It’s now time to choose your favourite spot to catch the dazzling displays
The festive season is almost over, but Abu Dhabi still has time to sparkle with New Year’s Eve celebrations.
As we countdown to 2026, it’s time to pick your favourite spots, soak in the atmosphere, and catch a visual extravaganza like no other, as fireworks lighting up the capital’s skies.
Expect jaw-dropping displays, record-breaking moments, and unforgettable views across the city.
Big-name performances from Alicia Keys at Saadiyat Nights and John Legend at Emirates Palace promise live music and sparkling entertainment alongside the dazzling pyrotechnics.
Keep scrolling to discover the best vantage points for fireworks in Abu Dhabi.
Where to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi
NYE Fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Festival
Midnight
Get ready to make history once again! The festival is set to welcome New Year 2026 with the world’s largest fireworks display, not just the UAE’s. Running for an incredible forty-six continuous minutes, it’s poised to break multiple Guinness World Records for size, type, and formation. And that’s not all, a massive drone show is set to light up the skies, aiming for yet another record. With surprises, live shows, and festive events spread across the festival grounds, this promises to be a night full of awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable celebrations.
To book tickets, visit Zayed Festival
NYE Fireworks at Saadiyat Nights
Midnight
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If your New Year’s Eve plans include fireworks and an unforgettable soundtrack, Abu Dhabi has you covered. Alicia Keys headlines Saadiyat Nights on December 31, promising a true Girl on Fire moment. The 17-time Grammy winner returns for a one-night-only show under the stars at one of the city’s most stunning outdoor venues. Expect live music, dazzling fireworks, and a late-night party atmosphere as the crowd sings along to hits like No One, If I Ain’t Got You, and Empire State of Mind, celebrating the countdown and ringing in 2026 together.
NYE Fireworks at Yas Bay Waterfront
9pm and midnight
Looking to enjoy fireworks with friends or family? Yas Bay Waterfront has you covered with two spectacular shows. While promenade viewing is free for all, pier-side access on New Year’s Eve is reserved for guests with reservations at the waterfront restaurants. And really, can it even be New Year’s in Abu Dhabi without a show at the iconic Yas Bay? Pair the spectacle with a meal or drinks at the restaurants, bars, and cafés along the promenade for the perfect festive night.
NYE Fireworks at Abu Dhabi Corniche
Midnight
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Want to stick with a familiar spot to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi? Then make a beeline (as early as you can!) to the Abu Dhabi Corniche to see the fireworks. There’s a waterfront and a long pathway for you to stand at and watch the colourful fireworks as the clock strikes midnight.
Mother of the Nation Festival
Midnight
Going all out for New Year’s Eve, the festival is set to host a massive outdoor celebration, topped off with a midnight fireworks display you won’t want to miss. General admission tickets start from AED35, and there are family passes available too, making it the perfect way to welcome 2026 with friends and loved ones in a festive, fun-filled atmosphere.
Fireworks at Marsana East Beach
Marsana NYE 2026 will transform Marsana East Beach and Palm Pier at Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat into a vibrant beachfront celebrations. From 10pm, guests can enjoy international DJ sets, fire dancers, live performances, neon décor, and a family-friendly kids’ area. With free entry, beach access, night swimming, ocean views, and a spectacular midnight fireworks show lighting up the Hudayriyat skyline, the neon glow party delivers high-energy vibes inspired by Tulum’s laid-back spirit.
John Legend at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Ring in 2026 in unforgettable style at the John Legend New Year’s Eve concert at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. This is a glorious open-air seaside setting, John Legend live on stage, gourmet dining, unlimited premium beverages, and fireworks lighting up the night sky. As midnight passes, the celebration keeps going with an exclusive after-party and international DJ. It’s glamorous, joyful, and effortlessly luxurious; the kind of New Year’s Eve you’ll talk about long after the final song fades.
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