Places to party on New Year's Eve in Abu Dhabi, 2019

If you’re in the mood to party this New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi, here are all the ideas you’ll need to say sayonara to 2019…

Before you know it, New Year’s Eve will inevitably sneak up on you and you know you’re going to want to do something to celebrate the coming of 2020. Whether it’s dancing, dinner, and a little live music, Abu Dhabi has plenty of options to keep you busy on the last night of the year.

Afyä Beach Lounge

Round off the year with unbeatable beach vibes and a mouth-watering outdoor barbecue. There’ll also be dance acts, live performances by DJ M-Lee, DJ Rishi and DJ T-Rey and an amazing view of the fireworks.

Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, from Dhs399 soft drinks. Tel: (02) 510 8888. shangri-la.com/en/abudhabi/traders/

Appaloosa

This is shaping up to be one of the city’s most casual NYE nights – though with live music, the outdoor terrace will no doubt be in full swing. Food will be served à la carte, meaning no pricey commitment beforehand to reserve your spot. It’s free entry, too.

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi, 10.30pm to 3am, free entry. Tel: (02) 201 4131. Marriottalforsanlife.com

Bonfire Night at the Palace

With its premium view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, alongside Sayad, Mezzaluna and Le Vendome and BBQ Al Qasr, the royal terrace will be hosting special celebrations for both in-house guests and outside visitors. Start at the mixed drink reception, before tucking into a sumptuous gala dinner and then making your way up to the beach for peerless fireworks views.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, Dhs2,762. Tel: (02) 690 9000.

Bord Eau

Welcome the year with an exquisite eight-course menu prepared by the Bord Eau team for a memorable night. Following the always spectacular French food, guests can enjoy some live entertainment. Bonne Année!

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, from Dhs999 soft drinks. Tel: (02) 509 8888. shangri-la.com/en/abudhabi/shangrila/

Bruno Mars live at du Arena

The 11-time Grammy award-winning star will help ring in the New Year at du Arena.

du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, tickets start at Dhs350, from 6pm. ticketmaster.ae

COYA

If you want to see in 2020 in style, head to one of the capital’s top party spots COYA. The Peruvian restaurant and bar picked up the Best Newcomer accolade at the 2018 What’s On Abu Dhabi awards and it continues to excel. Enjoy the cosiness of the indoor bar or take in the views and watch the fireworks across Al Maryah Island on the terrace.

The Four Seasons, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, Dhs800 indoors, Dhs1,200 terrace, Dhs5,000 large sofa area per table (maximum six guests), Dhs1,500 high tables. Tel: (02) 306 7000. coyarestaurant.com/abu-dhabi

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl

Celebrate the New Year Italian-style with La Famiglia. Tuck into authentic dishes like slow roast veal rack, prosecco risotto, tickled treviso and seafood like scallops, mussels and clams and wash it all down with an array of sparkling Italian wine.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, Abu Dhabi, 7pm until late, Dhs780 with sparkling wine, Dhs580 with soft drinks, Dhs290 for children under 12 years, under-sixes free. Tel: (02) 510 1234. hyatt.com

Hakkasan

For a royally good New Year’ Eve head to the Emirates Palace and settle in at one of the world’s best-loved restaurants. Chefs will devise a bespoke menu with all the usual flamboyance and contemporary Chinese flair. Highlights include Chilean seabass, grilled Canadian lobster and the always exquisite mixed drinks.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm, from Dhs688. Tel: (02) 690 7793. hakkasan.com/abu-dhabi

Hytes

Reach for new Hytes this NYE at the rooftop pool and bar deck. It doubles as a perfect vantage point to enjoy some of the city’s many firework displays. There’ll be a DJ and saxophonist, too.

Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 11pm to 3am, Dhs200 entrance. Tel: (02) 818 4888. tsogosun.com 

Lexx

Still fresh since its April opening, the stunning Lexx terrace provides a top spot to watch the Corniche fireworks. The unique gala experience will host a DJ as waiters serve a steady flow of celebratory drinks. Revellers (over-21s) dining at the hotel’s restaurants can get free access from 11pm.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, Abu Dhabi, 10pm-onwards, Dhs250 entry include one glass of bubbly. Tel: (02) 510 1234. Hyattrestaurants.com

MAZI Abu Dhabi

Usher in the New Year the Greek way, via London. It’s set to be an elegant dining affair with a pianist playing classical tunes as chefs serve up a contemporary style of Mediterranean favourites. Ideal for those looking to shun wild parties.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs850 house drinks, Dhs195 ages six to 12, free ages under six. Tel: (02) 498 8888. maziabudhabi.com 

Pearl Lounge

One of the best places to bid farewell to 2019, revellers can enjoy a special seafood buffet alongside the terrific Arabian Gulf views. Plus, a four-piece live band will be performing on the terrace. Over-21s get free access to Lexx after-party from 11pm.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, Abu Dhabi, 8pm-onwards, Dhs700 soft drinks, Dhs1,100 bubbly, Dhs350 kids under 12, free kids under six. Tel: (02) 510 1234. Hyattrestaurants.com

