beef short ribs and roasted black cod with fregola risotto. Desserts include a nut-crusted chocolate cannoli, a mango pomelo sago pudding and a pistachio opera cake.

8pm to midnight; packages from Dh1,095, children 6-12 eat for Dh295; West Beach Palm, Palm Jumeirah; 04 572 3444; kokobay.com

QD’s

The laid-back Creekside venue will ring in the new year with live entertainment alongside the resident DJ. There will be unlimited food and drinks on offer, plus sparkling views of the Dubai skyline and front-row seats to Park Hyatt’s fireworks.

8.30pm-2am; Dh725; Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club; 04 295 6000; hyattrestaurants.com

S Bar

Located on the 71st floor of SLS Dubai, S Bar offers unobstructed views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa from its floor-to-ceiling windows – and also has outdoor seating space for a great fireworks viewing experience. Apart from the views, on New Year's Eve, guests can high-octane music and an a la carte menu, albeit with a minimum spend.

10pm-3am; Dh990 minimum spend indoors, Dh1,500 for the terrace; Marasi Drive, Business Bay; 04 607 0757; sbe.com/nightlife/s-bar/dubai

Time Out Market

If you’ve already visited this vast food hall at Souk Al Bahar, you’ll know that its terrace seating offers some of the most spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. For New Year's Eve the venue is hosting a Sparkles and Sneakers theme, with guests free to dress up or down. Many vendors within will be serving one-off dishes for the occasion, such as tuna and caviar pani puri from Masti, fried chicken with a caviar bun and a roaming cheese trolley from Pickl and a croquembouche with a cream-stuff choux pastry puffs from Brix. Prices differ according to seating area, but all guests will have access to The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk on the ground floor – reserved for Time Out Market for the fireworks at midnight.

7pm-2am; Dh1,000 for regular counter seating, Dh1,500 for the Atrium, Dh2,000 for the stage and dessert areas, Dh3,000 for the terrace; Souk Al Bahar; [e-mail]; timeoutmarket.com

Zero Gravity

If it’s a beachside party you’re looking for, Zero Gravity has you covered. This year, it will host a party at the pool and beach with international DJ headliners MK and Disciples. There will be unlimited food and beverages, several live-cooking stations and a buffet, and unreserved furniture (think bean bags and picnic tables). Get your feet sandy as you countdown to 2022 under the stars, and enjoy the fireworks at midnight.

Early-bird ticket is Dh999, Dh1,299 for regular, Dh1,499 on the day; Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina; 04 399 0009; platinumlist.net

The Theatre

If it’s dinner and a show you’re seeking out, head to The Theatre, which is ringing in 2022 with an entertainment-filled week starting from Monday, December 27. On the six-course menu created by executive chef Enrico Paiola are dishes such as prawn carpaccio, Wagyu beef sashimi, buffalo ricotta ravioli, slow-cooked beef cheeks and salted chocolate delice. As for the performance line-up, expect in-house aerialists, dancers, musicians, singers and DJs, plus: Alessandro Ristori & the Portofinos on Monday and Tuesday, December 27 and 28; Guy Manoukian & Friends featuring Dany Asadi, The Liberty Show by Yousra Mohsen and Alessandro Ristori & the Portofinos on Wednesday, December 29; Faudel and The Liberty Show by Yousra Mohsen on Thursday, December 30; and Maya Diab, Guy Manoukian, The Liberty Show by Yousra Mohsen, Hanine, Yazzy Fierce and guest DJ Fabien Koufach on Friday, December 31.

