The New Year celebration in Abu Dhabi is never dull. Both residents and visitors will find various places to head to usher in 2025! So if you are wondering what to do in Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve this year, rest assured that there are countless ways to celebrate. And within this guide, you will learn all about them in depth. Including all the fireworks shows, hotel offers, and exciting concerts.
In this guide, we will take you on a detailed tour of what you can do to celebrate 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
- Catch the Fireworks in Abu Dhabi New Year 2026
- Toast to 2026 at Andaz Capital Gate New Year’s Eve Gala
- Attend a Unique Cabaret Retro Party
- Enjoy NYE Concerts and Live Performances in Abu Dhabi
- Tips for Planning Your New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Catch the Fireworks in Abu Dhabi New Year 2026
Abu Dhabi fireworks New Year 2026 celebrations are not to be missed. On December 31, at the stroke of midnight, many venues across the capital will launch a series of magical fireworks welcoming the new year. These are the places where you can enjoy the night sky lighting up with fascinating shows.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
If you want the largest and most dramatic fireworks in the UAE, head straight to the Sheikh Zayed Festival. This is not just a standard display. It is an enormous show featuring fireworks and drones.
Keep in mind that the festival is more than a New Year’s event. It runs from December 20 to January 5, offering daily cultural performances, traditional arts, carnival rides, and international pavilions. Because of its scale, it’s ideal for families who want a full day of entertainment leading into the night.
- Ticket: AED 10
- Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Corniche has long been one of the city’s favourite spots for New Year’s Eve. It offers eight kilometres of beachfront, parks, walking tracks, and seating areas. The atmosphere is lively but comfortable, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to enjoy a community celebration.
Yas Island & Yas Bay
Yas Island knows how to celebrate in style. Between its theme parks, hotels, and lively dining district, it offers one of the most energetic New Year’s Eve atmospheres in the capital. The main fireworks are hosted along Yas Bay Waterfront, where music, live shows, and food outlets keep the crowd entertained from early evening until after midnight.
Toast to 2026 at Andaz Capital Gate New Year’s Eve Gala
For a stylish and sky-high New Year’s Eve celebration, the Andaz Capital Gate Gala offers one of Abu Dhabi’s most memorable dining and countdown experiences. This event combines premium cuisine, panoramic city views, and a lively atmosphere that feels both modern and elegant.
If you want a front-row seat to the city’s skyline and fireworks displays, 18 floors above the ground, this is where you want to be. It is worth mentioning that the night features a curated menu filled with indulgent bites, including truffle-dusted arancini, wagyu cones, butter-poached lobster, Angus tenderloin, and impressive seafood towers.
- Prices:
- Soft package: AED 475
- House Package: AED 595
- Champagne Package: AED 755
- Timings: 8:30 PM to 2:00 AM
- Location: Andaz Capital Gate, right next to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center
Attend a Unique Cabaret Retro Party
The Club is a private, lavish and members-only venue that offers a series of luxurious events year-round. It is well known for its fancy dining outlets, beaches, massive swimming pools, fitness centres, and shopping venues. In addition, to welcome 2026, the Club is hosting a unique party with a retro cabaret style for members and non-members.
Guests are invited to step into an evening of glitz and glamour hosted by the charismatic Wim Hoste, who brings the night to life with lively performances, music, and crowd-pleasing entertainment.
This celebration encourages guests to dress their best, making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves a stylish night out. And for those planning to dance past midnight, The Club adds a thoughtful twist: complimentary flip-flops handed out just before the countdown so you can swap your heels for comfort and glide into 2026 with ease.
- Timings: 8:00 pm – 4:00 am
- Prices: AED 645 for members | AED 745 for guests
- Age restriction: This is an adult-only event (21+)
- Location: The Club, Mina Sadiyat
Enjoy NYE Concerts and Live Performances in Abu Dhabi
One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve is to attend a concert. Heading with friends and loved ones for a final hurrah with your favourite artists is a great way to say goodbye to 2025. Below are some of the events in Abu Dhabi for New Year farewells.
John Legend
Enjoy a legendary night with Jon Legend’s angelic voice, welcoming 2026. But this is more than a concert, expect exquisite gourmet dining and a midnight fireworks display set against the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline.
Also, there will be a one-of-a-kind after party featuring an impressive DJ lineup to keep the celebration going all night.
- Ticket price: Starts at AED 2,500
- Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – Terrace (open-air venue)
Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe
With two of the most influential stars in the region, Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe, lighting up the stage, this is one of the most awaited New Year events and concerts in Abu Dhabi.
- Ticket price: Starts at AED 495
- Location: Space 42 Arena, Al Raha
Tips for Planning Your New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi
Planning ahead makes a big difference, especially in a city as busy as Abu Dhabi on December 31. Here are practical tips to help you enjoy a smooth celebration:
- Book hotel stays, gala dinners, and restaurant packages as early as possible. Popular venues sell out weeks in advance.
- If you’re heading to public spots like the Corniche or Yas Bay, arrive hours before midnight to secure the best views.
- Expect heavy traffic around major districts. Consider using public transport or ride-hailing apps, instead of wasting your night looking for a parking spot.
Key Takeaways
New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi is a celebration like no other. Whether you prefer large public gatherings or intimate luxury experiences, the city offers something for every style and budget. Families can enjoy spectacular fireworks at iconic locations, such as the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Corniche, and Yas Bay.
Whereas those looking for something more elevated can indulge in elegant gala dinners or sky-high celebrations, like the Andaz Capital Gate NYE Gala. Entertainment lovers are spoiled for choice, too. From global artists such as John Legend to major regional stars like Nassif Zeytoun and Haifa Wehbe, Abu Dhabi’s concert lineup ensures an unforgettable night out.
Meanwhile, unique themed events, like The Club’s Cabaret Retro celebration, offers a glamorous twist to the night for guests who want something creative, stylish, and immersive.
FAQs
The largest display is at Sheikh Zayed Festival (Al Wathba), with major shows at Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Yas Bay.
Public spots like the Corniche are free, but festival grounds and hotel gala events typically require tickets or dining reservations.
Of course, public transportation, taxis and ride-hailing services in Abu Dhabi operate as usual, but they can be busier than normal.
Absolutely. Many events, such as the Sheikh Zayed Festival and Corniche celebrations, offer fireworks, live shows, carnival rides, and family zones.
