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29 March 2024

Party this New Year’s Eve

Published
By Maha Obeid & Rachel McArthur


New Year’s Eve is just two days away, and if you haven’t decided what to do yet, then you are not alone. Fortunately, the country’s event organisers have been working hard to bring you some of the very best bashes ever, and whether you are planning an intimate family night in or a massive celebration, there are several alternatives to choose from.


However, it is important to consider all the options at hand, especially when this one-night affair can have a major effect on your January bank statement.


Briton Mark Kingston, 31, a Dubai-based businessman, agrees: “New Year’s Eve is a great excuse to celebrate with loved ones, but ticket prices for some events are extortionate. My friends are planning house parties this year, which is cheaper to organise and allows you to cater to your needs.”


In an Emirates Business poll 68 per cent said no to a night out on the town this NYE. Instead three in 10 have picked an intimate dinner party, 28 per cent have chosen a private gig and nine per cent are leaning towards watching the telly.


Party girl Angela Dominic has a theory on how to pick the best option for your end-of-year celebrations: “The key to deciding the best gig on NYE is to calculate what you will be getting out of spending the thousand-odd dirhams on a ticket.”


The 27-year-old British national says most ticket prices also include the cost of a five-course meal, the evening’s entertainment and unlimited beverages. “Such package deals are a good value for money, plus cheaper tickets are usually available, without the frills,” adds Angela.


Catering to all tastes and budgets, we bring you some of the hottest parties to choose from this December 31.


 

RUMBA WITH THE GIPSY KINGS


The French group will star in A Night of New Year’s Magic at the Al Sahra Desert Resort and Amphitheatre in Dubailand. The event includes a five-star buffet dinner and beverages, a fireworks display, and music by DJ Jeff Price.


Complimentary transport from Dubai to the venue is available. Gates open at 7.30pm, and dinner is served from 8pm.


HOW MUCH? Dh3,750 per person. Seating is at tables of 10.

CALL: 04 214 1313 or 050 559 6909. Tickets are also available at Virgin Megastores and at www.ticketingboxoffice.com


NYE ON THE ARABIAN PENINSULA


The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is offering an evening of dining and entertainment at its Waterbreaker Restaurant.

Both resort guests and visitors can enjoy the live cooking stations offering Italian, Asian, Arabic, seafood and more.


Dinner commences at 7pm, and entertainment starts at 8pm. The new year will be welcomed in with a fireshow at midnight, followed by a live DJ act.


HOW MUCH? Dh700 for food and select beverages

CALL: 07 228 8888


THE MARCH OF THE SCOTS


Celebrate this December 31 by heading to the Park Hyatt Dubai for the Hogmanay Ball, which is the Scottish celebration on the last day of the year.


Organised by the Dubai Caledonian Society, the event starts at 7.30pm with dinner and dancing.


Traditional kilts, black tie or national dress are welcome.


HOW MUCH? Dh750

CONTACT: www.itp.net/tickets


FUN AT THE CELLAR
 

The Aviation Club, Garhoud, is the place to be this New Year’s Eve with The Cellar Restaurant offering a special festive dinner and beverages.


Dinner starts at 8pm and guests can join the party at The Irish Village. A traditional English breakfast will be served at 2am.


HOW MUCH? Dh875 per person

CALL: 04 282 9333


METALLIC NEW YEAR AT ZINC


This year, Zinc will be hosting the white New Year’s Eve party, promising pure entertainment with its popular line-up of resident DJs.


Dance the night away to the tunes selected by Greg Stainer, DJ Bliss, Sam Farsio and Rohann Nunez. Plus Mr Hush will be playing the Bongos.


Zinc’s usual door policy applies. Reservations are essential and entitle you to complimentary VIP snacks.


HOW MUCH? Dh239 per person inclusive of one glass of a selected beverage

CALL: 04 331 1111


NAJWA KARAM AND WAEL KFOURI


The two Lebanese singers are ready to set the stage on fire.

Both artists will be singing their famous hits, and you can expect a lot of enthusiasm for Karam’s Law Habaytak.


The concert is being held at the Grand Ballroom of the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.


Ticket prices are inclusive of a sumptuous dinner buffet and selected beverages.