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island New Year’s Eve Gala

This one’s perfect for revellers of all ages. The Caribbean-themed gala hosts a live band and dance performances with plenty of freshly cooked food and free-flowing drinks. For younger guests, there’ll be face painting, a kids’ buffet, disco party and cartoon cinema meaning grown-ups only need to worry about knowing the words to Auld Lang Syne.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, Dhs1,500 food and house drinks, Dhs750 ages four to 11. Tel: (02) 492 2222. rixossaadiyatisland.com

Roberto’s 

Set your sights on the Al Maryah Island fireworks from Roberto’s stunning terrace. Enjoy a selection of the chef’s signature dishes with a Dhs750 minimum spend in the restaurant and Dhs1,000 minimum spend on the terrace. Alternatively, you can walk in for the lounge, which will cost Dhs200 including two drinks.

Roberto’s Rosewood Hotel, 8pm to 4am, from Dhs200. Tel: (02) 627 9009. robertos.ae/abudhabi

Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club is the only spot in Saadiyat celebrating with fireworks come the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve. If that isn’t reason enough to head here, a foodie feast also awaits. Dinner starts at 8pm and will cost Dhs499 per person for the soft package, Dhs599 for bubbles and Dhs699 for French bubbles. For children under six its free and its Dhs199 for children ages seven to 12. Party time starts at 10pm which will see you dancing along to the tunes of the city’s best acts; Saif and Sound, DJ Kaboo, DJ Eldar, Tim Cosmos and live performance by sax artist Katrina and vocalist Galina but the real show comes at midnight where fireworks light up the night sky. It will cost you Dhs350 for a couple and two complimentary beverages, and Dhs200 with a complimentary beverage if you’re solo.

Saadiyat Beach Club, Exit 14, Abu Dhabi,  dinner 8pm to 11pm, Dhs499 soft, Dhs599 bubbles, Dhs699 French bubbles,  Dhs199 children ages 7 to 11 and unger 6’s dine free, 10pm to 3am Dhs200 for couple else its Dhs350 per person. Tel: (02) 656 3500 sadiyatbeachclub.ae

Sahha

Kids under 12 get 50 percent off while those under six eat for free here, making it a wallet-friendly choice for families. Tuck into an international cuisine buffet with open kitchen and live cooking stations rustling up fresh grub while enjoying the tunes of the resident piano singer. Over-21s get free access to Lexx after-party from 11pm.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, Dhs350 soft drinks, Dhs490 house drinks, Dhs175 kids under 12, free kids under six. Tel: (02) 510 1234. Hyattrestaurants.com

Shangri-La Hotel gala dinner

Ring in the New Year in style at the Hollywood-themed NYE gala dinner. Tuck into a sumptuous buffet, be dazzled by dance acts and dance to the exhilarating sounds of British band Soul Beat. Plus, there’s the huge firework show over the canal at the stroke of midnight.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, from Dhs888 soft drinks. Tel: (02) 509 8888. shangri-la.com/en/abudhabi/shangrila/

TEAN, Mare Mare and White

The three swanky venues at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort will unite for the special night. Diners can choose to sit at either of the restaurants, which will all connect with one huge dancefloor as a live band and DJ take centre stage. The after-party takes place in The Lounge until 3am.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to midnight, Dhs695 bubbly, Dhs350 ages four to 11. Tel: (02) 811 4444. jumeirah.com

The Grill

Meat-eaters, what better way to start the new decade than with a signature cut from The Grill? Winner of our Abu Dhabi Best Steakhouse award, you’ll be in safe hands this New Year’s Eve. Dinner at The Grill promises a three-course set menu, with the restaurant’s finest meat cuts and grape.

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs349 food only. Tel: (02) 201 4131. Marriottalforsanlife.com

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, New Year’s Eve Gala

Slip into a masked disguise and black tie attire, and make your way into the chic New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The Regal Ballroom will be studded with full-service bars serving mixed drinks and a specially prepared international spread. The masquerade-themed party will feature the 11-piece Ambassador Band from UK and midnight fireworks.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, 8.30pm-onwards, Dhs1,950 house drinks, Dhs725 ages six to 12, free ages under six. Tel: (02) 498 8888. marriott.com/hotels/travel/auhxr-the-st-regis-saadiyat-island-resort-abu-dhabi

Verso

Verso is throwing a New Year’s Eve La Famiglia dinner for all ages. Ring in 2020 the Italian way: that’s with plenty of food, drink and family. Menu highlights include slow roasted veal rack, roast Iberico lamb saddle, scallops, mussels, clams and prawns. Over-21s get free access to Lexx after-party from 11pm.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, Abu Dhabi, 7pm-onwards, Dhs580 soft drinks, Dhs780 Italian bubbly, Dhs295 kids under 12, free kids under six. Tel: (02) 510 1234. Hyattrestaurants.com