Beachside beverages, Barasti Dubai

Start the year as you mean to go on, the popular saying goes, and New Year’s Eve at Barasti Beach Bar means you’ll be surrounded by friends all through 2018. With special guests Fatman Scoop and DJ Chuckie, the Le M?ridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina venue is a great place to bring in the year.

Details: 7pm to 3am, from Dh180, call 04 511 7373

Private luxury party, Palace Downtown Dubai

The Palace Downtown promises an exclusive private party for NYE

Push the boat out for the most exclusive New Year’s Eve shindig, complete with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa’s fireworks and the Dubai Fountain. The venue is so exclusive the Palace Downtown only reveals it to those who go down to Al Bayt to book it! With a live band menu tailored to your tastes, this is an impressive way to celebrate the end of an outstanding year.

Details: 8pm to 3am, minimum spend of Dh25,000 for 10, call 04 428 7888

70s Game Show, Cirque Dubai

Free entry and an anti-NYE vibe? There’ll be a line to get into Cirque, which is going “spectacularly weird” this December 31. Themed around a corny 70s game show, complete with annoying host (and creepy moustache), retro games and performers all night, surprises lurk around every corner.

Details: 10.30pm to 3am, call 050 995 5400

Indian Retro, Moombai & Co. Caf? and Bar, Dubai

Rewind to old Bombay (before the name was changed to Mumbai) at the newest curry house in town with some finger-licking food and exciting surprises. The Parsi-style caf? restaurant offers a belt-busting three-course meal, with highlights including mixed veggie skewers crusted with straw potatoes, khubani bhare kofte, tarewli kolmi (ginger-garlic prawns), velvety butter chicken and chicken berry biryani.

Details: 8pm to 2am. Four hours of unlimited food and house drinks for Dh395, or four hours of just drinks at Dh295. Call 04 501 8607

International gala, Crescendo, Anantara The Palm

Anantara The Palm has special offers this New Year's Eve

As one of the UAE’s most beautiful hotels, Anantara The Palm has a reputation it upholds rather well. This New Year’s Eve at the hotel’s Crescendo restaurant will be no different, with an array of offerings at its gala dinner. There’s an international spread, different live cooking stations, performances from the Good Company band and fun activities to keep the kids busy so there’s no need to pay overtime for a sitter. Book before December 15 for 25 per cent off.

Details: 8pm to 2am, Dh1,850, call 04 567 8888

Prohibition Soir?e, Tribeca Dubai

Can’t quite go overboard on your own? Try pretending that you’re in New York at the end of Prohibition. Tribeca Dubai is selling an epic night with dinner and drinks packages to see in the new year without breaking the bank plus DJ 3G Kid and a view of the fireworks from its terrace.

Details: 9pm onwards. Dinner-only deals from Dh349, dinner and drinks start Dh699. Call 050 345 6067

Capodanno, Solo Italian, Raffles Dubai

See in the new year — or Capodanno — like an Italian diva at Solo, which presents an indulgent, five-course menu featuring antipasti, Sardinian culurgiones, slow-cooked short rib and panettone. There is also live music and fine grape on offer.

Details: 7pm to 1am. Prices start at Dh425 inclusive of soft drinks, call 04 324 8888

Al Fresco Dining, 360? Dubai

360? offers a great view of the Burj Al Arab fireworks

One of the best spots for the Burj Al Arab fireworks is out on the sea, where 360? Dubai offers a wonderful wintry al fresco setting to relax and enjoy the celebrations. For New Year’s Eve, it’s a five-course gala dinner with starters of Cantonese baby lobster, entrees of Label Rouge turbot, steak and chips, parmesan gnocchi and a chocolate plate for dessert. Casual party-goers can indulge in bar snacks such as Wagyu beef sliders, vegetable spring rolls, chicken sate and potato and cheese croquettes.

Details: Dinner and drinks for Dh1,950 with extra beverage packages from Dh995, call 04 432 3232

Rooftop gala, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek

To impress family and friends, why not take them to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, to view the impressive Dubai skyline while sipping bubbles and dining on a variety of dishes? The hotel promises a blend of fun and fervour with a dinner buffet, live cooking stations, fun gifts and a resident DJ, complete with the obligatory countdown.

