Find out the prime locations to have a meal fit to usher in 2019 – accompanied by glittering skylines and grand fireworks, of course.
What will you be doing as the clock strikes 12 and ushers us into 2019? Here are places around the UAE you can watch fireworks from and countdown to the New Year.
Play Restaurant & Lounge, H Hotel: The glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties is what The Great Gatsby-themed celebration is all about. You’ll step into extravagant decor, tuck into decadent dishes such as ottoro gunkan with 24 carat gold leaf and grilled king crab with lemon butter sauce, and be serenaded by a live singer, violin player and saxophonist. From Dh650 per person for set menu, call 04 336 4444.
Flair No. 5, The Ritz Carlton DIFC: The Wonderland at The Ritz part will see the hotel’s scenic terrace transformed into a dance floor to party away the last night of the year. Munch on tasty bites such as Prawn Croquette, Crispy Calamari, and Duck Gyozato, while a DJ will pump up the tempo. From 8pm, call 04 372 2323. QE2 Royal Variety Show: Ahoy good times! Variety is the spice of life aboard
The Grand Lounge on New Year’s Eve.
A slew of tribute bands, comedy acts, magicians and dance shows will keep you enthralled throughout the evening. From 8pm-11:30pm; Dh695 includes the show, food, soft beverages and house beverages. 21 years and above only. Call 04 526 8888.
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi: Out in the capital, Al Maryah Island has partnered with Platinum Records to pave a starstudded entrance into the New Year with performances by Egyptian singer Amr Diab and Lebanese Myriam Fares and a spectacular fireworks show. From 7pm-1am; free to attend. Flamingo Room by tashas, Jumeirah Al Naseem: Ring in the new year friends and family at the all-day family style brunch that will personally be hosted by renowned restaurateur, Natasha Sideris. There’ll be live entertainment, gourmet food such as lobster burger and more. From 11am-7pm; from Dh450. Call 04 244 7278. Azur Restaurant, Raffles Dubai: As different parts of the world celebrate the turn of the year, celebrate with an elaborate spread from around the globe. Enjoy seafood such as Alaskan king crab, Scottish salmon wellington and an extensive carvery with all the traditional trimmings and decadent desserts. Kids can keep busy in a designated children’s area. From Dh395 per person and Dh200 fpr kids aged seven to 12; from 8pm to 1am. Call 04 324 8888. Rivage Bistro, Grand Millennium: Take the celebrations outside with a European inspired set menu that’ll be served al fresco, accompanied by views of the Dubai Canal waterfront and life entertainment. Dh699 for a three-course set menu. From 8.30pm-12.30am; call 04 873 3333.
COYA Dubai and Abu Dhabi: The awardwinning restaurant chain will be hosting ‘Midnight in Paris’ themed soirees at both venues. Relish Peruvian delicacies, enjoy Parisian entertainment and when the clock strikes 12, watch the Burj Khalifa come alive, followed by a DJ set that will continue the party up to 3am. From Dh500 per person; call 04 316 9600. 55&5th, The Grill St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort: Head to the steakhouse for a dose of glamour, a live pianist and a gourmet fourcourse dinner. Dh1,000 per person, including grape beverage. Call 055 258 5612. At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa: End and start the year feeling at the top of the world at At.mosphere. Choose from a seven or an eight-course degustation menu by Executive Chef Yann Meinsel including scallops with pumpkin, parmesan and black truffle, a celery risotto dressed in white truffle, wild sea bass with caviar and leek fondue and wagyu in pepper jus, all savoured against the panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline and live music from the resident violinist. From 7pm, Dh2,800 per person. Call 04 8883828.