Ring in 2018 in some spectacular spots around the UAE. Whether you want a themed-party, a simple dinner or a place to take the kids, there's something for everyone on December 31.
DUBAI
Retro Rewind party across TRYP by Wyndham
What: The retro-themed party, with music, food and beverages, will take place across three venues at the recently opened TRYP by Wyndham: Local Lounge, L! QD Tapas Bar and Barbary Deli & Cocktail Club. Local Lounge is all about big hair, bold fashion and epic shoulder pads, and classic hits such as Thriller, Sweet Dreams and Into the Groove. Poolside venue L! QD will have you Getting Jiggy With It and Jumping Around as you do the Macarena. Barbary hosts a disco revival with a Nu electro twist, plus old-school party gems.
Where: TRYP by Wyndham, Barsha Heights
Prices: Dh299 per person at Local, inclusive of food platters, selected spirits, red or sparkling grape and a cigar. Dh299 at L! QD, inclusive of tapas, sangria, hops and house grape. Dh599 at Barbary, inclusive of deli platters and cocktails.
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A delicious meal at La Cantine du Faubourg
What: Gather your friends for a chic, fun and glamorous night full of groovy tracks, artful decor and delicious food. The menu includes roasted scallops with potato and truffle emulsion; gratinated lobster thermidor; black truffle gnocchi; and mango and pineapple salsa with almond crumble and mango sorbet. À la carte items such as oysters and caviar can be added to the set menu; from 8pm
Where: La Cantine du Faubourg, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai
Price: Dh900 including soft drinks; Dh1,200 including house grape. Call 04 352 7105 or email info@lacantine.ae
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Downtown New Year’s Eve dinner with a view
What: Celebrate the start of 2018 on the rooftop pool deck of Sofitel Dubai under the twinkling lights and midnight fireworks of the Downtown Dubai skyline, while dining on a special festive international buffet. An open bar will also be on offer, along with a DJ; from 8.30pm to 3am
Where: Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Price: Packages start at Dh550 per person. To book, call 971 4 503 6111 or visit www.Sofitel-Dubai-Downtown.com
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Enjoy a family dinner at Arabian Ranches Golf Club
What: Bid farewell to 2017 with your friends and family under the stars. Enjoy a selection of beverages and a celebratory feast as well as a DJ and fireworks; from 8pm to 2am
Where: Ranches restaurant, Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Price: Packages cost Dh695 for adults and Dh195 for children.
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One for you water babies
What: Charter an Athena yacht to bring in the new year as you cruise along the Arabian Gulf. The vessels can be boarded from Dubai Marina, and come equipped with a music system, canapés and selected house beverages, and can accommodate between 2 and 12 people.
Price: Dh19,950 per boat for a four-hour cruise between 9pm and 1am, or Dh14,950 from 11am to 3pm; or 4pm to 8pm. Call 04 362 7894, or email events@dubaimarinayachtclub.com
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Meal from a Michelin-starred chef
What: Chef Heinz Beck, whose La Pergola in Rome won three Michelin stars, will put together an elegant seven-course meal at his Dubai eatery Social, which can be enjoyed against a live piano music and jazz performance; from 7pm to midnight
Where: Social by Heinz Beck, Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah
Prices: Dh950 per person. Call 04 818 2222
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Ring in the new year with spectacular views for less
What: Ethiopian restaurant Gursha boasts views of The Atlantis and Burj Al Arab, so you can enjoy the festive displays and fireworks the two properties are known for, at just a fraction of the price; from 8pm to 1am
Where: Gursha, Palm Jumeirah
Price: Silver package from Dh450, including two glasses of bubbly, unlimited house beverages and a full selection of main and sharing items from Gursha's menu; Dh700 for the gold package (outside table based on availability).
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Range of celebrations at Palace Downtown
What: Choose from a variety of packages and cuisines at Palace Downtown this NYE. At Ewaan, enjoy an Oriental buffet, live cooking stations and free-flowing bubbly. At Asado, savour a five-course Latin meal and lively musicians from Argentina. Thiptara offers Thai delicacies and a live DJ; from 8pm to 3am
Where: Palace Downtown hotel
Prices: Packages start from Dh1,600 to Dh1,900 and go up to between Dh2,900 and Dh3,500. Call 04 888 3444 or email dine@emaar.com
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Black and White themed party at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
What: Bring out your fanciest monochromatic threads for this celebration at Palermo Saha Courtyard, featuring a DJ, an international buffet and a large movie screen for the dazzling spectacle of Downtown fireworks. The venue will set up dedicated kids' areas and activities; from 9pm to 2am
Where: Palermo Saha Courtyard, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Prices: Dh575 inclusive of unlimited house beverages; Dh200 for children between 6 and 12 years; children under 5 enter free. For reservations, call 04 888 3444 or email dine@emaar.com.
