Bond, boats, Burj Khalifa: New Year's in the UAE

Are you the type that thinks New Year's Eve in Dubai means its time to break out the bling? Or are cheesy retro tunes more to your liking? Perhaps your twin passions are the circus and the nightclub? Or maybe diamonds and spy shenanigans are your dirty secret?

Whatever your passion - and the size of your pocket - there's a way to bring in the New Year here in the shiny emirate -- and one or two options in the capital, too.

Emirates24|7 rounds up some of the best parties this NYE.
 
Luxury, Dubai style

The blingiest party in town is definitely at the Burj Al Arab, still the symbol of luxury living for the well travelled all around the world.

The seven-star hotel is pulling out all the stops this New Year’s Eve, with a gala dinner priced at Dh7,450 per person, inclusive of a champagne reception, gala dinner and an after-dinner party. Children aged between four and 11 have their own New Year's Eve party at the hotel’s Bab Al Yam, priced at Dh2,500 per child. Contact: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com
 
Best of Bollywood

If you can’t make it to Shah Rukh Khan’s party on The Palm Jumeirah, head to It’s Mirchi at the Ramee Royal Hotel instead, where Mumbai singer Himesh Reshammiya is joined by the actress Amisha Patel on the DJ decks. They promise a night of retro Bollywood classics into the early hours of the morning. Tickets are priced Dh175 onwards. Call the venue for details.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more high-end, head to the Dubai World Trade Centre where Vivek Oberoi is set to steam up the Zabeel Hall. Oberoi will also reportedly talk about his Bollywood experience – whatever that means. We’re betting he won’t mention Aishwarya Rai. Free entry passes are available from the Country Club Hotel in Bur Dubai.

Bond with the New Year

Satisfy your inner superspy by taking out 2010 in style with a “Casino Royale”-themed New Year’s Eve 2011 party at the Bonsai Japanese Lounge and Restaurant, Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa. The 21-plus party has a strict dress code, so break out those tuxedos and diamonds. Priced from Dh290.

Lose your illusions

Dubai-based magician Fred Fogherty promises to take you into the twilight zone and a parallel universe of traditional magic and illusion with this show at the Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Residence. Tickets are priced from Dh1200, inclusive of dinner and soft drinks. Call the hotel for details.

The eclectic budget option

Billed the most affordable New Year’s Eve party in town, the Rock Nation bash is certainly easy on the pocket with prices beginning at Dh120, inclusive of two drinks. Described as a private party with music across all genres – desi, house, rock – it promises the best of everything in true Dubai style. Tickets on sale at 050-1139873

Down by van Dyk’s decks

House fans head straight to the World Trade Centre, where Paul van Dyk should hopefully drown out Vivek Oberoi. The Grammy-winning DJ is eager to play Dubai and promises to keep the party rocking at Saeed Halls 2 and 3 until dawn the next day. Tickets from Dh250, available from peppermint-experience.com.

Asian extravagance

With three party room and five DJs, Moksh Extreme 2011 is aiming squarely at the young and trendy Indian crowd. The event at the Meridien Dubai features DJ Nyk, DJ Zubair, DJ Abhijeet, DJ Tushar and DJ Sukhi in an outdoor garden, a lounge room and a club. Tickets Dh400 upwards inclusive of unlimited drinks and food. For information, visit the Moksh Event page on Facebook

Book a boat trip

Sail away into 2011 with an eight-hour cruise around Dubai’s surreal coastline for something different. There’s plenty of fine drinks and fine food cooked up by British celebrity chef Andy Campbell on this 120-foot yacht. The Sheleila Yacht departs at 6pm from the Dubai International Marine Club, prices from Dh3,150.

Does your mother wanna go

Cheesy fans of the seventies can beam straight into The Music Room at The Majestic Hotel, which is jhosting Arrival UK, the world’s top international Abba tribute, according to the members of the actual group themselves. The show runs from 6pm to 4am and costs Dh200 including snacks and complimentary drinks. Call 050-2484054

Beachside brilliance

For fans of the outdoor lounge concept that is Nasimi Beach, organisers are promising an unforgettable finale to 2010 – something bigger and better than ever before. It’s music to suit all tastes from top city DJs Schooly, Smokingroove, David Craig and Tim Cheddar, entertainers, fireworks and a unique “white carpet” under the stars, surrounded by ice sculptures and even a light sprinkling of snow. Tickets at Dh950, inclusive of all house beverages. Call 055-2004321

Fashion victims anonymous

Looking for a chance to be on Fashion TV? The TV station’s only international New Year’s Eve event this year is in Dubai. Promoters expect more than 2,000 of the UAE's most fashionable people, designers and international models to pout, pose and vogue it up at the Emirates Towers’ Club Atelier, where four city DJs will take turns in two rooms to play house, hip-hop, R&B, and club anthems. Tickets from Dh250, email lindi@alchemy-project.com.

Free fireworks for everyone

No money for a party? Motor on down to Burj Park and watch the world's world’s highest fireworks display this New Year’s Eve, when the Burj Khalifa is lit up in honour of 2011.

Large TV panels will beam in celebrations from around the world, while the Dubai Fountain will be set to perform to world music, accompanied by a laser show. A countdown will then be displayed on large television panels before a show of lasers, fireworks and lights illuminates the tower. Celebrations are expected to continue into the early hours of the morning. The event is open to the public, with free entry to the park.
 
The lure of the circus

Allure, the new kid in town at Yas Island, is the biggest party in Abu Dhabi this year. Organisers at the so-called superclub say there'll be plenty of arial acrobats, painted dancers, jugglers, breakdancers, human statues, circus performers, clowns and go-go dancers -- all in the club itself, with music from the ikes of DJ Jefty, Dany Neville and Rone Jaxx.

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