New Year’s Day in Abu Dhabi arrives gently, with slow mornings, bright winter sunshine, and brunch tables filled with families easing into the first afternoon of 2026.
This year’s line-up spans luxury hotel buffets, themed Asian brunches, relaxed family venues, and elegant fine-dining settings. Whether you want a festive blowout, a dim sum feast, or a calm afternoon with live entertainment, Abu Dhabi has a brunch for every mood.
- Top New Year’s Day brunches in Abu Dhabi 2026
- Luxury and signature brunches
- Themed and cultural brunches
- Family-friendly brunches
- OpenTable Trend Picks
- How to book New Year’s Day brunch Abu Dhabi
- New Year’s Day brunch price comparison table 2026
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Top New Year’s Day brunches in Abu Dhabi 2026
Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Day brunch offerings blend upscale hotel dining, relaxed family experiences, and themed menus across some of the capital’s most popular venues.
Luxury and signature brunches
These elevated hotel experiences combine refined menus, polished service, and festive entertainment, just perfect for starting 2026 on a high note.
Sofra bld – Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
A vibrant international buffet with live entertainment, festive décor, and dishes spanning Middle Eastern, Asian and European cuisine.
Location
It is located in Level 1, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri – Abu Dhabi.
Details
- January 1, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Prices start at AED 378 per person
- International buffet, live entertainment
Contact information
- Instagram: @shangrilaabudhabi
- Phone: +971 2 509 8555
Shang Palace – Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
A celebratory dim sum brunch featuring handcrafted dumplings, signature Cantonese dishes and a festive ambience.
Location
It is located in Level 1 (Ground floor), Shangri-La Hotel,Qaryat Al Beri – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Details
- January 1, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Prices for this brunch start at AED 238 per person
- Curated dim sum menu, festive décor
Contact information
- Instagram: @shangpalacead
- Phone: +971 2 509 8555
Themed and cultural brunches
These brunches offer focused menus and characterful atmospheres, ideal for diners seeking a creative twist on New Year’s Day.
Erth Abu Dhabi – Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
A warm, elegant brunch in one of Abu Dhabi’s most unique heritage-meets-modern hotels, complete with a live duo band.
Location
It is located in Khor Al Maqta, Al Khaleej Al Arabi, Road, Abu Dhabi.
Details
- January 1, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Pricing starts at AED 299 per adult and AED 150 per child (6-12 years)
- Buffet-style brunch, soft beverages included, live duo entertainment
Contact information
- Instagram: @erth.uae
- Phone: +971 2 441 5900
Family-friendly brunches
These relaxed and great-value brunches are perfect for families seeking a calm way to start the new year.
Dino’s Bistro Italiano – Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
A family-friendly Italian brunch known for its warm atmosphere, generous antipasti spreads and classic dishes that appeal to all ages.
Location
It is located in Al Khaleej Al Arabi St – Al Rawdah – W59 01 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Details
- 31 December, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Prices start at AED 320
- Italian antipasti, cheese bar, signature mains, and classic desserts
Contact information
- Instagram: @dinosbistroitaliano
- Phone: +971 2 307 5551
OpenTable Trend Picks
Several of Abu Dhabi’s trendiest restaurants release limited-edition New Year’s Day brunch menus, and many are highlighted on OpenTable. This reservation platform aggregates the city’s top dining spots and their seasonal offers.
These venues typically feature polished interiors, upbeat playlists, and contemporary menus, making them ideal for diners who prefer a modern, social atmosphere.
Prices and timings vary by restaurant, so browsing OpenTable Abu Dhabi is one of the easiest ways to compare menus, check real-time availability, and secure a table.
How to book a New Year’s Day brunch in Abu Dhabi
New Year’s Day brunches in Abu Dhabi tend to fill up quickly, especially at luxury hotels and themed restaurants. Reservations are essential, and many venues request prepayment or a credit card guarantee.
Policies are stricter during the festive period, so review cancellation terms before confirming. Waterfront and terrace seating usually sell out first, so book early if you prefer a particular view or dining area.
Insider booking tips
View-centric tables at hotels are among the first to be reserved. Families should confirm kids’ pricing and any child-friendly entertainment in advance. For group bookings, inquire about table arrangements early, as some venues maintain fixed layouts to accommodate large festive gatherings.
New Year’s Day brunch price comparison table 2026
Here’s a simple, straightforward comparison of the top New Year’s Day brunches featured for 2026.
| Venue | Time | Starting Price (per person) |
| Sofra bld – Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | AED 378 |
| Shang Palace – Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | AED 238 |
| Erth Abu Dhabi – Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street | 12:30 PM -4:00 PM | AED 299 for adults and AED 150 for children |
| Dino’s Bistro Italiano – Pearl Rotana | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | AED 320 |
Key takeaways
New Year’s Day brunches in Abu Dhabi 2026 range from upscale hotel buffets to intimate, themed dining experiences. Prices typically start at AED 238 and increase depending on the beverage tier and venue prestige.
Bookings are essential, especially for waterfront or view-focused tables. Expect international menus, dim sum spreads, live entertainment and warm festive atmospheres across the capital.
FAQs
Erth Abu Dhabi and Sofra Bld are popular for spacious layouts, live entertainment and family-friendly settings.
Book several weeks in advance, ideally by early December, to secure your preferred seating.
Most venues offer tiered packages. Always review inclusions before booking.
You can expect AED 238–378 for soft beverage packages, with premium options available at luxury hotels.
You can check SevenRooms, OpenTable and official venue websites for real-time availability and updated festive menus.
Most large hotels can provide vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly options when requested in advance.