Details: 8pm onwards, prices from Dh399, call 04 205 7033/34

Havana Cuban Party, Cabana, Address Dubai Mall

For the closest possible view of the Burj Khalifa’s fireworks as the clock chimes 2018, head to the Cuban party adjacent to Dubai Mall. Anticipate an indulgent buffet, with live carving and seafood stations as well as unlimited premium beverages and a bottle of fine bubbly for two guests — plus, of course the view.

Details: 7.30pm to 2am, Dh2,350 per head at a shared table; Dh17,000 for a private cabana for up to 8 people, call 04 438 8888

Viewing Gallery Party, Marriott Al Jadaf Dubai

If it’s a skyline view you want, you could do a lot worse than the Aqua Chill gallery at this city hotel, which promises epic photos of the Burj Khalifa fireworks — provided your camera phone can capture everything, of course! Food and drinks included.

Details: 6pm to 2am, Dh1,299 for two, call 04 317 7777

Let them eat cake, Cavalli Club

Expect crazy moments at Cavalli Club

Rolling out the red carpet for New Year’s Eve is Cavalli Club, which welcomes 2018 in French style. Unleash your inner Marie Antoinette at a party that promises an incredible night of retro French glamour, plenty of cake, fine food and unlimited drinks in a glamorous environment.

Details: 9pm to 3am, packages from Dh950, call 04 332 9260

Evening Golden Brunch, Peyote Dubai, DIFC

This wouldn't be Dubai without brunch! Even if it's evening. And Peyote DIFC brings their classic Mexican style to New Year's Eve. On the menu are a variety of delectable dishes including guacamole, lobster tacos, cure salmon jicama, and Chilean seabass. Sweet treats of New Year conchas, Mexican pabloba and chocolate tamale perfectly compliment the flowing drinks, and the Peyote setting is joined by artists DJ Karl, AliDJ, and DJ Moe.

Details: Dh895, including a bubbly toast at midnight. Call 04 521 6300

Athena Superior New Year’s Eve, Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Boat parties just your thing? If so, a great way to celebrate is onboard the Athena Charter Yacht, which is ideal for social and corporate gatherings framed by the magnificent sights of the Arabian Gulf. Make it a night to remember as you spend time with those most important to you and sail away in style on a four-hour cruise, canap?s and selected house beverages with up to 12 guests.

Details: 9pm to 1am, Dh19,950 per boat, Call 04 362 7894

Disco Ball Brunch, Lucky Voice Dubai

Midnight brunches are a very Dubai institution, but raise the bar this NYE with karaoke at Lucky Voice, which is hosting a special edition of its Disco Ball Brunch. The entertainment includes Alan J Amazing’s famous Lip Sync Battle, crowd karaoke sessions, and DJ Scott Forshaw to keep things going until late.

Details: 8pm to 12am, Dh450 with food and drink, call 800 58259

Jax Jones & Sigma, Zero Gravity Dubai

A massive party is guaranteed at the Sky Dive Dubai venue, which offers a night of spectacular British entertainment. Headlining the bill are DJ Jax Jones, famous for the top 10 hit, You Don’t Know Me, and the duo Sigma, known for the UK number 1, Nobody to Love.

Details: 8pm to 3am, from Dh199, call 04 399 0009

Shibuya Pop, Miss Tess Dubai

Taj Dubai's Miss Tess is turning Japanese this New Year's Eve

If street food is your thing, you would like the unconventional Miss Tess at Taj Dubai. Its Shibuya Pop party is billed as a world of expression, colour, flavour and rebellious merriment with live performances, welcome cocktails, signature canap?s, a menu of Miss Tess’ favourites and free-flowing house beverages, complimented by uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks.

