The best things to do over New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi

From luxury dining to live entertainment, here’s where to go to welcome 2026 in style in Abu Dhabi

Looking for exciting things to do this New Year’s Eve in the capital?

From glamorous gala dinners and waterfront parties to desert celebrations and family-friendly events, the city offers something for everyone to welcome 2026 in style.

All over the capital, you can enjoy world-class dining experiences, live music, DJ performances, and dazzling fireworks displays across luxury hotels, beachfront venues, and iconic landmarks.

Whether you prefer an intimate dinner, a lively nightclub celebration, or a unique desert gala, Abu Dhabi’s festive lineup ensures unforgettable memories. 

The best things to do over New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi

Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve

Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve unfolds across a collection of distinct venues, each offering its own atmosphere and culinary identity.

Aqua delivers theatrical flair with live cooking, bold flavours and celebratory energy. Dai Pai Dong brings refined Cantonese sharing in an intimate, festive setting. Hidden Bar elevates the evening with a polished gala ambience, curated menus and live performance. La Cava offers rare exclusivity through a one-seating dinner for a select few. GLO anchors the night outdoors, transforming the waterfront into a high-energy party that carries guests seamlessly into 2026, with premium beverages, music, and vibrant design.

For bookings, call  02 813 5550 or visit Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Elegant celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal welcomes the New Year with a refined sequence of celebrations across its signature venues.

The Forge sets the evening with a six-course showcase of premium cuts in an elegant setting, while Li Jiang delivers bold Asian flavours paired with DJ entertainment against the illuminated Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Giornotte brings glamour and abundance with a lavish promenade buffet featuring live stations and festive performances.

As midnight passes, the celebration continues at Sorso, where a high-energy DJ-led afterparty carries guests stylishly into the first hours of the new year.

For bookings, call 02 818 8203

A sparkling time at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve comes alive at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi each offering a unique celebration.

Buddha-Bar Beach ignites the night with Pacific Rim cuisine, live performances by Lexter and his band, and DJ sets on the beachfront or indoors. Sophia Abu Dhabi presents Mediterranean glamour with sharing-style dishes, live stations, and festive entertainment. Sontaya Abu Dhabi dazzles with a Southeast Asian-inspired buffet overlooking Saadiyat Beach and fireworks, while Oléa offers an extravagant international buffet paired with live music and entertainment.

Together, these experiences deliver a seamless, vibrant, and memorable way to welcome the new year in style.

 For bookings, call 02 498 8888

Start 2026 in style with a gala dinner at InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Ring in the New Year at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, where lavish celebrations await across a range of its signature venues. Marina Garden welcomes guests with a festive gala dinner, exquisite flavours, and an exciting countdown. Porto Gina offers a sumptuous four-course Italian experience in an elegant, joyful setting. Chamas Churrascaria delights with premium cuts and a lively buffet, while Fishmarket features live violin performances and a curated seafood menu. Byblos Sur Mer comes alive on the terrace with festive drinks, and Cho Gao Marina Walk serves sharing-style dishes and mixed drinks for a spirited marina-side celebration. All you have to do is choose!

For bookings, call 02 666 6888

Enjoy Celestial Elegance Under the Stars at Erth Abu Dhabi

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Erth Abu Dhabi with a night of elegance and festive energy across its signature venues.

Guests can enjoy Celestial Elegance Under the Stars, a magical evening featuring gourmet dining, captivating live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere beneath the night sky, complete with fireworks to welcome 2026. At Ergon, a sumptuous five-course international menu delights every palate, with an optional Greek twist for a Mediterranean flair.

Live entertainment, lively ambience, and thoughtful details ensure both venues offer a memorable and sophisticated way to toast new beginnings and celebrate the arrival of the new year in style.

For bookings, call 02 441 5900

Experience desert bliss at Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, where Al Mabeet Desert Camp transforms into a magical desert setting.

Guests can enjoy a sumptuous gala dinner under the open sky, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Arabian desert. Lantern-lit ambience and live music enhance the atmosphere, creating an unforgettable evening of elegance and festivity.

This immersive desert celebration offers the perfect combination of refined dining, captivating entertainment, and scenic surroundings, allowing guests to toast to new beginnings and welcome 2026 in style beneath the stars.

For bookings, call 02 204 4444

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