FAQs

Yes, Santa Claus makes appearances at numerous events across the UAE during the Christmas season, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many shopping malls, such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Marina Mall, have Santa’s Grottos, where children can meet Santa, take photos and receive small gifts.  Winter markets and seasonal events, like those at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Ripe Market, also invite Santa to greet visitors and spread holiday cheer. Additionally, many family-friendly hotels and resorts organize special events where Santa makes appearances during brunches or festive dinners.  Some venues even have interactive Santa-themed experiences, such as virtual Santa visits or storytelling sessions with Santa himself. These events create exciting opportunities for children and families to enjoy the magic of Christmas in the UAE. Availability and specific times vary, so checking event details ahead of time is recommended.

The UAE boasts a fantastic selection of venues for Christmas brunch and afternoon tea, often held at luxurious hotels and fine dining establishments. In Dubai, popular locations include the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm and the Ritz-Carlton, all offering themed brunches with an extensive range of international dishes, festive desserts and live entertainment. Jumeirah Al Naseem and The Address Downtown also provide memorable Christmas brunch experiences with scenic views and special menus. >>> Find more information: Christmas in the UAE  In Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort are known for their elegant holiday brunches and themed afternoon teas. Many of these venues go beyond just the food, creating a full holiday ambiance with decorations, Christmas music and sometimes even visits from Santa.  Reservations are usually recommended, as these brunches and teas are very popular and often booked in advance. This festive dining experience is a wonderful way to indulge and celebrate with friends and family.

In the UAE, Christmas trees and decorations are readily available at numerous locations, especially during the holiday season. Large retail stores such as Carrefour, ACE Hardware and Home Centre stock a variety of Christmas trees, ornaments, lights and other festive items. IKEA also offers a range of Christmas decor, from trees to wreaths and decorative lights.  For those looking for unique or high-quality decorations, specialized shops like Tavola and Crate & Barrel carry premium festive items and table decor. Many shopping malls set up seasonal pop-up shops with exclusive Christmas collections and outdoor Christmas markets, like those at Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, offer handmade decorations and unique holiday finds.  Additionally, online platforms like Amazon.ae and Namshi make it easy to order Christmas decorations for convenient home delivery. These options provide residents and visitors with a variety of choices to create a festive home environment. >>> Read more: Christmas in the UAE: A Celebration of Diversity and Joy

Yes, the UAE offers a wide variety of Christmas-themed activities tailored for children and families. Popular malls like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Yas Mall host interactive events such as Santa’s Grotto, where kids can meet Santa Claus and receive gifts. Winter festivals, like those at Dubai Parks and Resorts, provide family-friendly entertainment with holiday parades, live performances and themed rides. The Global Village in Dubai also becomes a family-favorite destination, offering cultural performances, a winter wonderland and festive markets where families can shop for holiday treats. Additionally, hotels across the UAE organize Christmas brunches with activities like face painting, cookie decorating and storytelling sessions for children. Outdoor winter markets and pop-up events are also common, allowing families to enjoy festive games, ice skating and light displays. These activities create memorable experiences and foster the joy of the holiday season, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The UAE hosts several live music events and concerts on New Year’s Eve, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  In Dubai, popular hotels and venues like Atlantis The Palm, Coca-Cola Arena and various beach clubs bring in international and regional artists to perform. Major venues on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, such as the Etihad Arena and Yas Marina, are known for hosting large concerts featuring famous performers. Music festivals and themed parties with live DJ sets are also common at popular nightclubs and lounges in Downtown Dubai, JBR and the Dubai Marina area. Tickets for these concerts are generally available online and purchasing them early is recommended, as these events draw large crowds and may sell out. For those looking for a mix of live music and family-friendly settings, venues like Global Village and La Mer often feature live bands and entertainment, making them great options to enjoy New Year’s Eve with loved ones. Tips for participants when enjoying: Make Reservations in Advance: Due to the great demand for New Year's Eve celebrations, many venues and events, particularly those with well-known artists or live music, need reservations in advance. Dress Code: Make sure you're dressed suitably for the event by checking in advance since certain locations, particularly expensive hotels and beach clubs, have severe dress restrictions. Arrive Early: It's a good idea to arrive early to ensure a decent location because most of these sites tend to grow packed as midnight draws near.