Details: 7pm to 2am, Dh698 for indoor seating or Dh1,298 for terrace seating with a Burj Khalifa view. Call 04 438 3121

Southern French Flavours, Bleu Blanc

With panoramic views of the Dubai Water Canal as well as undisturbed views of the Burj Khalifa firework display after a set menu of fine Southern French flavours, you could do worse than Bleu Blanc for the biggest party of the year. David Myers’ restaurant is one of the hottest new tickets in town, so make your way there.

Details: Dh1,499 per person, including a set menu and free-flowing beverages. Call 04 512 5533.

Turkish News Year’s Eve, Dokuz, Fairmont Dubai

For a true regional flavour to the festivities, you might want to head to Dokuz, the outdoor rooftop bar of the Fairmont Dubai, where you’ve got a bird’s eye view of all the goings-on (and traffic) on Shaikh Zayed Road. The hotel promises Turkish specialties, sushi and sumptuous barbecue bites from live cooking stations, sharing dessert platters, free-flowing beverages with complimentary shisha and a live DJ. Plus there’s an afterparty.

Details: 9pm to 1.30am, from Dh550 per person (food only) or Dh850 per head (food and drinks), call 04 311 8316

Italian extravaganza, Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo

For denizens of Deira, the reasonable option is Alfredo Russo’s Vivaldi, which is serving up a package of bubbles and a feast for the soul with live music from a house DJ this New Year’s Eve. A memorable night with extraordinary views of Dubai Creek is promised.

Details: 7pm to 2am, Dh799 per person. Call 04 228 1111

Made in Moscow, Cielo Dubai

For NYE, Moscow comes to Dubai – without the cold – at Cielo over by Dubai Creek

Also on the right side of the Creek, you can fluff up your cossack hats and get into the Muscovite mood at Cielo’s Made In Moscow themed party, where top Russian DJ Denis First will be on the decks all night long, ensuring that 2017 is bid farewell to in style, whilst revellers dance under the stars at the stunning sky bar. There's also the option to partake of a night brunch beforehand.

Details: 9pm onwards, Dh450 for the party package or Dh750 including the Night Brunch. Call 04 4161 800

New Year’s Eve at the marina, 101 Dining Lounge & Marina

Arriving on a boat? Park it at the private marina at the One & Only The Palm, and take in the panoramic views of the New Dubai skyline. With alfresco seating and seaside tables, there’s a selection of light Mediterranean fare, from tapas and salads to fresh seafood on offer this New Year’s Eve. People without yachts are also welcome to join the DJ party.

Details: 9pm to 2am, from Dh1,450 per person including premium beverages. Call 04 440 10 30.

Tiki Masquerade Gala, Kalea, Lapita

Take in an olde-worlde masquerade ball with the family at Lapita’s Kalea restaurant. The buffet groans with a multitude of live stations including a cured salmon carving station, live caviar station, fresh seafood station and a spit roast serving 18-hour slow-cooked prime rib. The night’s dessert section is pure indulgence with mango and passion fruit religieuse, island diamond, victoria dome and rhubarb and strawberry St Honor? pastries, while kids have access to their very own dedicated buffet as well as access to the Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club. The highlight is a view of the Dubai Parks and Resorts midnight fireworks, but there’s also live entertainment and a dance floor under the stars. (Guests must bring their own masks along to the event.)

Details: 8pm onwards, from Dh695 per head, Dh150 for children aged 4-12 years, call 04 810 9421

New Year’s Eve With Solomun

Bosnia-born DJ Solomun headlines NYE 2018 at Ghantoot

Days after he turns 42, the Bosnian-born DJ is bringing the party to Ghantoot. to the Blue Marlin Ibiza at Ghantoot. The megastar has contributed to the sound of European house music today, and brings his best to Abu Dhabi this year. Alongside, experience local heavyweights such DJ Frederick Stone, DJ Jean B, Jixo & Danz and Aidin Karami. Plus there's a special menu prepared by Chef Mahmoud Turkmani, including fine de claire oysters, spicy albacore sushi and Wagyu and octopus mains – and of course, an open bar. They’ve also got a safer driver service available if you book 48 hours in advance.

