New Year's Eve Fireworks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 2023

Don't miss the fireworks this New Year's as the country welcomes in 2023. Here's where you can watch in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Posted on

13 December 2022

| Last updated on 28 December 2022

by Clarice Awa

Pictured: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai NYE fireworks display

The NYE firework displays are one of the most anticipated spectacles of the year across the UAE.

Nobody does it bigger or better than the UAE, and with the Burj Khalifa intending to set two new Guinness World Record laser light shows, there's plenty of celebrations to join in with as the country rings in 2023.

Whether you want to brave the crowds in Downtown Dubai, or relax at the beach while the skies light up - here's our guide to the best places to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in Dubai and the rest of the UAE this December 31st.

NYE fireworks in Dubai 2023:

Watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks show from The Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai
Enjoy the Burj Al Arab fireworks beachside from Kite Beach or surrounding venues, like Madinat Souk
Celebrate with Atlantis The Palm's fireworks show on Palm Jumeirah
Head to Dubai Festival City Mall for their firework display and evening entertainment
New Year's fireworks at Bluewaters Island
Bring the kids and watch the fireworks show at Dubai Parks and Resorts

NYE fireworks in Abu Dhabi 2023:

Enjoy the fireworks at Al Maryah Island
Head to Yas Island for fireworks this New Year's
Celebrate in style at Emirates Palace
Treat yourself to a fabulous NYE dinner and fireworks show at Saadiyat Beach Club
Relax along Corniche Beach as you countdown to 2023
Immerse yourself in Emirati culture while celebrating the new year at the Sheikh Zayed Festival
Head to Al Ain and watch an extravagant fireworks show in a massive stadium

Burj Khalifa fireworks in Downtown Dubai

Promising to be bigger and better than never before, Emaar confirmed that the world's tallest building will once again light up the skies to welcome in 2023, this time aiming for two world records with their popular laser light show.

As well as the fireworks, there will also be LED shows and laser displays featured - and it will be broadcast on television for the whole world to watch.

If you're brave enough to face the crowds, head to The Dubai Mall or book a spot at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Dubai. Prime viewing spots include the promenade of restaurants facing Dubai Fountains in the mall itself, or Souk Al Bahar and Burj Park, too.

Important details to remember:

Fireworks will welcome 2023 in at midnight
Free access to The Dubai Mall, Burj Park, Souk Al Bahar and public spaces in Downtown Dubai
Plenty of restaurants around the area offering superb views of the show
For parking, try The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar - but get there early
Reminder: entrances to The Dubai Mall and Dubai Metro may be closed earlier in the evening as part of crowd-control
Expect huge crowds as hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the Burj Khalifa fireworks

Pictured: New Year's Eve fireworks at Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab fireworks along the beach

If you prefer to relax and welcome in 2023 beachside, the iconic 7* hotel will be hosting a grand fireworks display and show for all to enjoy. Returning every year for New Year's, the fireworks at Burj Al Arab can be viewed from Kite Beach, Souk Madinat Jumeirah or even Black Palace Beach.

All offer great views of the display, so get to your chosen spot early enough and welcome in 2023 in true Dubai-style. Top tip: if you head to Kite Beach before it gets busy, you'll be able to set -up your spot with a picnic or book a table at one of the beach's popular cafés.

There's also the option of booking a table at any one of the outlets in Souk Madinat. For those of you who opt to head to Black Palace Beach, behind Al Sufouh Park, you'll also be able to see the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah fireworks, too!

Important details to remember:

Fireworks show starts at midnight, December 31st
Plenty of restaurants around the area available to book
Public places like Kite Beach and Black Palace Beach great for low-budget NYE
RTA public parking available along beaches, and also paid parking in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Expect traffic along Al Sufouh Road as the area will be busy
Nearest Dubai Metro station is Mall of the Emirates on Umm Suqeim

Pictured: New Year's Even fireworks at Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm fireworks on Palm Jumeirah

As one of Dubai's most recognisable hotels, Atlantis The Palm will bring back their massive NYE gala dinner - complete with food, entertainment and Atlantis' famed firework shop that will light up the skies of Palm Jumeirah.

For those of you whose budget doesn't extend to the gala dinner, getting there early and finding a spot along the Palm Jumeirah boardwalk is recommended. And if you head to the west of the man-made island, you'll be able to watch the Burj Al Arab fireworks display.

