Starting 2023 with a bang…

Preparations for New Year’s Eve parties are in full swing across the capital, and it wouldn’t be a UAE celebration without a little “whizz, boom, ahhhh”.

These are the confirmed locations for midnight firework displays in the emirate of Abu Dhabi…

Abu Dhabi Corniche

Things to do in Abu Dhabi for Hijri Islamic new year, Islamic New Year 2020

The OG of sky-TNT shows in Abu Dhabi. This classic spot for catching the capital’s most prolific display of pyro-projectiles offers visibility for a stretch of eight kilometres along the waterfront. There’s also an A-List line up of restaurants, bars, cafes and park pews to make those “aahs” and “oohs” in.

South Plaza, Al Maryah Island

Another old faithful when it comes to fluorescent geysers of radiant colour — Al Maryah Island will be turning on the waterfront whizz-bang taps for a world-class display with canon-burst sounds echoing through the island’s canyon of towers. There are also some truly outstanding bars and restaurants on Al Maryah Island from which to sit and enjoy the show from. Including one recent recipient of a Michelin Star, we’re looking at you 99 Sushi.

Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island

Following the epic display of pyrotechnical pageantry for National Day, Abu Dhabi’s premiere new waterfront entertainment district will be lighting up the skies once more for NYE. There’s a full night of entertainment on the cards, and the Waterfront’s cafes, bars, and restaurants provide the perfect perch for all the sky-pyro stuff.

Yas Island

Yes, not content with just lighting up the skies at Yas Bay, there will also be a second Yas Island fireworks display, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office. Although we’re not sure where exactly, a solid guess would be Yas Marina.

Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba

Zayed Festival hosts weekly firework displays, but for special occasions — the audacity dial gets cranked up to 11. In fact on New Year’s, there’s usually a record-breaking attempt of some kind, with a sprinkling of drone activity. The event will coreographed backing from the grand dancing fountain. Entrance to the festival is ticketed (Dhs5).

Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club’s NYE showcase is always spectacular, and this year is likely to be no exception. There’s two packages: the first is the New Year’s Eve dinner, which starts from 7.30pm and pairs free-flowing drinks with a set menu; the second is the NYE after-party, with entry from 11pm for Dhs150 for ladies and Dhs200 for gents. Whichever package you opt for, expect kaleidoscopic skies, bursting with fractal colours, rugged dune-hemmed beaches and all those Auld Lang feels as the clock strikes twelve. You can book here.

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

This free, family-friendly affair usually offers comfortable seating to catch the awe-inspiring majesty of this Garden City spectacular. Abu Dhabi Media Office has confirmed fireworks are on the agenda at this NYE display.

Al Mirfa Beach, Al Dhafra

This is the Al Dhafra area’s only developed beach, and will be the base of some stunning fireworks as 2023 begins.

Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra

Al Dhafra is home to some pretty cinematic landscapes, but the dunes will be given an extra neon glow this NYE with a dizzying fireworks display bursting high above the desert.

Liwa Village

With Liwa Village extending its run into the new year, they’re going all-out for New Year’s Eve. From 10pm on December 31, a star-studded line-up of Arabian artists will entertain visitors, followed by a dazzling fireworks display that will illuminate the dunes as the clock strikes twelve. You’ll need to get tickets for this event.

Images: Provided