Just two more days to bid adieu to 2025 and welcome 2026. And if there’s one place that knows how to welcome the new year in style, it’s Abu Dhabi. From headline-making concerts to desert celebrations under the stars, the capital pulls out all the stops on New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re after a high-energy concert, a refined dining experience, or a family-friendly countdown, there’s no shortage of ways to make the final night of the year feel special. Keep reading as we’ve got all the ways you can ring in the new year across Abu Dhabi festively and memorably!
Also Read: 5 Last-Minute Ways To Spend New Year’s Eve For FREE In UAE!
Live Shows And Concerts
1. Watch Alicia Keys Perform At Saadiyat Nights
Start the new year on a soulful note as Alicia Keys takes to the stage at Saadiyat Nights. The 17-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist returns to Abu Dhabi for an open-air concert on Saadiyat Island, performing some of her most iconic hits such as ‘Girl on Fire’ and ‘No One’. With an energetic atmosphere and a midnight countdown under the stars, it’s the perfect way to welcome the year ahead.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 5 PM onwards
- Location: Saadiyat Island (Open-Air Venue)
- Price: From AED 295
- For more information, visit their website
2. New Year’s Eve With John Legend At Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
For a truly elegant start to the New Year, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is setting the stage for an unforgettable night with John Legend. Guests can indulge in a luxurious gala dinner, a live performance by the EGOT-winning artist, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display overlooking the Abu Dhabi skyline. It’s a celebration that blends fine dining, iconic music, and timeless glamour.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From evening onwards
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – Terrace
- Price: From AED 3,500
- For more information, visit their website
3. Arabic Pop Performances By Haifa Wehbe And Nassif Zaytoun
Fans of Arabic pop can welcome the new year with an energetic live show by Haifa Wehbe and Nassif Zaytoun! Held at Space42 Arena, the region’s biggest stars are promising high-energy performances, crowd-favourite hits, and an electrifying atmosphere as the countdown begins.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 7:30 PM onwards
- Location: Space42 Arena
- Price: From AED 495
- For more information, visit their website
Gala Dinners And Dining Experiences
4. Oscars-Themed Gala At Abu Dhabi Golf Resort
Step into a night of red-carpet glamour at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort’s Oscars-themed New Year’s Eve gala. Celebrating the resort’s 25th anniversary, this outdoor event features an international buffet with a live trio band, and festive entertainment. With luxury giveaways for guests, you’re getting some extra sparkle to the night.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 8 PM onwards
- Location: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
- Price: From AED 299
- For more information, visit their website
5. Ring In The New Year At Hilton Yas Island, Yas Bay Lawn
Celebrate New Year’s Eve by the water at Yas Bay Lawn with Hilton Yas Island. Here you can expect a lively evening filled with dining, live music, samba dancers, and waterfront views. The party doesn’t stop at midnight either! Don’t miss out on an after-party that’ll keep the celebrations going well into the new year.
- Date & Time: 31st December
- Location: Yas Bay Lawn, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- Price: From AED 3,264.50
- For more information, visit their website
6. Live Music At Bab Al Qasr
Bab Al Qasr offers a classic New Year’s Eve gala set along the Corniche. The evening includes live music performances, a midnight countdown, and a DJ-led after-party! This experience is ideal for those looking to celebrate close to the heart of the city in an elegant setting.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 6:30 PM onwards
- Location: Bab Al Qasr, Corniche
- Price: Available upon reservation
- Contact: +971 56 992 2078
- For more information, visit their Instagram page
7. Liwa Desert At Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara
For a truly special NYE experience, head deep into the Liwa desert for a celebration at Qasr Al Sarab. Guests can enjoy an open-air majlis beneath the stars, complete with curated dining and before-and-after party festivities. It’s an unforgettable desert escape to start the year in style.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 8 PM onwards
- Location: Al Falaj, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
- Price: From AED 1,650
- For more information, please visit their website
8. Family-Friendly Gala At Erth Abu Dhabi
Celebrate the new year together at Erth Abu Dhabi’s Al Fayy Garden. Designed for all ages, this gala dinner includes a live band, kids’ activities, a midnight countdown, and a DJ to keep the party going. It’s a warm, inclusive celebration where heritage meets modern luxury.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 8 PM onwards
- Location: Al Fayy Garden, Erth Abu Dhabi
- Price: From AED 199
- For more information, visit their website
9. Celebrate In The Heart Of The Desert At The Liwa International Festival
For a touch of Emirati culture to your NYE celebrations, Liwa International Festival is the place to be! Ring in the new year surrounded by towering dunes at the festival. Taking place in Liwa Village in the Al Dhafra region, the event offers a festive countdown in a dramatic desert setting. This is perfect for those looking to welcome the year in a uniquely Emirati way.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 8:30 PM onwards
- Location: Moreeb Dune, Liwa
- Price: From AED 145
- For more information, visit their website
10. MOTN’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Feeling a bit homesick? Then this spot is perfect for those who want to ring in the New Year with a feel-at-home atmosphere. For a lively and family-friendly celebration, head to Mother of the Nation along the Corniche. With food, entertainment, and city skyline views, MOTN offers an easy, close-to-home way to count down to midnight and welcome the new year with the community.
- Date & Time: 31st December | From 4 PM onwards
- Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Price: From AED 35
- For more information, visit their website
FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS
Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
