New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi | All the concerts, gala dinners, and parties, you need to know about
- Abu Dhabi Review
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
From headline concerts and elegant gala dinners to desert celebrations and waterfront parties, Abu Dhabi offers plenty of ways to welcome the new year. Whether you are planning a big night out or something more relaxed with family and friends, the capital has something to suit every kind of countdown.
Live shows and concerts
Alicia Keys live at Saadiyat Nights
Ring in the new year under the stars as Alicia Keys returns to Abu Dhabi for a special New Year’s Eve concert at Saadiyat Nights. The 17-time GRAMMY Award winner brings her soulful sound and iconic hits to the open-air stage on Saadiyat Island, setting the tone for a memorable countdown to midnight.
Saadiyat Island
Book here: https://www.ticketmaster.ae
John Legend New Year’s Eve Gala at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Celebrate the final night of the year at one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks. This New Year’s Eve gala at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental pairs an elegant dinner with a live performance by John Legend, offering a refined way to welcome the year ahead.
West Corniche
Haifa Wehbe and Nassif Zaytoun live at Space 42
Fans of Arabic pop can welcome the new year with live performances by Haifa Wehbe and Nassif Zaytoun. Expect a high-energy atmosphere and a lively crowd as two of the region’s biggest stars take to the stage for New Year’s Eve.
Space 42, Abu Dhabi
Book here: https://www.ticketmaster.ae
Gala dinners and dining experiences
Oscars-themed New Year’s Eve Gala at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort
Step into an outdoor Oscars-themed celebration at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, marking the resort’s 25th anniversary. The evening includes an international buffet, live trio band and the chance to win luxury prizes in a festive garden setting.
Khalifa City
Book here: https://www.abudhabigolfresort.com
Waterfront New Year’s Eve at Hilton Yas Island, Yas Bay Lawn
Celebrate by the water at Yas Bay Lawn with an evening of dining, live music and samba dancers. The party continues after midnight with an after-party, making it a great option for those planning to stay out late.
Yas Island
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Buffet, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
The evening begins with a relaxed coastal gala dinner at the event lawn, featuring a seasonal buffet and a sparkling cotton candy welcome drink. Designed for families and groups, it offers an easygoing start to the night.
Event Lawn, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
AED 299 per adult, soft drinks
AED 150 per adult for 3-hour house beverage add-on
AED 149 per child aged 6 to 12
Book here: https://www.babalnojoum.com/hudayriyat
New Year’s Eve Gala at Bab Al Qasr
Enjoy a classic New Year’s Eve celebration at Bab Al Qasr, featuring live music, a midnight countdown and a DJ-led after-party. Located along the Corniche, it offers a central setting with a lively atmosphere.
Corniche
Book here: https://www.babalqasr.com
Desert New Year at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Escape the city and celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Liwa Desert at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Guests can enjoy an open-air majlis beneath the stars with before and after-party festivities, making it a truly memorable desert countdown.
Liwa Desert
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Erth Abu Dhabi, Al Fayy Garden
Celebrate together at Erth Abu Dhabi with a gala dinner designed for all ages. The evening includes live music, kids’ activities, a midnight countdown and a DJ to keep the celebrations going.
📍 Al Fayy Garden🎟 Book here: https://www.erth.ae
Outdoor festivals and countdowns
Mother of the Nation New Year’s Eve Celebration
Head to Mother of the Nation along the Corniche for a lively, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with the city skyline as your backdrop. A great option for those looking to celebrate close to home.
Corniche
More details: https://visitabudhabi.ae
Liwa International Festival New Year’s Eve
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Liwa Village as part of the Liwa International Festival. Set among the dunes of Al Dhafra, this desert countdown offers a unique open-air atmosphere under expansive desert skies.
Al Dhafra
More details: https://visitabudhabi.ae
New Year’s Glow Party at Palm Pier, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
As midnight approaches, the celebration continues at Palm Pier with a glow-themed after-party. Expect live DJ sets, neon visuals, a fire show and Marsana fireworks for a vibrant beachfront countdown.
Palm Pier, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Free entry
AED 199 per person for 3-hour house beverage flow
More details: https://www.babalnojoum.com/hudayriyat
For the latest updates and official event listings, visit https://visitabudhabi.ae