8.30pm onwards; Dh750-Dh3,000 minimum spend depending on table location from December 27 to 30, Dh1,000-Dh5,000 minimum spend depending on table location on December 31; Fairmont Dubai; 04 222 2268; [e-mail]; www.thetheaterdubai.com

Anasa

Ring in 2022 to the sounds of live Greek and Aegean food to boot. The a la carte menu at the recently opened Anasa features some authentic options including Santorini fava with yellow split pea puree; pan-seared Mediterranean sea bass in a tomato sauce with capers and Kalamata olives; oregano lamb chops on pita bread with a feta spread; skordalia potato puree infused with garlic oil; plenty of calamari, octopus and lobster dishes; and to finish, traditional loukoumades with Greek honey, walnuts and cinnamon or Greek millefeuille with saffron custard and dried grape ice cream.

8pm-1am; Dh550 minimum spend; Conrad Dubai; 04 444 7444

Under Dh1,500

Hotel Cartagena

Party the night away with a brunch-style menu starring plenty of the restaurant’s signature dishes. There will be live entertainment in the form of Cartagena dancers, a DJ, and fireworks views from the venue located on the 72nd floor of JW Marriott Marquis at Business Bay.

9pm-1am; Dh1,100 for non-window table, Dh1,500 for window; JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay; 04 350 9287; hotelcartagena.ae

The London Project

The British venue will welcome as its headline act The Voice winner Jermain Jackman to its white and gold New Year’s Eve party. Guests can also enjoy free-flowing drinks, a DJ, a jazz band and front-row seats to fireworks across Bluewaters Island, JBR and Palm Jumeirah. The venue has also planned an indulgent feast, starting with caviar platters, followed by sharing starters such as foie gras terrine and beef tenderloin tartare, and individual mains. Desserts include lemon tarte and a cheeseboard.

8.30pm-12.30; packages from Dh1,250; Bluewaters Island, 054 306 1822; thelondonproject.com

Weslodge Saloon

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer some of the best views of Burj Khalifa fireworks from this venue located on the 68th floor of JW Marriot Marquis. For New Year's Eve, the restaurant has crafted a high-end celebratory menu with Dibba Bay oysters, poutine, foie gras, Wagyu carpaccio, truffle and burrata risotto, and lobster tagliatelle.

9pm-1am; Dh1,100 for non-window table, Dh1,500 for window; JW Marriot Marquis Tower; 04 350 9288; weslodge.ae

Scalini

The fine-dining Italian restaurant will channel chic ski-lodge vibes, complete with twinkling lights, festive wreaths and an alpine ambience. Expect exquisite beverages and gourmet sharing-style dishes such as beef tartare with black truffles; pappardelle pasta with porcini mushrooms and white truffle; and rack of lamb with balsamic-glazed shallots on a bed of French beans.

7pm until late; Dh1,100 minimum spend; Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach; 04 349 0068

February 30

A vibrant beach lounge concept from Beirut, February 30 has three things going for it this NYE: front-row seats to a fireworks show; a performance by electronic producer Danny Asadi (plus dancers, DJs and musicians); and a delicious set menu (king crab, truffle and burrata pizza, Wagyu et al). All this will set you back between Dh1,200 and Dh2,000 depending on the package you choose, or walk in after 1am for a minimum charge of Dh750.

9pm-2am; from Dh1,200 for the set menu; Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah; 04 244 7200; www.february30dubai.com

Dh1500 to Dh3,000

Aura Skypool

If you’re looking to make a splash, why not welcome 2022 at the UAE’s record-breaking 360º infinity pool? Located on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, Aura Skypool offers one of the best views of Palm Jumeirah and beyond. For New Year’s Eve, there will be a DJ and live performances, and all packages include a Taste of Aura platter with dishes such as edamame and truffle chili, truffle chili honey cauliflower popcorn, umami garden dips and dynamite rock shrimp.

8pm-2am; packages from Dh2,000; The Palm Tower; Palm Jumeirah; auraskypool.com

Treehouse

Countdown to 2022 at Taj Dubai’s rooftop venue, which offers great views of Burj Khalifa fireworks. There will be bottomless drinks paired with gourmet delicacies including fresh oysters, seafood canapes and gruyere quiche, while resident DJ Taylor and saxophonist Zlata keep you entertained.

