New Year's Eve Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide to The Burj Khalifa Fireworks
When you think of New Year's Eve, Dubai's spectacular NYE firework display at the Burj Khalifa is bound to come to mind. This legendary celebration has become an icon for New Year's Eve, and people from all over the world join Dubai residents to view this spectacle every year, with last year's estimated crowd rounding up to about a million.
Like every year, Dubai is set to break records with it's fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa at New Year's Eve 2020, and crowds are expected to be larger than ever. With hoards of eager viewers wanting to catch a glimpse of the fireworks, finding a spot with the perfect view can be an almost impossible task. But don't worry, we have searched the city to find the best spots for watching the New Year Eve spectacle in Dubai.
The Best Free Spots to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks display
1. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, located right next to Burj Khalifa, is the most popular location for watching the NYE show. Residents & tourists alike flock to this location to catch the display. Since entry to The Dubai Mall is free, it's almost impossible to get in unless you plan ahead and enter the mall 3-6 hours before the show starts. Even then, getting a good spot at The Dubai Mall is extremely hard. If you would rather have a spot reserved for you, we recommend booking a table at one of the many Burj Khalifa facing restaurants in Dubai Mall.
2. The Burj Plaza
If you want to stay away from the hustle bustle of Dubai mall, The Burj Plaza is a great spot to watch the fireworks in a more relaxing manner. Located just down the road from The Dubai Mall, The Burj Plaza is an open space open to everyone with perfect view of The Burj Khalifa. If you're planning to take your family & kids, we recommend trying to get a spot at The Burj Plaza and staying away from Dubai Mall.
3. Al Khazzan Cadillac Park
One of the newest and lesser-known viewing spots in the city, the Al Khazzan Cadillac Park is located across City Walk and offers clear views of The Burj Khalifa, making it a great location for watching the New Year Eve Firework display. Since it's a relatively new spot, the crowds tend to be lower than some of the other popular locations.
4. Dubai Design District
Although a generally well known location, D3 is still a low-key & lesser known location for viewing the fireworks. The district is usually much more relaxed than other crowded locations and the positioning offers the perfect view of the Burj Khalifa.
5. Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai Creek Harbour is the latest addition to locations with an epic view of the skyline. Though located a bit further away from Burj Khalifa than other locations, the Creek Harbour provides a spectacular 360 degree view of Dubai's Skyline, making it one of the best places to watch the fireworks display from. Again, since it's a new spot, it's likely to attract lesser crowds than other places.
6. Bay Avenue, Business Bay
The Bay Avenue, located near the Dubai Canal, is another great viewing spot with a unique vantage point of the Burj Khalifa. Join the crowds as they countdown to the new year or enjoy the show from one of the many restaurants in the area. But don't forget to book a table!
7. Gate Village DIFC
Probably one of the least known spots for viewing the fireworks, The Gate Village provides a striking view of the Burj Khalifa, you just have to find the correct corner (hint: look for the posh galleries and Christies' auction house!).
Tips to keep in mind while planning your New Year's Eve in Dubai
- Plan way ahead. Do not underestimate how crowded it can get during New Year Eve. Entry to Dubai Mall gets blocked hours before due to over crowding, and the roads get completely blocked. Many people end up watching the show from the middle of the road as they get stuck in traffic and never make it to their intended destination.
- Getting back after the show is an equally taxing task, so plan accordingly and estimate around 2-3 hours at the least for your commute back home
- If you are accompanied by small kids, we recommend staying away from crowded places like Dubai Mall
- Though it may seem expensive, the best way to watch the show is from a restaurant with great views of the Burj Khalifa. Make sure to reserve a table atleast a month in advance and have a relaxed and amazing viewing experience.
Restaurants with Fireworks View
Not willing to brave the massive crowds on New Year's Eve? Don't worry! We've found restaurants in Dubai with the best Burj Khalifa views for a relaxed and spectacular viewing of the fireworks display
Zeta
At Zeta, spellbinding sights, mesmeric sounds and exquisite flavours harmoniously combine to create experiences of excitement. The ultimate destination lounge, Zeta bears an unmistakable presence, and is perched on the very edge of the terrace on level 5, providing the closest view possible of the fountain show and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
The vast Alfresco terrace make Zeta one of the best spots for watching the spectacular New Year Eve Firework Show. Enjoy the view alongside heart-warming Californian and Asian cuisine.
Cabana
Cabana is an al fresco poolside bar with views out over the Burj Khalifa. Walking distance from the Dubai Mall, it is a great location to watch the New Year Eve spectacle.
The menu has fresh sushi and salads, and grilled skewers for a hot meal. With a chilled out vibe, it is a relaxed place to with an energetic vibe.
Serafina
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while overlooking the spectacular Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains at Serafina, Souk Al Bahar. Serafina is well-known for having one of the best views of the Burj Khalifa, making it the perfest location for viewing the firework display.
