If you want to get dressed up and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai in style these are the best places in town.

It’s safe to say that NYE is one of the busiest times of the year here – at least when it comes to partying. It’s a night where having the biggest – and best – fireworks display in the world is paramount. Here are some of the best gala dinners around town from where you can catch the show.

Atlantis The Palm

The now legendary gala dinner is held on Atlantis beach, making it the perfect spot for watching the city’s firework displays. A 30-piece live band will play partygoers into the new year and beyond, while an open bar and luxury buffet help to keep you fed and watered. For the first time, four two-metre-high caviar fountains take centre stage of the banquet.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, from 7.30pm, Dhs3,200 for adults, Dhs2,240 for 12-20-year-olds, and one complementary child for every paying adult. Tel: (04) 426 2000. atlantisthepalm.com

Baker Finch Room

This adults-only gala dinner has a black tie dress code and a suitably five star evening to go with it. There is an extensive buffet along with free-flowing premium drinks, and live entertainment throughout the night. The pinnacle is the fireworks display at midnight.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai, 7.30pm to 2am, Dhs695, exclusive packages for members, Tel: (04) 8883444. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com

BHAR

Enjoy modern Middle Eastern food including slow cooked lamb ribs, arak glazed chicken wings and prawn briotes, and lobster kibbeh from live cooking stations. Dine indoors or on the terrace where you’ll have a fantastic view of Dubai Water Canal.

Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai,, Business Bay, from 8pm, Dhs650 per person. Tel: (04) 512551. renaissance-hotels.marriott.com

BiCE Ristorante

Say benvenuto to the New Year with a five-course Italian menu, live music and beach party access for the all-important countdown.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, from 7pm, Dhs695 per person. Tel: (04) 318 2520. hilton.com

Bistrot Bagatelle

The only five-star restaurant that encourages diners to dance on their chairs. Bagatelle is having a piano bar theme with a live singer and lots of entertainment – expect to dance with your waiter.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, contact for pricing. Tel: (04) 354 5035. bagatelledubai.com

Bussola

With its beachside location and view of the Arabian Gulf, this is a great evening spot. Bussola has three dining options – restaurant, lounge or pizzeria, depending on your preferred crowd and budget. The lounge area is strictly over 21s while kids are welcome in the restaurant and pizzeria.

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 8pm-1am (restaurant and pizzeria), 11pm-3am (lounge), prices start at Dhs395. Tel: (04) 5117373. bussoladubai.com

Cipriani

Is it Cipriani or is it The Grand Budapest Hotel? The restaurant is being transformed into the setting of Wes Anderson’s famous film to the finest detail – the waiting staff will even mimic Gustave’s team. A live band plays music from the movie while you enjoy an a la carte Italian feast.

DIFC, Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs1,200 minimum spend per person. Tel: (04) 3470003. cipriani.com

Drift Beach

DJ Chris Degenis, Jazzy Soulflavor and a live saxophonist play to diners in the restaurant. The afterparty will keep the celebrations going on the esplanade where you’ll have a view of the fireworks.

One&Only Royal Mirage, dinner from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs995 per person, afterparty from 11pm to 3am, Dhs475 for entry and a drink or min spend Dhs4,000 for tables of 4 to 10. Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com

Graze Gastro Grill

The urban steakhouse is putting on a four-course meal (complete with prime cuts of steak, of course). Diners can choose between indoor and outdoor seating.

La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Dubai, Dhs495 with food only, Dhs650 with house drinks. Tel: 054 309 5948. livelaville.com

Habtoor Grand Resort

The Habtoor Grand is replicating the world-famous Diner en Blanc dining event for NYE, with a soiree complete with of samba dancers, magicians, a belly dancer, a live band, acrobats, fire shows, tannoura dancers, and a DJ. A buffet from three of the hotel’s signature restaurants is served, and you’ll have a view of the JBR fireworks.

Habtoor Grand Resort, 7pm to 2am, Dhs1,250 with house drinks, Dhs2,500 with premium drinks, Dhs650 for children aged six to 12. Tel: (04) 4084257. habtoorhospitality.com

Il Café

Bvlgari Hotel Dubai’s extravagant gala dinner under the stars will serve up Italian specialities and festive classics from nine food stations. Eat your way through oysters, roasted turkey and fresh seafood while a live band plays.

Bvlgari Hotel & Resorts Dubai, Jumeira Bay Island, Dubai, 7.30pm to 1am, from Dhs1,150. Tel: (04) 7775433. bulgarihotels.com

JA Beach Club

JA Beach Club is hosting a gala dinner, with great food, music, and a stunning location to see in 2019.

JA The Resort at Jebel Ali, JA Beach Club Dubai, 7pm, Dhs1,200 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 8145555. jaresortshotels.com

Karma Kafe

A prime view of the Burj Khalifa’s midnight display and live music from Vincente Allende. There is an open bar option (Dhs499) or head to the lounge for canapés and drinks (Dhs899), but those who want the full experience can opt for dinner with a seafood platter and signature dishes like 8+ Wagyu striploin.

