Although New Year’s Eve is more than a month away, any Dubai veteran will tell you that to comfortably celebrate the holiday, you need to plan ASAP! Especially if your mind is set on the iconic Burj Khalifa views or on good vibes once the countdown starts. So, if planning around the holiday isn’t your forte, here’s a curated guide of all the spots set to start 2026 with style.
Dubai
Fi’lia | Marasi Drive, Business Bay
With a concept rooted in simple, comforting Italian food, Fi’lia brings fresh, unpretentious Italian flavours to Marasi Drive. For New Year’s Eve, Fi’lia will transform their comforting Italian space into a Giardino di Mezzanotte—a midnight garden complete with a five-course menu paired with bubbles and live entertainment. Fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and seasonal creations are to be expected, as well as Burj Khalifa’s firework views from the terrace.
Carna by Dario Cecchini | Marasi Drive, Business Bay
Carna brings char and theatrics for Dubai’s most festive night. Channelling the glitz of Paris’s iconic cabaret through their ‘Moulin Rouge’ themed night, the contemporary steakhouse will bring Chef Cecchini’s signature cuts, rich truffle dishes, and live jazz in a space draped in deep reds and gold.
MiMi Mei Fair | Address Residences Dubai Opera
Sitting between heritage and contemporary flair, MiMi Mei Fair brings the best of both worlds with its ‘Empress MiMi’s Masquerade’. With a backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and its fireworks display, expect a bespoke four-course menu inspired by Chinese culinary arts and live music that keeps the night going, to welcome 2026.
Privilege – Carioca | Marasi Drive, Business Bay
Bringing Rio Carnival vibes 75 floors above Dubai, expect nothing but high energy at Privilege. Starting with Brazilian beats to kick off the night, the rooftop pool bar is set to come alive with live entertainment and a front row view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
China Tang Dubai | Marasi Drive, Business Bay
Located at The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, China Tang Dubai celebrates the world’s most festive night with an exclusive Cantonese menu. Spotlighting China Tang’s staples along with celebratory dishes crafted exclusively for New Year’s Eve, you can take your pick from Steamed Alaskan Crab Leg with Chilli and Garlic, to Stir-Fried Canadian King Clam in XO Chilli Sauce, Golden Salted Egg Fried Rice with Lobster, and Longevity Noodles in White Truffle Sauce paired with drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Blume | Downtown Dubai
Inspired by the cultural richness of the Silk Road, Blume at Dubai Mall brings reinterpreted Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines with warm golden interiors in their ‘Golden Caravans’ celebration. Elevated dining and spectacle are to be expected with the spotlight on the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Whereas culinary delights such as Caviar & Burrata Brûlée, Wagyu Tartare, and Charcoal-Grilled Tenderloin add to an indulgent yet memorable night.
The St. Regis Bar | Marasi Drive, Business Bay
Welcoming 2026 with a ‘Golden Era’ themed soirée, celebrations at The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai are set with a spirit of revelry. Perched at the hotel’s terrace, views of the Dubai Water Canal and the Burj Khalifa’s fireworks display are only the start to an indulgent night. Live entertainment and a decadent spread of caviar, charcuterie, foie gras, and a spread of seafood and meat roasts add to the night, while signature drinks promise a sparkling start to the new year.
Lobby Lounge, Address Downtown
For those who celebrate New Year’s Eve by sleeping soundly, celebrate New Year’s Day with a refined afternoon tea. With views of the city after the celebrations, you can have a quiet yet relaxing start to the year with a curated selection of teas, complemented by delicate pastries and perfectly baked scones.
Honeycomb Hi-Fi | Business Bay
Calling all the music lovers, Dubai’s vinyl-listening bar Honeycomb Hi-Fi is churning all the vinyls out for an eclectic New Year’s. Paired with modern Japanese flavours with plenty of vegetarian options, expect the night to be rich in taste and sounds, setting the tone for 2026.
Abu Dhabi
Brooklyn Chop House | Yas Island
Bringing the essence of Times Square to the UAE, Brooklyn Chop House will celebrate December 31 with ‘A New York New Year’. Featuring an indulgent six-course menu that blends the flavours of the East Coast with a twist, here you will find chopped steaks with chopsticks, vibrant Greek-New York flavours, and plates of premium cuts of meat and seafood. The countdown of the night is not to be missed as DJs keep the night alive with ambient beats, opening to a lively 2026.
Garage Restaurant | Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Over in Abu Dhabi, Garage Restaurant says goodbye to 2025 with a gala dinner. With a global menu, you can find timeless holiday favourites, fresh seafood, comforting British classics, and decadent sweet desserts, ensuring that there’s something for everyone before counting down to a new year.
