Spending New Year’s Eve in Dubai is… expensive – and that’s putting it politely. Party or pay the rent? That’s pretty much the choice you’re left with when many of the city’s nightlife destinations put a hefty price (we’re talking thousands of dirham per person!) on having fun.
To help you out, we’ve done the research and uncovered a range of options that won’t leave a massive black hole in your bank account. Check out our favourite picks below…
1. Stereo Arcade
The vibes: Who says NYE has to be all about big hair and glamorous ensembles? Why not spend the night in your funkiest sneakers at Stereo Arcade, the city’s most retro locale. This futuristic nightclub and bar at DoubleTree in JBR has it all: a trendy laid-back atmosphere, live music performances and an 80’s inspired atmosphere that’ll have you moon-walking by midnight. In case you needed us to spell it out for you – this WILL be one of the most electric parties in town.
The NYE offer: It’s going to be impossible to find a better NYE package in Dubai; from 8pm – 3am, Stereo Arcade is offering guests unlimited drinks for just – *drumroll* – AED 250 if you purchase your ticket before December 15 (the cost goes up to just AED 350 afterwards). They also have table reservations available with no minimum spend. With an insanely low price tag like that, you’d be wise to make reservations like…yesterday!
2. Cielo Sky Lounge
The vibes: An open-air venue with killer views from its location at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, expect a taste of Ibiza if you decide to party at Cielo Sky Lounge on NYE. Taking over the decks will be Spanish DJ Fonsi Nieto, and they’ve even got a special night brunch on offer for guests with a weakness for tapas.
The NYE offer: AED 450 for unlimited house beverages from 11pm – 3am. You can also opt for their night brunch package for AED 799 including food from 9pm – midnight (including drinks all night.)
3. The W Hotel
The vibes: If the #NoRules hashtag isn’t enough to win you over, then maybe the location will. Our pick for the TRENDIEST night out this NYE goes to The W Hotel which plans on celebrating their first New Year’s in the city with a truly mind-blowing bash. Guests will get access to four venues – Level Seven, W Lounge, Wet Deck and Namu – while they roam the futuristic property munching on canapés and sipping cocktails. Trust us – you don’t wanna miss out on this one.
The offer: AED 495 inclusive of unlimited drinks and bites.
4. China Grill
The vibes: Don’t let the stylish interiors fool you: China Grill knows how to get wild with the best of them. A fashionable restaurant and lounge located at The Westin in Dubai Marina, guests will be able to enjoy live cooking stations with gourmet Asian fusion bites before heading to the beach to watch the fireworks at midnight.
The NYE offer: AED 550 for unlimited drinks and food from 9.30pm – 2am.
5. The Black Lion
The vibes: Can’t make it back to London for the holidays? Well you can enjoy the next best thing at The Black Lion gastropub which will be showcasing their signature street food bites and cocktails this NYE. Located in the H Hotel Dubai, guests can party in style with mix-master DJ Shero playing out everything from old school funk to hip-hop and R&B.
The NYE offer: Packages running from 8pm – 1am: AED 300 for unlimited house beverages; AED 425 for unlimited food with house beverages; AED 475 for unlimited food with bubbles.
6. Totora
The vibes: Put some salsa into your step at Peruvian hotspot Totora where NYE celebrations mean gourmet bites and killer cocktails in one of the city’s most glamorous restaurants. Ideal for big groups who want to ring in the New Year with Latin vibes, this trendy DIFC locale is a great option if you’re looking for a fashionable atmosphere and delicious dining options.
7. Fümé
The vibes: For all the foodies out there looking to usher in 2017 by stuffing their mouthes with gourmet goodness, you simply can’t go wrong with Fümé. This American smokehouse joint located at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina is pulling out all the stops with a set menu loaded with culinary flair (they’re even offering a vegetarian menu too). With views of the fireworks set to take place in JBR, grab your cocktails and watch the sky light up in style.
The offer: Running from 7pm – 2am; the set food menu costs AED 195; the beverage package costs AED 189 and includes unlimited drinks for 4 hours (starting from arrival).
8. Barasti
The vibes: Admit it: you knew Barasti was going to show up somewhere on this list (and you’re shamelessly glad it did)… Not that we blame you. Fact is, this beach bar knows how to pack in the crowds with good vibes, affordable drinks and dance sessions on the sand. Not only is it easily accessible (by Metro/Tram), but guests will also get to watch the fireworks under the moonlight. If you’re stuck on where to spend NYE, you might want to settle with this old familiar haunt. Who knows, Will Smith may even rock up… again!
The deal: Early bird entry costs AED 200 (with 1 F&B coupon). Price at the door is AED 310 (with 1 F&B coupon).
9. Q43
The vibes: Set atop the 43rd floor of the Media One Hotel, Q43 will be raising the roof on NYE with help from House music legend Roger Sanchez on the decks. The huge New York loft inspired space will also give guests panoramic views of the fireworks at midnight while they dance the night away in this trendy hotspot. If you’re looking for a high-energy party with tunes to match, you can’t go wrong with Q43.
The offer: Early Bird packages start at AED 399 including unlimited drinks at the bar.
10. Zero Gravity
The vibes: Zero Gravity is one place that never fails to blow us away. Whether its the scenic address in the glow of Dubai Marina’s skyline, or the beach club’s obsession with hosting killer performers, there’s a lot to love at this seaside haunt. On NYE they’ll be bringing in British EDM duo Chase & Status and Belgian brothers 2ManyDJs to entertain the crowds – get there early to snag a spot on the sand and enjoy front-row seats to an amazing fireworks show.
The offer: AED 200 Early Bird (limited quantity), AED 275 Regular (advance), AED 375 Regular (on the door), and AED 250 Pool & Beach access (must arrive before 4pm).
11. Axwell & Ingrosso concert at Meydan
The vibes: Who needs a quaint club when you can ring in the new year with 10 thousand of your closest friends? For electronic music fans, Meydan will be the place to be come NYE as Axwell and Ingrosso (formerly of Swedish House Mafia) head back to Dubai for a night of dancing under the stars. You’ll want to dust off your glow-sticks because this gig promises to be EPIC.
The NYE offer: AED 499 for general admission, including open bar with unlimited drinks (21+ only).
12. McGettigan’s
The vibes: Let’s get one thing straight – the Irish know how to throw a party. Ringing in the New Year not once but twice, you can have the best of both world’s at Mcgettigan’s JLT on December 31 as you celebrate both UAE and Irish New Year well into the wee hours of the morning. Serving up hearty food, culture and a bit’a craic, this New Year’s bash will undoubtedly be bursting with banter.
Not feeling the parties but still want to ring in the New Year in Dubai? Gather your friends for a more intimate get-together then head to the beach to watch the infamous New Year’s Eve fireworks for free.
Want more nightlife choices? Check out our top picks of Dubai’s best bars and nightclubs to get you in the New Year’s Eve mood.
