Dubai announced a packed programme of events and activities for New Year’s Eve, which will see an array of world-class entertainment, spectacular fireworks and concerts taking place across the city.
When it comes to celebrations and the New Year countdowns, Dubai never falls short of expectations. With record-breaking celebrations and world-class performances, Dubai captures the eyes of the world every time. As the city prepares for head-turning celebrations, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Calendar revealed the main events and activities taking place to usher in the New Year in an unforgettable way.
From dazzling fireworks that can be seen from all around the city, to DJ performances at the beach and star-studded performances by international artists, as well as enriching shopping experiences, Dubai promises visitors and residents something for everyone to enjoy, all with appropriate safety precautions and social distancing measures in place.
The array of events and activities that Dubai will host in celebration of New Year’s Eve will continue to reinforce the positive message to the world that the city is open and continues to welcome everyone to enjoy Dubai’s diverse destination experiences. The celebrations will contribute to further enhancing domestic tourism by attracting citizens and residents from other emirates to enjoy the many experiences and varied promotions the city has to offer, in line with the UAE Strategy for Domestic Tourism announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The successful citywide management of the pandemic led to the reopening of the city to tourists on 7 July, with an emphasis on health and safety as a top priority. Dubai launched the DUBAI ASSURED stamp, a compliance programme to certify all establishments in the tourism ecosystem that have complied with safety guidelines. With Dubai being endorsed by the World Economic Forum as one of the world’s safest destinations, it received further global recognition – the World Travel & Tourism Council awarded the Safe Travels stamp to Dubai for the effective citywide management of the pandemic.
As the fourth most visited city in the world, according to the 2019 MasterCard Global Cities Index, Dubai, which welcomed 16.73 million international visitors in 2019, continued to be a top-of-mind destination globally throughout 2020. As one of the first few cities in the world to have restarted its events sectors, Dubai is one of the few destinations that will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with live citywide events and spectacular fireworks displays and laser shows, with Dubai Tourism working closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure the success of the festivities to welcome 2021 in grand style.
Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Calendar have listed below the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve and ring in 2021:
DSF Markets
Dubai Shopping Festival’s visitors will be treated to a host of entertainment on New Year’s Eve with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). Shoppers can enjoy the best deals at malls and stores across the city as part of the DSF Sale Season promotion, which runs until 30 January and offers savings of 25 to 75 per cent. Shoppers can also choose from an array of live concerts and events, including the multiple fireworks displays that will illuminate the night sky. This New Year’s Eve, head over to the DSF Market at Al Seef presented by Al Foah to watch the Al Seef Sea Kite Show, as well as the DSF Market at Al Khawaneej, which has been created with an Enchanted Garden theme inspired by ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and includes zones such as the Magic Maze, Tea Party, outdoor cinema, arts & crafts plus a Talking Tree and Wishing Lake. It will also feature different activations and entertainment surrounding the classic children’s book and an exciting 3-minute multimedia show on New Year’s Eve highlighting the trees in the middle of the lake at Al Khawaneej. The spectacular multimedia technology shows with laser, lights, sound and video projection will be held at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and midnight.
Fireworks
Fireworks are set to light up the entire city at the stroke of midnight with dazzling colors and laser shows that never fail to impress. Bidding a grand farewell to 2020, wherever you are in the city, the fireworks displays at 23 different locations can be enjoyed when the clock strikes midnight as Dubai lights up from north to south and east to west. Fireworks shows will be held at the following locations: Burj Khalifa; Burj Al Arab; Madinat Jumeirah; Dubai Festival City Mall; Global Village; La Mer; Dubai Frame; Jumeirah Beach Residence – The Beach; Al Seef – Dubai Creek; Nshama Town Square; Bab Al Shams Desert Resort; Le Royal Meridien Resort; Bvlgari Resort Dubai; Golf Club – Arabian Ranches; Emirates Golf Club; The Address Montgomery Hotel; Jebel Ali Hotel; Four Seasons Hotel; The One & Only Hotel – Palm Jumeirah; The One & Only – Royal Mirage; Atlantis The Palm; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray; Park Hyatt Dubai.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is providing residents and visitors a unique experience of watching the fireworks through their marine transport service. Enjoy front row seats to the Burj Khalifa fireworks show on board Dubai Abra and to The Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab fireworks shows on board Dubai Ferry and Water Taxi. You can also watch the Jumeirah Beach Residence fireworks and drone shows with a ride on Dubai Abra.
Concerts
A glamorous New Year celebration awaits with a live concert by Russian singing sensation Lolita Milyavskaya at Burj Al Arab. Step into the New Year with a tasteful gala dinner featuring excellent cuisine prepared by Burj Al Arab’s culinary team while enjoying the tunes of Milyavskaya. Before the clock strikes midnight, the party will move to a 360-degree view terrace, where guests can witness a spectacular panoramic view of the fireworks displays around the city.
There will be no better way to ring in the New Year than with the masters of electronic music, DJ duo Adriatique and Manchester-based music duo Solardo. Enjoy an unmissable performance at Soho Garden and feast on an appetising four-course dinner whipped up by the venue’s talented chefs with great ambience and beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks at midnight.
Roll out of 2020 and welcome 2021 in style with the iconic multi-platinum selling band KISS as they reignite the fire and ‘KISS 2020 goodbye’ with an epic concert at Atlantis, The Palm.
Bid farewell to 2020 with an all-stars night with Dubai Opera’s wonderful line-up of artists. Arabic electronic house pioneer DJ Said Mrad will be joining DJ Saif & Sound and Carrie Gibson’s Nuvo Soul band at the iconic Downtown Dubai venue. Treat yourself to delicious fine dining with pass-around plates of starters, mains and sweets while enjoying a night of live musical acts.
Fans of Nassif Zeytoun can welcome in 2021 while being surrounded by his music at a special concert on New Year’s Eve at the Dubai World Trade Centre as he lights up the stage with his trademark hits as well as his oud and piano playing prowess.
Meet ‘The King of Romance’, Wael Kfoury at the Festival Arena, Dubai Festival City on New Year’s Eve as he joins forces with Syrian artist Mouhamad Khairy for an unforgettable night. Usher in 2021 with a concert featuring upbeat classics and favourites that are enjoyed by people of all tastes.
Ensure a great start to the year at Zero Gravity with DJ and producer Joel Corry as he lays down the soundtrack to the New Year. An all-inclusive sit-down dinner awaits at the star-lit beachside venue, floating above the water on a purpose-built deck, while Corry plays upbeat melodies from the poolside stage.
Feel the Winter Vibes at Gate Avenue’s Jazz Garden, an al fresco concert experience running through the cooler season. The series carries on into its fourth weekend with a splendid New Year’s Eve and Day performance by Monique Thomas. A singer of many incredible talents, she has mastered a trademark blend of jazz, soul, gospel and pop to have you enjoy every moment and every beat.
Make the most of Dubai’s spectacular winter weather and dance into the New Year at a beachside bash at Barasti Beach. The Barasti Lockdown Breakout New Year Eve Party kicks off after sunset and ends in the early hours of 2021, with live entertainment from Sweet Chilli Jam and resident DJs providing the perfect soundtrack to your evening.
Celebrate an unforgettable New Year’s Eve under the stars at The Lawn at Emirates Golf Club. Surrounded by the dazzling Dubai Marina skyline, a joyous night of live tribute acts from Stevie Wonder and Rod Stewart awaits, followed by a breathtaking fireworks show at midnight.
