Get the lowdown on all the excitement this December 31st, with plenty of sky-high parties, beachfront gatherings, epic music, great food, and everything in between to start 2026 in true Dubai fashion
Ringing in the new year in Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world. The city perfectly embodies glitz and glam as every restaurant, hotel, and neighbourhood comes to life with that familiar festive buzz. Ladies dress in sparkling frocks while gents don their best suits, and excitement builds towards the midnight spectacle over the hum of conversations and glasses overflowing with effervescent bubbly.
Then there’s the main event: the countdown to 2026. Across the city, everyone watches in awe as the sky erupts into a magnificent kaleidoscope of dazzling colours, with spectacular displays at the likes of the Burj Al Arab, Global Village, and Palmito Garden at JA Beach Hotel. The Burj Khalifa becomes the glittering centrepiece of the city with its iconic fireworks and light show blending choreography, lasers, and music, each year topping the last.
There’s no shortage of New Year’s Eve festivities; the only trouble is choosing which celebration you want to be a part of and securing your spot on time. To help you take the hassle out of planning, Katch has carefully compiled a list of all the top ways to ring in 2026 in Dubai, with something to suit every mood.
Sophisticated Soirées
If you want to step into the New Year feeling like Fergie’s song Glamorous, then look no further than these boujee, Instagram-worthy gatherings. First on the list is Gatsby Dubai’s Midnight Excess, an all-night extravaganza inspired by Gatsby’s legendary parties featuring a mesmerising dinner show, bubbly-fuelled revelry, and a full-throttle after-party that will keep guests singing and dancing until sunrise. By midnight, the party is only getting started, with each hour taking you to a different corner of the globe through changing scenes, fresh rhythms, and all the energy of the Roaring Twenties.
Over in DIFC, ALAYA’s New Year’s Eve Grand Carnival pulses with music, flavour, and sparkle. The festivities begin with a signature a la carte menu of festive dishes, desserts, and elegant cocktails, all elevated by captivating live performances from a band and a darbouka artist. As the clock strikes 12, all eyes turn to the glistening bubbly tower for the ultimate countdown, before the celebrations continue at LY-LA, an opulent speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge tucked beneath the restaurant.
Midnight in Full Colour
For those looking for a front-row seat to the Burj Khalifa’s breathtaking display, Alto 54 at Address Sky View offers the ultimate vantage point. Perched high above the buzzing city, the night unfolds over a sumptuous spread of international bites, unlimited pours, and high-octane live entertainment. As the evening reaches its crescendo, watch the world’s tallest skyscraper transform into a dazzling spectacle as you raise a glass to the new year above the clouds.
Alternatively, keep your feet firmly on the sand and surrounded by the electric atmosphere of JBR at Rixos Premium Dubai’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Immerse yourself in the magic of the evening as you savour a lavish buffet, refreshing beverages, and enjoy a stellar lineup of performances from live bands, jazz acts, talented dancers, and unmissable DJ sets. Finally, everyone gathers on the beach to bid farewell to 2025, watching Ain Dubai glow while radiant bursts ignite the sky and shimmer across the ocean.
Family Friendly Celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Dubai really is one big party, but that doesn’t mean families with little ones can’t enjoy the magic. Instead of watching the countdown at home, escape to the picturesque shores of JA Beach Hotel to spend the occasion with loved ones at Palmito Garden’s Great Gatsby Dinner. Guests of all ages can join the fun with engaging shows from live bands, DJs, and dancers, fireworks on the beach, and a delicious meal that promises to satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is another destination that’s always a hit with families, and every aspect of its New Year’s Eve celebration has been created to ensure a memorable night for everyone. Taking place by the beach, diners can look forward to a delightful al fresco culinary experience under the stars. Keeping everyone entertained past bedtime, lively performances from a saxophonist, belly dancers, and a band will have both kids and adults dancing their way into 2026.
For a truly unforgettable start to the year, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is once again going all out for the occasion, transforming into an enchanting winter wonderland filled with shimmering elegance. Adults can look forward to an abundant buffet of global favourites complemented by free-flowing drinks and a lively atmosphere. After the countdown turns the sky into a canopy of fireworks, the revelry continues at Bar1 with an unbeatable after-party.
Catering for the whole family, Rixy Kids Club will roll out a special schedule of games and activities to keep youngsters busy. Children can let loose with musical games, a magical snow fight zone, face painting, and a kids’ disco before winding down with a magic show and movie time. There’s even a specially curated kids’ buffet filled with all their favourites, such as pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets, and plenty of sweet treats from live stations.
Aside from all the parties, decadent food, and twinkling displays, New Year’s Eve reminds us of just how quickly time flies. It’s a reminder to embrace new beginnings and celebrate every moment. So, even though finding a Careem on the night is a bit of a struggle, it’s well worth it to dress up, go all out, and toast to 2026 with those who matter most.
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