Important details to remember:

If you don't want to drive onto Palm Jumeirah, park at and use the Monorail to get to Atlantis
Public parking available along Palm Jumeirah boardwalk
Expect crowds and traffic around Atlantis The Palm

Dubai Festival City Mall fireworks

For NYE this year, Dubai Festival City Mall will be hosting a packed schedule of free entertainment on December 31st to celebrate the kick-off of 2023. The evening will include a firework show, plus the IMAGINE show: a gorgeous laser, water, and fire display.

Offering the best views in Dubai, combined with waterfront dining, Dubai Festival City Mall is definitely a spot you should consider for your New Year's Eve celebrations this month.

There are several restaurants you can book to get the best views throughout the evening, and getting there is relatively easy compared to its neighbouring Downtown Dubai. If you do have waterfront views, you'll no doubt be able to see the fireworks from Burj Khalifa at midnight as they kick-off as well.

Important details to remember:

Parking is available at Dubai Festival City Mall but will fill quickly
Several waterfront restaurants are open to booking for great views
Use the RTA abra or Dubai Ferry from Al Jaddaf Marine Station to get there easily
Expect large crowds

Bluewaters Island Dubai New Year's fireworks

On top of an impressive fireworks display to light up the night, Bluewaters Island will also have a variety of entertainment and activities in celebration of the new year 2023.

Important details to remember:

Parking is available at Bluewaters Island but it's recommended to get there early
Lots of restaurants are open to booking for great views of the fireworks

Dubai Parks and Resorts New Year's Eve Fireworks

Families can head to Dubai Parks and Resorts this December 31st for two fireworks displays - one at 7PM and another at 9PM. Riverland itself has free entry, but you will need to purchase tickets to enter Bollywood Park, Legoland, and Motiongate.

Those who have an annual pass can access a dedicated area to view the fireworks in Riverland.

Important details to remember:

Regular, VIP and valet parking are available
Expect a big crowd, mostly of families
Few restaurants to dine in and wait for the fireworks

Al Maryah Island fireworks in the Capital

Abu Dhabi's hotstop, Al Maryah Island, will be celebrating in style this NYE with a mega lineup of fun festivities to welcome in 2023, along with an exciting countdown.

Important details to remember:

Free entry to all, and the concert is free on a first-come, first-serve basis
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment
Fireworks display will kick-off at midnight
Festivities start from 7am, and end at 1am on January 1st

Yas Island's fireworks display

There's no denying that Yas Island knows how to party, and if you're in Abu Dhabi their annual fireworks display for New Year's Eve is unmissable. Watch the skies light up while you enjoy a drink and some food at any one of the island's top venues.

Important details to remember:

Plenty of restaurants/bars available to book in the area
Book a room in any one of Yas Island's hotel so you're close to the action
Expect some traffic as crowds attempt to watch the show
Prices for tables vary from outlet to outlet

Saadiyat Beach Club fireworks in Abu Dhabi

Celebrate the start of 2023 in luxury and style at Saadiyat Beach Club. The is holding a massive fireworks display on its own private beach.

Budget-allowing, you can book a table at this lovely beach club and enjoy a late dinner as you welcome in the new year along the beautiful shores of Saadiyat Island.

Important details to remember:

Dining packages are pricey - so if you want to splurge, enjoy!
Guests dining at the beach club will have free access for the event
Expect traffic in the city as crowds join together to see the show

New Year's Fireworks at Abu Dhabi Corniche

An extravagant firework display will light up the skies of Abu Dhabi on New Year's Eve at the stroke of midnight.

The capital's iconic spot features a manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the stunning, lifeguarded Corniche Beach, offering plenty of places where you can relax and wait as you countdown to 2023.

Important details to remember:

Large crowds for the festivities
Expect traffic in the city as crowds join together to see the show

Pictured: New Year's Fireworks at Abu Dhabi Corniche

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Festival

The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi celebrates Emirati culture, values, and society. This year, the festival will ring in 2023 with a variety of celebrations you don’t want to miss, from a special drone show to a record-breaking fireworks show.

Aimed to be the longest fireworks show ever created, it will span a whopping 40 minutes and intends to break three Guinness World Records in terms of volume, duration and form.

Event-goers can also enjoy parades, music, dancing fountain, and more!