Dubai has a great reputation for its astounding New Year’s Eve celebrations. 2020 will be a little different due to the pandemic.
Fireworks and Light Shows
At the stroke of midnight there are spectacular fireworks/lights shows at a variety of iconic locations across the city. They include:
Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain
The Burj Khalifa is the iconic backdrop for Dubai’s most famous New Year’s Eve show. Access for the 2020 show can be gained by pre-registering on the U By Emaar app.
Burj Al Arab
Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel is the setting for another fireworks and light show. Book a table at one of the restaurants at the Madinat Jumeirah for great views. Watch for free from locations such Jumeirah Public Beach.
Atlantis the Palm
The signature hotel on the Palm Jumeirah will host a huge party featuring legendary band Kiss. The show will be livestreamed around the globe. Book a room at the hotel to watch it from your room’s balcony.
Global Village
Global Village, the seasonal attraction at Dubailand, is hosting 7 different firework displays to celebrate the New Year in different countries around the globe. The first is at 8 pm Dubai time as China celebrates New Year. Others are at 9 pm (Thailand), 10 pm (Bangladesh), 10.30 pm (India), 11 pm (Pakistan), 12 pm (UAE), and 1 am (Russia).
Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram
Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram times are usually extended over the New Year period. Times have not been released at the time of writing. Specific details will be added when known.
Restaurants, Galas, and Parties
Almost all restaurants, hotels and clubs host New Year’s Eve events. Prices are usually high, especially for outdoor tables with views of the fireworks and light shows. There are a few cheap options.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, January 1 2021, is a public holiday in Dubai. New Year’s Eve is not a public holiday.
Global Timings
If you can’t make it to Dubai to see the fireworks and light shows, you will probably be able to watch them on a TV station in your home country. Please note the time difference between Dubai and cities around the world.
New Year in Dubai will happen in:
- Berlin and Germany – 9 pm, 31 December 2020 – 3 hours behind
- Cairo and Egypt – 10 pm, 31 December 2020 – 2 hours behind
- Delhi and India – 1.30 am, 1 January 2021 – 1.5 hours ahead
- Doha and Qatar – 11 pm, 31 December 2020 – 1 hour behind
- Hong Kong – 4 am, 1 January 2021 – 4 hours ahead
- Islamabad and Pakistan – 1 am, 1 January 2021 – 1 hour ahead
- London and UK – 8 pm, 31 December 2020 – 4 hours behind
- Moscow – 11 pm, 31 December 2020– 1 hour behind
- New York – 3 pm, 31 December 2020 – 9 hours behind
- Singapore – 4 am, 1 January 2021 – 4 hours ahead
Time differences between Dubai and other major cities around the world can be found here.
The local time in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is now