8pm-1am; packages from Dh2,190; Taj Dubai, Business Bay; 050 189 6089

Twiggy

For an al fresco experience, head to this beach restaurant which boasts breathtaking views of Dubai Creek, and great views of the fireworks. For New Year's Eve, Twiggy will have live entertainment, a DJ and a menu curated for the occasion – so expect delicacies such as black winter truffle burrata and foie gras terrine with quince chutney and gingerbread.

8pm onwards; Dh2,200; Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek Club street, Port Saeed; 04 602 1105

Cinque

The Italian restaurant at FIVE Palm Jumeirah will serve an Amalfi coast-themed menu created by award-winning chef Giuseppe Pezzella. Think Fine de Claire oysters, Osietra caviar, poached lobster and risotto frutti di mare. Seating options include indoor and al fresco tables, the latter with fireworks views.

8pm onwards; from Dh1,500; Five Palm Jumeirah; palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com

Rove Expo

Ring in the new year at Expo 2020 Dubai with a stay at Rove Expo. For Dh2,022, get two Expo tickets, dinner, house beverages, cocktail stations and buffet stations /

Dh3,000 and above

Atlantis, The Palm

Come dressed to impress because the hotel is bringing back its fabulous gala dinner under the stars, with a Moulin Rouge theme this year. Expect to be serenaded by a 30-piece band, and there will also be dancers, fireworks views, free-flowing drinks, canapes and a sprawling buffet serving everything from lobster and caviar to shawarmas and fajitas. A child-friendly buffet will also be available as will an Asateer tent and bouncy castle.

7.30pm to 3am; packages from Dh3,950 for 14 years and up, Dh1,950 for 4-13 years, free for children below 3; Atlantis, The Palm; atlantis.com

Ce La Vi

It's known for its Burj Khalifa views (usually taken in from behind an elegant floral swing set), making this one of the best places to catch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Guests will be able to savour whatever they’d like from the restaurant's a la carte menu, and there will be a live performance from a special as-yet-undisclosed artist.

Dh3,000 (or Dh2,500 per person for groups of six or more) indoors; Dh5,000 minimum spend outdoors; Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel; 04 582 6111; celavi.com

Zeta Seventy Seven

The high-flying venue is nestled right next to Address Beach Resort’s record-breaking swimming pool, which made headlines earlier this year for being the highest infinity pool in the world located on the 77th floor. So if you’re looking to go all out, the restaurant has a New Year's Eve party with a whopping price tag of nearly Dh8,000 a pop. It comes with live entertainment, a water show, breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, fireworks views, a DJ, a magician and executive chef Ruediger Lurz’s Asian-inspired menu.

8pm-2am; Dh7,777 for outdoor seating; Jumeirah Beach Residence; 04 879 8866

Urla

Open as of mid-December, Urla is the latest high-end hotspot in Downtown Dubai. Fittingly, its New Year's Eve bash promises a touch of Gatsby glamour (opulent costumes come recommended) with live entertainment, and views of both Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. On the menu are delicacies such as Osetra caviar brioche; crystal anchovies with red pepper sorbet; Iberian cured beef; grilled turbot with pea puree; and a Golden Chocolate Delight for dessert, featuring candied chestnut, forest fruits and chocolate leaves, followed by warm winter beverages and artisan petit fours.

9pm-1am; from Dh7,000; Fountain level, Address Downtown Dubai Hotel; 052 554 5997

Matagi

Live entertainment, premium beverages and a gourmet menu await at this gala dinner. Indulge in dishes such as Wagyu carpaccio, popcorn tempura, prawn ceviche, miso black cod, grilled Yakiniku Wagyu tenderloin, and mocha cream with spiced and chocolate ganache rocher.

7pm-1am; from Dh3,000 for adults and Dh500 for children between 6 and 12; Raffles The Palm Dubai; 04 248 8888