Souk Al Bahar, Dubai, Dhs999 for dinner in the restaurant, Dhs1,899 for dinner on the terrace. Tel: (04) 4230909. karma-kafe.com

Le Cirque

Enter into the New Year as you mean to go on at this chic venue. French-Italian food is served alongside the option of either soft, house or premium drinks.

The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Dubai, 8pm-12am, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with house drinks, Dhs895 with premium drinks, Dhs195 for chrildren aged six to 12. Tel: (04) 372 2444. lecirquedubai.com

Lounge Secret Garden

If you’d like to watch the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain’s New Year’s Eve displays away from the crowds, this place offers a magnificent view. Diners enjoy live music and one of the best locations to watch 2019 begin.

Address Downtown, Dubai, 6pm to 2am, Dhs1,250 including house drinks. Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com

Masti

A modern interpretation of Indian cuisine is on the menu at Masti. As well as award winning food you’ll find mixed drinks, a live band, a DJ, and a view of the La Mer fireworks.

La Mer, Dubai, Dhs750 for indoor seating including arrival drink, Dhs850 for outdoor seating including arrival drink. Tel: (04) 3444384. mastidubai.com

Prime68

This place has one of the best views for Dubai’s epic fireworks display. The impressive six-course meal ensures you to enjoy fine food with your fine surroundings.

JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, 7pm to 12am, Dhs1,200 for a non-window seat with house drinks and a midnight toast, Dhs1,400 for a window seat with house drinks and a midnight toast. Tel: (04) 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Quattro Passi

A five-course menu full of southern Italian flavours, along with live music from Stereo Sound. Just before midnight, diners can move out to the terrace to watch Dubai Marina’s fireworks.

Five Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 7.30 to 1am, contact for pricing. Tel: (04) 4559989. fivehotelsandresorts.com

Ritz-Carlton Dubai

Dine in the Ritz-Carlton’s gardens on JBR’s shoreline overlooking the Arabian Gulf. A caviar bar, antipasti, charcuterie selection, and live cooking stations are the highlights of the buffet. The band and DJ will play disco classics to get you dancing.

Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR, Dubai, 8pm to 12.30pm, afterparty at Palm Grill until 3am, Dhs1,500 with house drinks, Dhs1,950 with premium drinks, Dhs1,250 for teenagers from 12 to 16, Dhs750 for children aged six to 11, kids under five dine free. Tel: (04) 3186150. ritzcarlton.com/dubai

Ruya

Experience true Anatolian hospitality at Ruya, with an a la carte menu, a resident DJ, and live entertainment. The terrace area should have excellent views of Dubai’s firework show.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 3am, Dhs500 minimum spend per person. Tel: (04) 399 9123. ruyadubai.com

Scalini

Francesco Filizzola is flying in especially for New Year’s Eve performing with the Colomboloco band – expect Spanish-Latin vibes mixed with rock ’n’ roll and tarantella flavour. Enjoy the live music with fine Italian food and premium drinks.

Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, Restaurant Village, Dubai, noon to 2am, Dhs1,000 per person minimum spend. Tel: (04) 3490068. scalini-dubai.com

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera

Grab some sequins for an ‘80s style roller disco. The restaurant is transformed into a party zone, with speciality cocktails on the menu and upbeat tunes courtesy of a live DJ. The outdoor terrace also offers views of the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Opera, Dubai, from 7pm, minimum spend of Dhs1,500 indoors, Dhs2,000 outdoors, Dhs750 at the bar, and Dhs750 in the lounge. Children under 11 get 50 percent off dining and children under five dine free. Tel: (04) 888 3444. dubaiopera.com

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

Live entertainment and live cooking stations can be found in the lush Sheraton Gardens overlooking the Arabian Gulf at this New Year’s Eve Gala.

Sheraton Gardens, 7.30am to 2.30am, Dhs990 with soft drinks, Dhs1,250 with house drinks.
Tel: (04) 3995533. marriott.com

The Tap House

A four-course set menu, unlimited drinks, a DJ, and a view of the fireworks – everything you need to kick-off 2019 in style.

Club Vista Mare, The Palm Jumeirah, 8pm to 2am, Dhs555 with soft drinks, Dhs777 with house drinks, Dhs111 for children aged six to 12. Tel: (04) 5143778. thetaphouse.ae

Toko Downtown

Go all-out on style with authentic Pan-Asian cuisine in a beautiful urban setting. The outdoor area has Downtown views, and signature dishes is on the menu, including Peking duck, dim sum, and a variety of woks. The in-house DJis guaranteed to keep the atmosphere lively.

Vida Downtown, Dubai, from 7pm to 12am, Dhs490 with soft drinks, Dhs690 with house drinks, 50 percent off dining for children aged six to nine, and children under six dine free. Tel: (04) 888 3444. vidahotels.com

Tong Thai

Explore southeast Asian dishes on this special menu, available exclusively for New Year’s Eve. Tuck into street food and traditional favourites in a modern Thai setting.

JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai, 7pm to 12am, Dhs500 with house drinks. Tel: (04) 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Lights, camera, action! Celebrate Hollywood’s golden era at this glitzy gala dinner. There is live music (including a Marilyn Monroe performance) followed by a DJ. It’s also a great spot to view the fireworks.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai, 7.30pm to 2am, from Dhs1,550. Tel: (04) 8182222. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

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