What’s On preview the best of the events and parties this New Year’s Eve in Dubai, featuring concerts, fireworks, dinner deals and more. 

DUBAI MARINA/JBR/JLT/MADINAT

Infinity Pool Lounge
Tuck into jumbo scampi, blue crab and beef rib eye from the charcoal grill while keeping your eyes peeled for fireworks over The Palm.

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs1,100. Tel: (04) 4484733. Taxi: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach. sofitel-dubai-jumeirahbeach.com

Arboretum, Al Hambra and MJ’s Steakhouse
Combined to form one opulent New Year’s Eve extravaganza, Arboretum, Al Hambra and MJ’s Steakhouse is offering a variety of dining options along with one bottle of bubbly per couple and a full open bar on selected beverages. A six-piece band called Alibi add a cheerful note to ring in the New Year. Before the countdown, you’ll have access to the beach to see the fireworks.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs1,950, Dhs1,400 (aged 12 to 20 years old), free for kids aged 11 and below. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com/mjfestive

Choices
If seafood floats your boat this seafood themed buffet featuring oysters, crab legs, fresh fish display, lobster tails, mussels, sushi and sashimi should set tongues wagging.

Al Bustan Rotana, JBR, Dubai, Dhs459. Tel: (04) 2820000. Taxi: JBR. rotana.com 

Story Rooftop Lounge
To celebrate the start of 2015 Story Rooftop Lounge is hosting a New Year’s Eve party, with international DJ Kiko Navarro and resident DJ Nader Razdar, both from Spain. Expect panoramic views of the fireworks from this hip hangout.

Behind Zayed University, Knowledge Village, Dubai. 9pm to 3am, Dhs299 (incl one glass of bubbly at midnight). Metro: Internet City. Tel: (055) 7730010.

 

El Sur
Indulge in a glittering New Year’s Eve party with a variety of party packages and entertainment on offer throughout the night. Guests can enjoy music by Marshall and entertainment by Jazzy, whilst devouring contemporary Spanish cuisine, delicious cocktails with stunning views across the Marina and Jumeirah Beach.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs595 (food and non-alcoholic drinks), Dhs795 (food and house beverages), Dhs995 (food and premium spirits). Tel: (04) 3997700. elsurdubai.com

Sho Cho
Arguably one of the best vantage points to watch the spectacular fireworks display Sho Cho offers the perfect setting, along with a set menu of delectable canapés throughout the night, including prawn spring rolls, rock shrimp, beef tataki and mochi.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, 9am to 3am, Dhs850. Tel: (050) 7981869. Taxi: Dubai Marine Beach Resort. sho-cho.com

Tortuga, Al Muna and Zheng He’s
Three excellent restaurants in one hearty New Year’s Eve package along with a bottle of bubbly per couple and a full open bar on selected beverage. Plus, guests have exclusive access to the Beach Party from 11pm to see the fireworks.

Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs1,850, Dhs1,000 (aged 12 to 20 years old), free for kids aged 11 and below. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com/mjfestive

House of Curry
Bid farewell to 2014 with an Indian twist. The view is not too shabby either.

The Beach Mall at JBR Walk, Dubai Marina, Dhs400. Tel: (8006928779. Taxi: JBR. houseofcurry.me

360° Restaurant and Bar
One of Dubai’s most popular nightspots is set to deliver a New Year’s Eve unlike any other complete with bubbly and canapés.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 9pm, Dhs950 (open bar), Dhs500 (per person for table bookings). Tel: (04) 406874. jumeirah.com

Barasti
Dubai’s original beach bar will be bracing itself for crowds of revellers on December 31, who’ll be getting set to dance their way into the new year to the sounds of ATB, Marty Metcalf and Tom Ferguson. The world’s top Queen tribute act, Killer Queen, will also perform on the night. VIP packages are available from Dhs4,500 for a table of four including beverages and a tapas platter.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Dhs190. Tel: (04) 3181313. Metro: Nakheel. barastibeach.com

Perry and Blackwelders
For a truly unique celebration, head on over to the recently-opened Perry and Blackwelders for a true Deep South New Year’s Eve.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs990 minimum spend. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeriah.com

Bussola
If a wild party is the last place you want to be on New Year’s Eve, how does pizza overlooking the sea sound? Bussola is offering a three-course set menu to mark the occasion.

Westin Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, 8pm to 1am, Dhs650. Tel: (04) 5117139. Metro: Nakheel. westinminaseyahi.com

Frankie’s
Risotto with langoustine, seaweed and lemon, wagyu fillet with smoked potato foam, seared fillet of turbot and artichoke puree… you’ll find all this and more at Frankie’s end of year bash, plus live jazz numbers from regulars Kevin and Donovan.