The weather in the UAE around New Year’s Eve is generally cool and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures around 20-24°C (68-75°F) and evening temperatures dropping to around 15-18°C (59-64°F). This makes it an ideal time for outdoor celebrations, but the evenings can feel chilly, especially in open areas like desert camps or seaside venues. Light jackets or sweaters are recommended, particularly for nighttime events and cruises, where it can feel cooler on the water. Rain is uncommon, though a light shower is possible. This comfortable weather makes for a festive, enjoyable atmosphere, with many events taking advantage of the mild climate for outdoor entertainment. Light apparel, such as dresses, shorts, or t-shirts, is appropriate during the day. You might want to pack a lightweight jacket or sweater for the evening, particularly if you plan to spend a lot of time outside or near the ocean.

Yes, yacht and cruise parties are popular New Year’s Eve experiences in the UAE. In Dubai, many companies offer New Year’s Eve yacht rentals or tickets for organized cruises along Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and even close to Burj Al Arab for a luxury experience. These cruises often include live entertainment, buffet dinners and a countdown to midnight with fireworks views from the water. In Abu Dhabi, cruises along the Corniche and Yas Marina offer a similar experience, featuring music, dining and scenic views of the city’s skyline. For those interested, it’s essential to book in advance, as yacht parties and dinner cruises have limited capacity and tend to sell out early due to high demand. Considerations for New Year's Eve Yacht or Cruise Reservations Advance Reservation: Due to the great popularity of these events, reservations must be made well in advance. The majority of dinner cruises and yachts have a restricted capacity and sell out fast. Dress Code: It is essential to inquire with the operator about the specifics of the dress code since many yacht parties and cruises have formal or semi-formal attire requirements. Package Inclusions: Verify what is included in your reservation because certain packages may contain alcoholic beverages while others may incur additional fees. Special Offers: A few cruise lines or yachts could provide early bird discounts or unique packages with a New Year's Eve theme that includes supper, live music, or exclusive VIP experiences.

The New Year’s Eve fireworks in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically start right at midnight to welcome the New Year. The main events are centered around the countdown to midnight, with the Burj Khalifa fireworks starting precisely at 12:00 a.m. (UTC+4), accompanied by a stunning light and laser show. Atlantis The Palm’s fireworks display also begins at midnight, as do the displays on the Abu Dhabi Corniche and Yas Island.  However, Depending on the location, a lot of meals and activities begin earlier in the evening, between 7:00 and 9:00. These activities, which include live performances, DJ sets, and entertainment, build up to the midnight fireworks. It’s advisable to arrive a few hours earlier, as roads near popular spots often experience traffic and crowds start gathering by the evening. Some places, such as the Dubai Fountain area, feature light and music shows throughout the evening.

Yes, booking is highly recommended for most New Year's Eve events in the UAE, especially for popular venues near fireworks displays, countdown events and rooftop dinners. Tickets for premium locations like Burj Khalifa’s surrounding areas and Atlantis The Palm's New Year’s parties often sell out weeks in advance. Restaurants and hotels with prime views of fireworks require reservations and sometimes offer special packages, which include dinner, drinks and entertainment. Likewise, yacht and cruise parties, which are popular options in Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi, often have limited capacity and must be booked early. Additionally, some public areas may introduce limited entry or ticketed access, so checking with the venue or event organizer is wise to avoid any last-minute surprises. Recommendations for Booking: Popular Locations: It's essential to get there early to get a place for large-scale fireworks, like those at the Burj Khalifa or Atlantis. Think about reserving a restaurant or hotel package if you prefer a more private, uncrowded experience. Early Reservations: Since New Year's Eve parties, gala dinners, and VIP events tend to sell out, make reservations early to prevent disappointment. Examine the official websites: For precise information regarding bookings and ticketing, see official event listings or hotel websites.

Fireworks are a highlight of New Year's Eve in the UAE and the best-known location is Dubai's Burj Khalifa, where spectacular fireworks and a synchronized light show attract thousands. Alternatively, Atlantis The Palm also hosts a dazzling fireworks display visible from various spots on Palm Jumeirah.  In Abu Dhabi, the Corniche and Yas Island offer fireworks displays and Yas Marina is another fantastic spot for catching the show. Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah also holds an impressive fireworks show, making it a great spot for families. It’s recommended to arrive early at these locations, as they become crowded closer to midnight. If you want a unique viewing experience, consider watching the fireworks from a desert safari camp or by booking a rooftop restaurant for an elevated view. Extra Advice for Seeing Fireworks in the United Arab Emirates Get There Early: Arriving early is crucial to guarantee a good viewing place at popular locations like the Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, which may get quite crowded. Examine the schedules of local events: Numerous waterfront hotels and shopping centers, such as those close to Dubai Marina, host exclusive viewing parties, frequently from excellent vantage points. Public Transportation: To avoid traffic jams, think about taking public transportation or a cab if you're going to locations like Downtown Dubai or Abu Dhabi's Corniche.