Dubai does New Year's Eve big. Really big. And the centrepiece is the Burj Khalifa, which spends a few minutes around midnight lit up like nothing else you've seen. People book flights for this. So the question isn't whether to watch, it's where.
We get asked this all the time, so here's the honest rundown. And if you'd like to see the available options in one place, you can explore the Burj Khalifa New Year fireworks experiences before you decide.
Downtown Dubai, right at the base
This is the obvious choice, and it's obvious for a reason. Around the Dubai Mall and the fountain, the mood is electric. Music, kids on shoulders, friends filming everything, and at midnight, people you've never met are hugging you.
But it gets crowded. Properly crowded. Some areas close off as the night goes on, so turn up early, wear shoes you won't regret, and accept you'll be waiting a while. Most people say it's worth it.
Quieter spots nearby
Maybe a packed crowd sounds like your idea of stress. Fair enough. Around Dubai Opera, Souk Al Bahar and the paths beside Burj Lake, you'll find a decent view and a bit more room to stand. Or go further along the coast to Kite Beach or Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where you see the tower from across the water.
You do lose some of the crowd noise out there. What you gain is the whole display in one frame, and your photos come out better.
A cruise
Plenty of our travellers pick a dhow or cruise dinner, and it's easy to see why. You get a seat, a meal, some entertainment, and the skyline drifting past until it's time to head up on deck. Creek and Marina cruises are the popular ones, and a lot of packages throw in welcome drinks and a buffet.
There's no jostling for a spot, which is the whole appeal. The catch is that they sell out early for December 31st, so sort it well ahead.
A private yacht
If it's a small group, a yacht is hard to beat. You choose the music, you choose the pace, and it's only your people on board. It suits couples, families or a close group of friends who want the night to feel like theirs.
The desert, then the city
Some people spend the day out in the dunes, with a BBQ dinner, a show, dune bashing and a go at sandboarding, and then come back into town for midnight. Great plan, but watch the timing. New Year's Eve traffic is slow and roads around Downtown close, so give yourself far more time than seems necessary.
A few small things
Book early. Cruises and packages go weeks in advance, and you'll often pay less. Use the metro and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, because driving in that night is a headache nobody needs. Get to your spot before dark if you can. Bring a light layer too, since it can turn cool by the water. Timings and access rules shift from year to year, so check closer to the date. And if you're travelling with a baby, think it through first. The crowds and the noise can be a lot for them.
So, where should you go?
Depends what you want. Downtown for the buzz. A cruise if you'd rather sit down and eat. A yacht for privacy. A quiet waterfront spot if you'd like to watch calmly and take it all in. You can't really go wrong.
Just don't leave the booking until the last minute. That's the one thing people regret. Check availability and book your New Year's Eve spot with dubaiticketexpert.com while there's still choice