Oasis Beach Tower, JBR, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs650. Tel: (04) 3994311. Taxi: Oasis Beach Tower. facebook.com/frankiesdubai

The Scene
If a bash reminiscent of a 1990s house party sounds like a great way to spend your New Year, we suggest you get yourself to celeb chef Simon Rimmer’s new restaurant at Pier 7. The retro buffet will feature posh cheese and pineapple on sticks. Sold.

Pier 7, Dubai Marina, 7pm to 2am, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 4222328. Metro: Dubai Marina. thescenedubai.com

McGettigan’s JLT
The Irish bar’s all inclusive gala dinner returns for the fourth year running. Your Dhs499 ticket gets you dinner, house beverages and live music until the early hours.

Bonnington Hotel, Cluster J, JLT, Dubai, 8pm to 12.15am, Dhs499. Tel: (04) 3780800. Metro: JLT. mcgettigans.ie

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Your last meal of the year might as well be an indulgent one, we say. The team at Ruth’s Chris are clearly on the same page, if their NYE dinner menu of fine de Claire oysters, fresh Canadian lobster and beef topped with black winter truffles is any indication. Diners are invited to unleash their inner secret agent at the James Bond-themed bash.

The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dhs550. Tel: (04) 4549538. Metro: Dubai Marina. ruthschris.ae

Rivington Grill
The terrace at the Rivi (the highest point in the Madinat) has a cracking view of the Burj Al Arab, which makes it a pretty special place to see in the New Year – there’s no missing the firework display from here. Expect canapés and beverages at their Best Of British party. If you prefer your New Year’s Eve full to the brim, dine on a four-course Brit-tastic meal downstairs with drinks included.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs1,500 per person (Bar Terrace or Palace Terrace with drinks and capapes) or Dhs1,500 (meal package, outside), Dhs1,000 (meal package, inside). Tel: (04) 3666464. Taxi: Souk Madinat. rivingtongrill.ae

Tortuga
Tres, Dos, Uno! Enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve buffet along with a bottle of bubbly per couple and access to the full bar on selected beverages. After dinner, dance the night away at the Shimmers Beach Party.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs1,850. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Souk Madinat. jumeirah.com

Pierchic
You’ll struggle to find a more picturesque location than Pierchic to see in the New Year. Toast 2015 with a six-course set menu from your perch over the ocean in this swanky, newly refurbished restaurant.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 7.30pm, Dhs4,250. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com

Shades
Start your New Year celebrations with the buffet at this rooftop pool bar in The Address Dubai Marina and you’ll get complimentary access to nightclub Blends to party post midnight.

The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 8pm to 2am, Dhs1,100. Tel: (04) 4367777. Metro: Dubai Marina. theaddress.com

UBK
A private booth for up to 12 friends at the friendly JLT bar UBK costs Dhs7,000, which gets you unlimited drinks, nibbles, and two bottles of French bubbles at midnight while you get your groove on with gogo dancers and sax players. Alternatively, pay Dhs500 per person for the all-you-can-drink package.

Movenpick Hotel JLT, JLT, Dubai, 8pm. Tel: (04) 438000. Metro: JLT. moevenpick.com

Societe
It’s popular with fans of an old school pop tune, so it’s little wonder that Societe’s NYE bash is all about the nostalgia. Party like it’s 1999, rather than 2015.

Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100. Tel: (05) 03571126. Metro: Dubai Marina. societe.ae

The Underground
Ring in 2015 with British favourites like fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, and toad-in-the-hole. At midnight, guests can spill out onto the hotel’s private beach to catch the fireworks.

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4084257. Taxi: Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa. habtoorhotels.com

THE PALM

MusicHall
The extravagant venue in the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel is the setting for a five-course gala dinner to welcome the New Year. The dress code is black tie.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs3,900. Tel: (04) 4530444. Taxi: The Palm, west crescent. jumeirah.com

West 14th
Flocking to The Palm to ring in the New Year is a tradition for many Dubai partygoers, and at steakhouse West 14th you’ll get great views of the Marina skyline plus a front row seat to the fireworks. Not to mention plenty of tasty New York-style dishes.

Oceana Residence, The Palm, Dubai, 7.30pm, Dhs650. Tel: (04) 4477601. Taxi: Oceana Residence. west14th.ae

Ba Restaurant & Lounge
Ba Restaurant & Lounge is set to host a New Year’s Eve black and white themed night of elegance and prestige. The menu follows the lavish theme with Steamed Prawn Dumplings topped with Caviar, Steamed Scallop Dumpling, White Mushroom Spring Roll with Truffle Oil and Blue Cheese as well as Steamed Lobster with Garlic, Glass Noodle and Spring Onion as a main course.

Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 8pm to 1am, Dhs1,588 (indoors), Dhs1,888 (outdoors). Tel: (04) 4573338. dineatba.com

Bushman’s
This quirky Palm restaurant has rustled up authentic Aussie entertainment for its NYE bash in the shape of singer Josh McCartney, who will get diners in the mood to party as they tuck into specialties from Down Under.

Anantara The Palm Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, 8pm to 1am, Dhs2,015. Tel: (04) 5678888. Taxi: The Palm, east crescent. dubai-palm.anantara.com

DOWNTOWN/DIFC/BUSINESS BAY/AND BEYOND

Mercury Lounge
A spanking new addition to the city, Mercury Lounge at the Four Seasons resort has a roof terrace with a panoramic view of the Dubai skyline. Soak it in along with the free-flowing bubbly while Scandinavian DJ Opolopo sets the scene.

Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs2,015. Tel: (04) 2707777. Taxi: Four Seasons Resort. fourseasons.com/dubaijb

 

Table 9 Dubai
Satisfy your palate with one of Chef Darren’s personalised menu this NYE. Then head to the rooftop bar overlooking a birds eye view of the Dubai Creeks skyline.

Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs895 (menu), Dhs400 (wine pairing). Tel: (04) 2127551. Taxi: Hilton Dubai Creek. facebook.com/table9dubai

Claw
Get 2015 off to a cracking start at the crab shack in Souk Al Bahar, which has lined up three special packages for partygoers. Starting at Dhs499 per person, each includes a three-course meal and unlimited drinks on the night. For Dhs699 you can order the deluxe seafood steamer featuring king crab and snow crab, and for Dhs799 you can take advantage of free flowing bubbly.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dhs499. Tel: (04) 4322300. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. clawbbq.com

Mezza House
Fab views of Burj Khalifa and a tasty set menu of Middle Eastern flavours.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, Downtown Dubai, Dhs500 (indoors), Dhs750 (outdoors) Tel: (04) 4205444. Metro: Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa. mezzahouse.com

Mezza House

Hakkasan
Welcome the New Year with a special four-course menu that includes a dim sum basket, Braised seafood dumpling and spicy lobster. Before the stroke of midnight, Hakkasan’s guests will be escorted to Jumeirah Emirates Towers’ outdoor terrace to enjoy the fireworks at Burj Khalifa.

The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, Dhs500 per person or Dhs899 with wine pairing and a glass of Champagne at midnight.Tel: (04) 3848484. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

The Act
Innovative and lavish five-course festive dinner menu with Peruvian influences. On stage, international performers take to the limelight for a night of 70’s, disco, funk and rock’n’roll music

The Act Dubai, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs1,000 (minimum spend). Tel: (04) 4438215. Metro: Financial Centre. facebook.com/TheActDubai

Sass Café Dubai
Feast on fancy menu at this Monaco institution, which includes a choice of dishes, made with caviar and truffles. As a keepsake for the evening, guests will be gifted with a pearl caviar spoon and truffle.

Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dhs1,990. Tel: (04) 352772. sasscafe-dubai.ae

The Courtyard
Round off 2014 in decadent style with a six-course set menu served up in The Courtyard, with a soundtrack provided by the resident DJ.

Manzil Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs650. Tel: (04) 4238884. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. vida-hotels.com

Sass Café
A decadent New Year’s Eve is on the cards at Sass Café, which is offering a five-course menu of dishes like Hamachi and salmon caviar, and black blue lobster with garlic chips.

Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dhs1,990. Tel: (04) 3527722. Metro: Financial Centre. sasscafe-dubai.ae

House of Curry
Bid farewell to 2014 with an Indian twist. The view is not too shabby either.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3469740. Metro: Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa houseofcurry.me

HOUSE OF CURRY

Iris Dubai
If a view of the fireworks is top of your New Year’s Eve party priority list, this rooftop bar is a good bet. Partygoers can feast on Iris’ signature dishes plus free-flowing beverages.

The Oberoi, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs750. Tel: (05) 69511442. Metro: Business Bay. irisdubai.com

Skyline Lounge
If you live this end of town, Skyline is perfect vantage point to watch ther emarkable fireworks across the city skies.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 8pm to midnight, Dhs625 (with soft drinks), Dhs825 (with buffet and house drinks). Tel: (04) 7012222. diningdfc.com

Mint Leaf Of LondonAs celebration meals go, we reckon star anise-flavoured venison loins covered with 24-carat gold leaf sounds suitably decadent. Mint Leaf Of London offers panoramic views of the fireworks to accompany that high-end Indian cuisine. Dig out your best black tie for this one, folks.

Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, Dubai, 9pm, Dhs1,500. Tel: (04) 7060900. Metro: Financial Centre. mintleafgroup.com

Wheeler’s Of St James’s
The seafood-lovers’ favourite has planned a lavish New Year’s Eve menu featuring a set menu of classic Marco Pierre White dishes. The celebrations will kick off with canapés and a glass of bubbly.

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 3860899. Metro: Financial Centre. wheelersdubai.com

At.Mosphere Lounge
The New Year’s Eve celebrations on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa really are on another level. Watch from your window seat as fireworks explode over the tapestry of city lights spread out 442 metres below.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 7pm to 2.30am, Dhs1,900. Tel: (04) 8883828. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com

Marco Pierre White Grill
After your welcome glass of bubbly and your five-course set menu with wine pairing, make your way out to Purobeach Urban Oasis for the countdown to midnight.

Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm to midnight, Dhs650. Tel: (04) 4447111. Metro: World Trade Centre. conraddubai.com

Toko
Get in there early for a table in on one of the prettiest terraces in Downtown Dubai at Toko. The Japanese restaurant is serving up a four-course set menu to ring in 2015.

Vida Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 9pm, Dhs990. Tel: (04) 428383. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. toko-dubai.com

Armani/Prive
Bid a fond farewell to 2014 in the glamorous surroundings of this nightclub inside the Armani Hotel. Incognito is the theme at the grand Bal Masque (masked ball). Entrance before midnight stars from Dhs400 and includes select premium beverages. After midnight is up to Dhs900. VIP tables are available from Dhs6,000 for six guests.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 8883308. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. armanihotels.com

The Irish Village
Popular Dubai band The Maplejacks will perform at the end of year party at The Irish Village, which will feature an array of food stations to keep you partying past midnight.

Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 2824750. Metro: GGICO. theirishvillage.com

Zuma
There are a variety of options for revellers keen to ring in 2015 at this special Japanese restaurant. Families with children can book for an a la carte dinner at 7pm and 7.30pm. All diners can choose from the same menu with a minimum spend of Dhs850, or opt for the tasting menus at Dhs850 or Dhs1,200. DJ Adrien Callier will provide the tunes. 

Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: 052 938 0724. Metro: Emirates Towers. zumarestaurant.ae

The Rib Room
Choose The Rib Room for your NYE celebration and you’ll get a five-course dinner, half a bottle of bubbly, an open bar, and access to the Emirates Towers terrace for the midnight fireworks.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, 7.30pm, Dhs1,500. Tel: (04) 3198088. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com

No.5 Lounge & Bar
This al fresco venue is throwing a Brazilian-style fiesta to welcome the New Year. Prepare to be dazzled by entertainment from the Viva Brazil Samba Show.

Ritz-Carlton DIFC, DIFC, Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs550. Tel: (04) 3722323. Metro: Financial Centre. ritzcarlton.com

Hyatt Regency Dubai
Paris at night is the theme of this extravagant New Year’s Eve party at the Hyatt Regency. Expect live music, a decadent menu, and free-flowing bubbles, grape and spirits.

Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira Corniche, Dubai, Dhs600. Tel: (04) 3172222. Taxi: Hyatt Regency Dubai. facebook.com/hyattregencydubai

Estrellas Rooftop Bar
You’re guaranteed panoramic views of the fireworks at Estrellas, which is also laying on gourmet Spanish tapas and live music from jazz singer Angel.

Melia Dubai, Kuwait Road, Bur Dubai, 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (05) 02416307. Taxi: Melia Dubai. melia.com

Boardwalk
Guests at the Silver New Year’s Ball at Boardwalk will be party to some pretty special views over Dubai Creek.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs790. Tel: (04) 2956000. Taxi: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. dubaigolf.com

Cu-ba
Latin beats, tasty tapas, cocktails and cracking views await at rooftop lounge Cu-ba on December 31.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Garhoud, Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs500. Tel: (04) 2308459. Taxi: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. jumeirah.com

Ananta
Spice up your New Year at The Oberoi’s signature Indian restaurant, which is offering a six course degustation menu with an option to include paired bubbly. After dinner it’s all eyes on the view of the Burj Khalifa.

The Oberoi Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs800. Tel: (04) 4441407. Metro: Business Bay. oberoihotels.com

McGettigans DWTC
The World Trade Centre branch of this Irish favourite is offering a drinks and party platter package for Dhs299.

Dubai World Trade Centre, 8pm to 12.15am, Dhs299. Tel: (04) 3780800. Metro: World Trade Centre. mcgettigans.ie