If you have yet to make plans for New Year’s Eve, don’t worry, it is not too late. Most restaurants will be open and serving up special meals to ring in the new year. Here are some of the most notable spots to get a memorable meal and a view of the fireworks as you welcome in 2017.
Abu Dhabi
For a great view of the fireworks over Al Maryah Island, book a seat at Sambusek in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Chef Emad Zalloum will serve up signature dishes from this Levantine restaurant, with hot and cold mezze and Arabic mixed grills on offer, as well as a carving station, charcoal grill, manakish station, dessert buffet and more. The entertainment includes a belly-dancing show and a DJ – and do not skip the after-party on the terrace.
• From 8.30pm. Dh495, including unlimited soft drinks; Dh250 for children ages 6 to 12. Call 02 813 5552
For a posh affair, try Zuma Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. Early seatings, at 7pm or 7.30pm, are available in the main restaurant. Or book a table from 9pm and enjoy the countdown to midnight. There is no set menu – simply choose from the regular menu, with a minimum spend of Dh1,000 per person from 9pm in the main dining room. The meal here includes full views of the fireworks over Al Maryah Island.
• Call 02 401 5900
Go all out to welcome the new year at the Emirates Palace Gala. The grand ballroom will be decked out in a winter wonderland theme, with illuminated trees, a live band, acrobats and dancers in bird cages. The extensive buffet will include a massive selection of appetisers, sides and desserts, while the main dishes will feature slow-roasted duck breast, Wagyu beef cheeks, pan-seared Atlantic cod, barbecue meat and fish, plus live cooking stations and more. Step outside to watch the fireworks at midnight, but make sure you return to the ballroom for the after-party, which includes midnight snacks and a DJ.
• From 7pm to 3am. Dh2,750 a person, includes unlimited selected drinks; Dh1,375 for children ages 6 to 12. Call 02 690 7999
Tamba in The Hub at the World Trade Center Mall is a trendy, chic spot to celebrate the evening. Try the 11-course meal at this Indian restaurant or book the chef’s table, a private dining room or a rooftop lounge (minimum spends per person apply). The mood stays festive throughout the evening with live performers and Tamba’s resident DJ.
• From 8pm. Dh580 net for the 11-course meal, with unlimited soft drinks. Call 02 672 8888
Dubai
If you fancy a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere, go to the Truckers DXB event at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, where there will be plenty of food trucks serving up signature dishes. Bring a blanket and some friends, grab some street food from and relax on the grass. Live entertainment will add to the vibe.
• 3pm to 3am. Dh295, includes four drinks. For tickets, visit www.800tickets.com
New Year’s Eve marks the end of an era for The Ivy in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, as the restaurant will shut its doors for the last time. Have a final meal here with a four-course menu featuring the restaurant’s signature dishes. Local swing and jazz singer Ciaran Fox will entertain. For a view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, go to the Emirates Tower Terrace at midnight.
• Dinner will be served from 6pm to 11.30pm, but the party continues until 2am. Packages start at Dh899 with unlimited selected beverages. Call 04 319 8767
Check out Gunaydin Dubai, a new Turkish restaurant in Souk Al Bahar, for a front-row seat to the Burj Khalifa fireworks. This waterfront venue will serve up a set menu with plenty of mezze, salads and signature dishes including lahmacun (Turkish pizza), aubergine stuffed with rice and lamb kebabs.
• Dh2,000 for indoor seating; Dh2,300 on the terrace. Call 04 554 0700
Club Vista Mare is home to seven new waterfront restaurants, all worthy of a night out on New Year’s Eve. Dress up for Aji’s black and gold-themed party and feast on Nikkei cuisine (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food) with a special seven-course menu for Dh550 with soft drinks, or choose à la carte with a minimum spend of Dh600 per person. For a beach-inspired affair, check out Breeze Beach Grill for an all-you-can-eat evening brunch with a focus on grilled meats and seafood. Packages start at Dh695 with unlimited selected drinks. You can see the Burj Al Arab fireworks from here, but Club Vista Mare will also have a fireworks show of its own.
• Call 04 552 0244 for Aji. Call 04 568 3000 for Breeze Beach Grill.
For stunning views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, book a seat at one of the restaurants in the Taj Hotel. Tesoro will offer cooking stations and international fare starting from just Dh299. The Eloquent Elephant will serve a four-course meal with free-flowing pub snacks starting at Dh399. Or go to Bombay Brasserie for à la carte dining from 4pm to 7pm, or a six-course meal with unlimited drinks starting at 8pm for Dh1,500.
• Call 04 438 3100
