The year 2025 is almost at its end and everyone has already started making plans for their New Year’s Eve. One international destination that is popular for New Year celebrations is the United Arab Emirates. Most people prefer an epic New Year party in Dubai or one of the events it hosts, especially for its fireworks. But if you want a change of scenery from Dubai but still want to watch dazzling fireworks display, head over to Abu Dhabi. The capital of the UAE also hosts amazing New Year parties and galas along with spectacular fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. Here we present to you some of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
One of the most popular spots to watch spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi is the Corniche, an 8 km-long waterfront promenade. The calm, white sand beaches, the turquoise waters, the kids’ play areas, and an array of restaurants and cafés are reasons people visit this place. Plus, the walking and jogging tracks on the promenade attract fitness enthusiasts to the Corniche every day. On New Year’s Eve, the place is brimming with people who assemble on the beaches and the promenade to watch the fireworks at midnight. You can also reserve a table at one of the restaurants or cafes on the Corniche to enjoy the view of the fireworks in comfort. If you are staying at one of the hotels along the Corniche, choose a sea-facing room to watch the fireworks.
Best For: Families with kids and budget travelers
Al Maryah Island
While the Corniche is a popular destination, it gets really crowded on New Year’s Eve. If you are looking for a fireworks celebration that is magnificent and yet does not involve too much crowd, Al Maryah Island is the place for you. Leading business and lifestyle destination of Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island’s hotels and restaurants host some of the most stylish New Year parties of the emirate. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Four Seasons, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Coya, etc., are some of the places on the island with amazing New Year dinners and parties. Wherever you are on the island, the one thing you should not miss is the fireworks and laser shows that happen every 30 minutes from 10 PM, the most astonishing one at midnight.
Best For: Couples and groups preferring a relaxed dinner
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel
A New Year celebration involving style, elegance, culture, art, and gourmet cuisine await you at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. This prestigious Abu Dhabi hotel hosts one of the most awaited New Year celebrations. The New Year 2026 celebrations begin with a magical concert by the Grammy-award-winner, John Legend. This is followed by a gala dinner at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi’s exquisite dining hall where you will get to relish delicious food from two Michelin star restaurants. And then of course, you will also get to enjoy the beautiful fireworks surrounding the hotel. The after party here is also worth attending. To enjoy the concert, gala dinner, and fireworks at this hotel, you need to stay at Emirates Palace Mandarin Hotel for at least a night on December 31.
Best For: Families, couples, and luxury travelers
Yas Island
Yas Island is the island dedicated to pure entertainment and fun and is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is filled with the numerous theme parks and other entertainment destinations. On New Year’s Eve, you can choose to visit Ferrari World, The Fountains Yas Mall, Yas Waterworld, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Etihad Arena, Warner Bros. World, or Yas Marina Circuit. Apart from these, Yas Island also hosts New Year dinners, galas, concerts, and events. After exploring one of these places or events, head out to Yas Beach or Yas Bay Waterfront area to witness the breathtaking fireworks. Sometimes, the fireworks happen twice in the evening, one at 9 PM and the other at midnight. To make your New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi special, you can stay at one of the hotels or resorts on Yas Island or book a table at one of the several restaurants on Yas Bay Waterfront area. This would give you the opportunity to watch the beautiful night sky without the struggle of finding a spot in the crowd.
Best For: Families, couples, and friends
Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba
The Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba it is a 5-month long cultural and heritage festival, which begins in November and goes on till March. The place hosts more than 4000 cultural events and 750 amazing shows during its tenure and thousands of people from the UAE along with tourists attend them. On New Year’s Eve, you will get to see and be a part of an array of musical shows, performances, and other events. But the highlight definitely is the fireworks and drone show. In fact, during New Year 2025 celebrations, Sheikh Zayed Festival became the world-record holder of the largest fireworks display in the world. Lasting almost 50 minutes, this fireworks show was not just about the sparklers. More than 6000 drones joined to make it one of the most awe-inspiring sights to behold. The best places to watch these fireworks at the festival are Heritage Village, Camping Village, and Majlis Area.
Best For: Campers and culture buffs
Al Hudayriyat Island
Al Hudayriyat Island is a leisure and sports destination of Abu Dhabi. One of the popular places here to relax with family and friends here is Marsana. A waterfront destination, Marsana is brimming with the perfect spots to watch a sunset and the fireworks on New Year. Marsana is home to a beach, a splash park, a marina, cycling paths, and an outdoor gym. This is the perfect place to indulge in water sports and other thrilling activities. You will also find numerous restaurants, cafes, and food trucks here. On New Year’s Eve, you must arrive early to first secure a good spot and then enjoy the activities and food the place offers. As the countdown towards the New Year begins, get ready to watch a vibrant and co-ordinated fireworks show as you welcome the New Year.
Best For: Families and adventure lovers
Madinat Zayed Park
If you are dreaming of a simple New Year celebrations with family and friends, Madinat Zayed Park would be the one for you. A beautiful green park located in the middle of urban Abu Dhabi, Madinat Zayed Park is a favorite spot for families to spend time together. There are pathways to jog and stroll leisurely, play areas for kids, and lush greenery. On New Year’s Eve, arrive early and choose a spot on the grass to relax and enjoy a picnic with your family. You can be a part of the numerous events happening here on the last day of the year and gather around at midnight to watch the colorful fireworks that erupt in the Abu Dhabi sky. This may be one of the simpler fireworks show happening in Abu Dhabi but no less exciting.
Best For: Families, nature lovers, and couples
Conclusion
There are multiple places where you can enjoy the New Year fireworks in Abu Dhabi. In fact, Abu Dhabi offers some of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Middle East. You can choose between budget-friendly and simple celebrations to luxurious and stylish events to witness Abu Dhabi welcoming the New Year with a vibrant sky.
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