Details: 7pm onwards, tickets from Dh500 per head. Call 056 113 3400

Showdown NYE, Hiltonia, Hilton Abu Dhabi

A legend on the capital’s nightlife scene, Hiltonia beach club has fun options to pick from. Its Showdown NYE Bash offers a chance to watch the fireworks and a party with hip-hop, dancehall, reggae, afrobeat, Latino and R&B hits played live while you’re waiting – at an entry fee of Dh120. The gala dinner nearby throws in a fine dining experience, with the option of select house beverages.

Details: 6pm to 3am, entry Dh120, buffet packages begin at Dh500++. Call 02 692 4247.

Black tie night, Coya Abu Dhabi

There’s a particular type of customer who goes to Coya – might that be you? If contemporary Peruvian cuisine appeals, the Al Maryah eatery is promising a colourful and sweet New Year’s Eve this year, with a menu that speaks to the modern and sophisticated taste buds of the city’s residents. Of course there’s a dress code: glamorous chic and black tie.

Details: Dh990 minimum spend per person, call 02 306 7000.

Surprise Theme, La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi

The newbie on Al Maryah Island will serve its signature blend of French Mediterranean food and Ligurian Italian cuisine in a light and healthy menu using artichokes, courgettes, olives, lemons, olives, tomatoes and girolles, paired generously with seafood, meat and fresh pasta. For New Year’s Eve, the eatery will host a surprise themed party with DJ.

Details: Minimum spend Dh850 per person, call 02 692 9600

Brazilian Carnival, Toro Toro Abu Dhabi

Toro Toro Abu Dhabi is going Brazilian for its first New Year's Eve

Forget Brazil and go to Abu Dhabi’s Jumeirah Etihad Towers, where the new Toro Toro’s carnival-themed party has samba dancers, live music, cocktails and Richard Sandoval’s excellent food. Not to mention great views of the city skyline and fireworks displays on the terrace.

Details: Packages between Dh499 and Dh949, call 02 811 5882

Pirates of the Caribbean, Trader Vic’s, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Renowned for its late-night revelry, the original party hotspot at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is laying on a great pirate-themed party to see in 2018. Like any pirate, you can plunder as you fancy, with packages including just water and juices, to pass around bites at the bar area.

Details: Prices from Dh150++, call 02 697 9011

Pre-Concert Party, Cipriani Yas Island

Headed to the Katy Perry concert? Cipriani UAE wants you to stop off for a pre-concert dinner or even stay the entire evening! With all-time hits from Marylin Trio, a band of diverse artists, and a live DJ for the countdown, there will also be a signature ? la carte menu with the finest truffle accents. Watch the fireworks from its wraparound outdoor terrace.

Details: 8pm to 2am, Dh850++ minimum spend, call 02 657 5400

Layali Al Aqah, Le M?ridien Al Aqah, Fujairah

Count down the minutes in style at what promises to be Fujairah’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. Chilled out and laid-back, the Layali Al Aqah will be a luxurious night with a spread of international dishes covering specialties from global cuisines, plus a tempting array of desserts. The evening begins with a drink at Baywatch amphitheatre, followed by a lavish buffet at Layali Al Aqah before the party moves to Astro for the fireworks.

Details: 9pm onwards, Dh1,199 per person, call 09 244 9000

Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

The Waldorf Astoria's beach offers prime views of the Ras Al Khaimah fireworks show to welcome 2018

Legendary stories are told of the goings-on at Peacock Alley – whether in New York, Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. Add New Year’s Eve to the mix and you’ve got a potent recipe for some great memories. This year, the Waldorf Astoria RAK is laying on a lavish buffet of international cuisine featuring food from all corners of the world to delight all taste buds and celebrate as the clock strikes midnight to the tunes of the live entertainment. The dinner includes the free flow of selected beverages with a glass of bubbly at midnight. Gala guests will also enjoy a complimentary access to the New Year’s Eve party, to be part of the countdown and to watch the illuminating fireworks display from the hotel’s private beach.

Details: 7pm to 1am, Dh1,200++ per person inclusive of beverages, Dh600++ for children aged 6-12 years. Email rasalkhaimah.info@waldorfastoria.com

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