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Organic treats at Baker & Spice
What: Start the new year on a delicious but healthy note with Baker & Spice's NYE organic set menu that includes: Beetroot Bluepeas & Tumeric Carrot Rye Bread; buratta with honey on Russian tea bread; mushroom soup with truffle oil; yellow fin tuna ceviche, marinated with lime, olive oil and mint served with green pea hummus; homemade cured beef with labneh and truffle oil; duck with roast pumpkin, wild rice and cranberry sauce; baby chicken with roasted baby carrots, grilled corn and toasted coconut; and apple tarte Tatin with edible rose petals; from 7pm
Where: Baker & Spice, Souk Al Manzil
Prices: Dh1,700 per person for a terrace table; Dh1,360 for a table inside the restaurant; 25 per cent off for children. Call 04 427 9856
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Made in Moscow theme party
What: Russia's fave DJ Denis First will headline the Made in Moscow theme party at Cielo lounge, guests are encouraged to choose their attire bearing in mind Muscovite culture.
Where: Cielo, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Prices: Dh450 for the Party Package (11.30pm to 3am); Dh750 for the Night Brunch (99pm to 3am)
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Mexican fare at Peyote
What: Fine-dining restaurant Peyote will serve up treats such as guacamole, lobster tacos, cured salmon jicama, Chilean sea bass, Mexican pablova, and chocolate tamal alongside free-flowing drinks and tracks by DJ Karl, AliDJ, and DJ Moe; from 9pm to 12.30am
Where: Peyote, DIFC
Prices: Dh895 per person
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ABU DHABI
Multiple celebrations at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
What: Drink, eat and dance your way into 2018 at the Four Seasons, with a range of party themes on offer. Café Milano offers a unique Italian party atmosphere with a specially crafted four-course set menu, whilst the award-winning Butcher & Still hosts its famous Great Gatsby Party. For those with high energy, consider Zsa Zsa's Groovy 70s party or Eclipse Terrace Lounge's White Party on the rooftop; from 7pm
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
Price: Packages start from Dh250 or Dh125 for kids from 5-12 years. For information or reservations, call 02 333 2444 or email dining.abudhabi@fourseasons.com
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Carnival vibe Toro Toro Abu Dhabi
What: Toro Toro Abu Dhabi is hosting a Brazilian carnival-themed NYE party with Samba dancers, live music, unlimited drinks from the in-house mixologists and delicious ceviches and other Latin American dishes; from 7pm
Where: Toro Toro, behind Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
Price: Packages start at 499 per person. For information or reservations, call 02 811 5882 or email reservations@torotoro.ae
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Beach party on a budget
What: Head to one of Sheraton Abu Dhabi's restaurants: Flavours, Bravo, El Sombrero, or Tarvern, and get free entry to the New Year's Eve party on the beach afterwards. The band will play legendary pop songs and greatest hits of the 80s and 90s; from 8pm for dinner and 10pm for the party on the beach.
Where: Sheraton Abu Dhabi
Price: Dining packages start from Dh320 for adults and Dh130 for kids who are 6-12 years. Party on the beach is Dh125 inclusive of one drink. Free entry for restaurant guests. For reservations, call 02 677 3333 or email Irene.Vilches@sheraton.com
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Enjoy the views at Sho Cho Abu Dhabi
What: Soak in the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf coast and the souk's private yacht marina at the restaurant known for its avant-garde concepts and delicious modern Japanese cuisine. Expect festive decorations, ornaments, fireworks and drinks galore; from 8pm to 3am
Where: Sho Cho, Souk Qarayat al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Price: Minimum spend of Dh500 per person. To make reservations, call 971 2 558 1117 or email abudhabi@sho-cho.com
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Go on a secret mission with La Petite Maison
What: Wear your tuxedos and cocktail gowns and roll up to the red carpet with a license to kill style. La Petite Maison will transform into an evening of intrigue and espionage at New Year's Eve. Diners are invited to join the adventure on the glamourous night set to a pulsing live-set by a DJ, who will be dropping the hottest beats and mash-ups; from 7pm to 3am.
Where: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: Seating from 7pm to 9pm can be reserved without a minimum spend, while a second seating at 9pm can be booked for Dh800 indoors or Dh1,000 on the terrace. For reservations, call 02 692 9600 or email info@lpmabudhabi.ae
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New Year’s Eve dinner and party at Le Meridien
What: The dinner will feature a lavish buffet with a wide variety of international dishes, including a seafood selection and sumptuous desserts. For an extra Dh100, head to the Black & Gold NYE Blow Out party, where you can soak up panoramic views of the city and get ready for the countdown. Once Duo will play top hits while you kick-start your year with a fireworks display; from 7pm
Where: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
Price: Packages start from Dh495 per person or Dh247 for kids who are 6-12 years. To book, call 02 644 6666 or email Winaline.Cueva@lemeridien.com.
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Read more:
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UAE New Year's Government holidays announced
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