HOW MUCH? Dh1,500-Dh2,000 per person

CALL: 050 818 2591


BOND WITH THE BEST
 

Get ready to be shaken and not stirred as the Towers Rotana Hotel Dubai invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve Casino Royale style.

The Long’s Bar is the place to be, where you can gear up like super-spy 007 and enjoy a three-course set menu.


The theme is ‘Dress to Impress’. The Mix Master, whose mission statement is “to keep music live”, will entertain and keep you dancing all night.


HOW MUCH? Dh200 per person

CALL: 04 312 2202


NOT JUST AN ENIGMA


Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi, is offering partygoers an exclusive New Year’s Eve Mega Night Out at their Enigma nightclub.


This ultimate, unforgettable party will feature Raisani Records, a team of DJs and podium dancers. Doors open at 10pm and you can party on until 3.30am.


HOW MUCH? Dh150 per person (plus taxes), including one selected drink.

CALL: 02 508 0555

AMR DIAB AND ELISSA LIVE


The biggest male and female singers in the Arab world join forces for one night to celebrate NYE.


The duo, whose latest releases have been the fastest selling albums of 2007 in the Gulf, will take to the stage at 9pm at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Tickets are available at the venue, and the price includes dinner, as well as soft drinks.


HOW MUCH? Dh1,000-Dh2,500, depending on the location of your table.

CALL: 04 282 8111


THE HEAT IS ON AT THE EMBASSY


Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi’s hottest new nightclub, will feature music from Embassy London’s DJ Woody, and Michelin Star Chef Garry Hollihead will create the menu. From 8pm until 3am. The dress code is ‘Magical and Mysterious’, so get creative.


HOW MUCH? Dh400 and Dh950

CALL: 02 690 8960


SPINNING WITH DAVID MORALES


The Grammy Award-winning dance DJ/producer spins at Dubai’s Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa. The Peppermint Club is the place to be, with support from the emirate’s very own DJs Madjam and Afroboogie.


Doors open at 10pm, and the party continues until late.


HOW MUCH? Dh220

CALL: 050 343 3909


THE RAT PACK AND EN VOGUE NIGHT


The Grand Hyatt Dubai hosts a double whammy of a celebration this year, starting off with dinner and a Rat Pack tribute act at the Al Ameera Ballroom.


Then in the lobby and atrium, En Vogue will feature a spectacular fireworks display and a dance floor for the real party people.


HOW MUCH? Dh600 to Dh1,800

CALL: 04 317 1234


GET LOCO WITH COCO


Chris Coco needs no introduction. He not only plays house music, but also an eclectic mash-up set.


You can catch him live at 360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel on December 31, with a fireworks display by the Burj Al Arab.


HOW MUCH? Dh1,000

CALL: 04 406 8744


LET’S GET CHEESY


Everybody’s favourite cheesy DJ Tim Cheddar will be spinning at Chi @ The Lodge this NYE.


Expect plenty of 1970s, 1980s and 1990s pop and dance classics, plus there is also music by tribute band Beatlemania. Other surprises include fire jugglers, dancers, a countdown clock, pyrotechnics and a bulging balloon net. From 10pm.


HOW MUCH? Dh300 (regular), Dh800 (VIP)

CALL: 04 337 9470


SMOOTH GROOVES WITH DJ T-LUV


Timbaland’s tour DJ will be playing at The Apartment Lounge and Club this December 31. Expect a mix of hip-hop, R&B, reggae and old school tunes.


HOW MUCH? Dh500

CALL: 04 406 8000


SPEED THE BASH


Experience Dubai’s most awaited New Year’s Eve party. Taking to the stage will be DJs Suketu, Benson, NYK, Zubair and Nawed, playing the hottest Asian tracks.


Head to the Zabeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre.


HOW MUCH? Dh150 and Dh350

CALL: 050 473 6008


SPICE IT UP AT IT’S MIRCHI


Head for a spectacular dinner and dance at the Ramee Royal’s It’s Mirchi nightclub.


You can catch retro king Bappi Lahiri live, along with acts by actor Aftab Shivdasani, Meghana Naidu, and VJ Shruti Seth. DJs Akhtar and Abhijeet will be spinning the decks.

HOW MUCH? Dh100 and Dh150

CALL: 050 452 1329