When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the first places to come in mind. These two Emirate cities are known for their extravagant parties, soirees, events, and fireworks. However, unlike popular opinion, New Year’s Eve is not limited to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Rather, you will find amazing New Year celebrations and extravagant fireworks in other Emirates as well, including Ras Al Khaimah. Getting one of the Ras Al Khaimah holiday packages will give you the chance to enjoy the beautiful sights of this emirate along with the splendid fireworks. Located in Northern most part of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is known for record-breaking fireworks to welcome the New Year. Here we present to you the best places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah to watch New Year’s fireworks.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Best Viewing Zones
The grand fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah happens at the waterfront area between Al Hamra Village and Al Marjan Island. The fireworks here are not just about the sky lighting up with colorful lights. On the other hand, it also includes the application of laser drone technology, creating a spectacle like no other. No wonder, Ras Al Khaimah earned the Guinness World Records for the longest straight-line drone display and the longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks in 2023. Since then, Ras Al Khaimah has put up grander fireworks with each passing year, and the same has been organized for welcoming 2026 as well. So, if you are in Ras Al Khaimah on December 31, 2025, here are the places you can visit to watch these gorgeous fireworks.
The Waterfront
Stretching 4.5 kilometers between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, the waterfront area is the focal point for watching the fireworks, as the fireworks and drone shows are launched from floating barges placed across the sea. There are multiple private and public areas on this stretch, which are perfect for viewing this spectacle.
Al Hamra Village Coastline
If you want to enjoy a peaceful New Year’s Eve with relatively less crowd, the coastline of Al Hamra Village would be perfect for you. The beaches here will give you an incredible view of the fireworks and drone show at midnight. You can also choose to dine at one of the numerous restaurants near Al Hamra Mall or Al Hamra Marina. Most of the restaurants and cafes here have waterfront seatings. This way you will get to welcome the New Year with a mouthwatering meal as well as the sight of the beautiful fireworks.
The Festival Ground
The Festival Ground that hosts the day-long New Year celebrations is also a great place to watch the fireworks at midnight. The festival ground is free and open to everyone. It offers a day full of celebrations and revelry with DJ music, live performances, barbecues, kids’ play areas, face painting, interactive games, and so much more. Just before midnight, you can choose a spot to watch the dark Ras Al Khaimah sky lit up with a million lights.
Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island has plenty of resorts and hotels that not only host parties but make for a great spot to witness the fireworks. Attending these galas is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah on New Year’s Eve.
Movenpick Resort: If you are keen on partying and making your New Year’s Eve memorable, the Movenpick Resort at Al Marjan Island would be a good place to visit. The private beach here makes a good spot to see the fireworks. The hotel also hosts a family-friendly poolside party that includes music, good food, and drinks that you can enjoy right on the beach before the fireworks begin. The resort also hosts an adults-only rooftop party, which is also known for its revelry and view of the fireworks.
Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort: Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort is another luxury hotel on the Al Marjan Island that offers a wonderful view of the fireworks. You can be a part of the resort’s New Year’s Eve Gala on the Beach, which involves musical events, live performances, delicious food, fire shows, and free-flowing champagne. It is an event that welcomes families along with kids.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa: Another family-friendly location where you can enjoy New Year celebrations along with the fireworks is DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa. As it is located on Al Marjan Island, you will get a clear view of the most incredible fireworks in the emirate. Before the fireworks begin, you can enjoy the Gala Dinner that includes a variety of gourmet dishes and amazing live entertainment.
More Hotels to View Fireworks: Apart from the hotels mentioned above, you can be a part of the New Year celebrations and watch the fireworks in hotels like Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island, Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, and more.
Camping or Parking Zones
If partying or enjoying dinner at hotels or resorts is not your idea of celebrating New Year, Ras Al Khaimah has camping and parking zones from where you can watch the fireworks. Here, you can park your vehicles, set up tents, have a BBQ party, and also watch the fireworks. Some of the best parking/camping zones here are as follows:
Al Rams Parking Zone: This area is near the New Year festival site. If you get space here, you will get good access to the festival area and a great view of the fireworks as well. There are also BBQ areas here for your convenience. As it is quite a popular site, you need to register your vehicle or campsite in advance.
Dhayah Parking Zone: Another camping/parking zone popular for its view of the fireworks is the Dayah Parking Zone. Located near the Dayah Fort, this is the perfect spot for camping with tents, caravans, and RVs. There are limited spots here, and the allocation will be on a first-come-first serving basis. So, if you want to enjoy the fireworks from this spot, you must arrive as early as possible.
A few other parking spots in Ras Al Khaimah from where you can watch the fireworks include Yanas Parking, Jais Parking, and Julphar Parking. These parking spots are less crowded.
Tips for Watching Fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah
- If you are choosing a public place to watch the fireworks, you must arrive early to get the perfect spot. People start gathering in these areas as early as two in the afternoon. So, plan accordingly.
- Opt for public transportation to travel to these spots, so you do not have to worry about parking.
- If you want to attend a New Year Party or gala dinner at one of the resorts, buy your tickets well in advance. These places usually have limited spots which fill up quickly.
- Carry some essential items like a warm jacket, flashlight, phone/camera, power bank, money, water, and snacks.
- When you are visiting public places on New Year’s Eve, be aware of the crowd around you. If you have children with you, make sure that you have an eye on them at all times. Avoid venturing into blocked exits.
- Expect roadblocks and traffic on New Year’s Eve, especially in and around the areas where New Year celebrations are organized.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah may not always be on your UAE itinerary. But its attractions and New Year celebrations, especially its fireworks, will definitely delight you. So, do plan to usher in the New Year with the magnificent fireworks in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