This New York-style hotspot is also famous for its homemade pizzas and pastas such as Farfalle Al Limoncello, Paccheri Al Pomodoro Fresco, Calzone and Margherita V.I.P, along with a full array of antipasti, salads and desserts.
Tomo
Offering one of the best Japanese cuisine in Dubai, Tomo is well known for it's delicious food and spell-bounding views of the Burj Khalifa. The Tatami terrace & the Bar Lounge terrace both offer a picture perfect view of the Dubai skyline.
Enjoy a delicious and authentic Japanese menu while watching the spectacular fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
Roberto's
Roberto's admirably Roman devotion to food with Venetian hospitality and Milanese flair results in a homegrown reinterpretation of authentic Italian cuisine which is served in it's many dining experiences: The Ristorante, The Salotto and The Cortina terrace that offers unequalled views of the iconic Dubai Skyline and Burj Khalifa.
Miss Tess
Miss Tess is a street-food restaurant inspired by a story. A story of an Asian woman who grew up on the streets of her continent, learning what they offer best and turning this knowledge into a fully Asian gastronomical experience. Come in, meet Miss Tess and discover our delicious street food, the Asian Way. The alfresco dining at the restaurant provides the perfect view of Burj Khalifa in close proximity, making it a great spot for viewing the new year's eve fireworks display.
Tribes Dubai Mall
A fun, casual restaurant with a menu inspired by the amazing food and flavors of Africa and its many tribes and cultures, Tribes offers a memorabe fusion of exotic flavaors taken from the African continent and influenced by the Spice Islands of the East, the French in the West, the Malay & Dutch in the South and the Arabic flavours of the North.
The outdoor seating at Tribes provides beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa.
Book your table at Tribes Dubai Mall
Todd English Food Hall
The Todd English Food Hall is a European inspired specialty food hall that aim to serve the finest, freshly prepared gourmet foods. It mirrors the aesthetics of the finest food specialty markets throughout the world. Secure a spot in the outdoor seating area at the food hall and you'll be greeted by a sparkling view of the Burj Khalifa.
Book your table at Todd English Food Hall
Treehouse
Treehouse is an urban hideaway for effortlessly chic people of taste. With its rich Renaissance décor, lush furnishings and ornate trees, this decadent rooftop lounge is styled as a house turned inside out.
You will find our playful hideaway located in the Burj Khalifa’s back garden with uninterrupted views of the World’s tallest tower which never fail to lend a sense of the sublime.
Armani Amal
Armani/Amal is a classy Indian restaurant in the Armani hotel with terrace views over the Dubai fountain light show and the Burj Khalifa. The interior is elegant with simple modern vaulted arches throughout the dining hall. Feast on some of the best Indian cuisine in Dubai while viewing the spectacle first hand.
Book your table at Armani Amal
BICE Mare
BiCE Mare is located in the Souk Al Bahar; the terrace has spectacular views out over the Dubai fountains and Burj Khalifa. An internationally recognised restaurant with venues around the world, their cuisine is inspired by Tuscany, but with a contemporary style.
Karma Kafe
Karma Kafé is a stylish and atmospheric Asian restaurant in the heart of Dubai. Intricate hanging birdcages and the low lighting creates a sultry vibe, complementing an eclectic menu that mixes a number of Asian dishes along with creative sake cocktails.The large wooden balcony opens up beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai fountains.
Neos
Impressively elevated on the 63rd floor, NEOS is the destination of choice for the city’s distinguished and elite. The avant-garde interiors of this exclusive and sparkling night lounge adds a unique touch of panache to any occasion, whether joining NEOS for a sumptuous bite or a glamorous night out with friends.
Experience culinary finesse amidst towering views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain show, whilst reveling in enticing interpretations of signature beverages in the presence of the Emirate’s socialites.
Social House
Social House offers deliciously comforting food, refreshingly original drinks, and an alluringly sophisticated ambience. It's an exciting restaurant offering flavors of the world. The venue is surrounded by stunning views of The Dubai Fountain engulfed within a modern, urban design
Book your table at Social House
The Eloquent Elephant
A stylish artisan gastropub with huge personality, The Eloquent Elephant is perfectly located at lobby level, with its own direct entrance. Featuring starters, main course, desserts as well as special sharing platters and boards, the menu is a good selection of well-crafted British and international dishes with a gastronomic touch and a contemporary uncomplicated presentation. Inspired by a Victorian passion for collection, the gastro pub is clad in brass with vintage inspired metal window frames, aged-feel timber flooring and unique light fittings in large bell jars.The terrace seating provides amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Skyline.
Book your table at The Eloquent Elephant
GIA
GIA brings you a taste of the Italian soul with a modern twist in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Experience the finest food our Italian culinary team has to offer in a welcoming interior and a stunning alfresco terrace with unparalleled views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai fountain.
Hotel Cartagena
Hotel Cartagena is a tropical paradise inspired by the tropics. The eclectic bohemian vibe of the restaurant is accompanied by delicious Latin American food and spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline.