Top Spots for New Year's Fireworks in UAE

New Year's Fireworks in UAE: Best Spots for 2025/2026?

The United Arab Emirates celebrates the arrival of the new year with breathtaking fireworks, drone shows, and musical performances every year – and the end of 2025 will be no exception. As 2026 approaches, residents and tourists will once again be dazzled by the colorful sky, synchronized explosions, and the atmosphere of celebrations at iconic locations.

If you plan to celebrate the New Year from the comfort of your home, you might want to reconsider: across the country, numerous spectacular events await that would be a shame to miss. Below, we highlight the UAE's most exciting New Year's fireworks locations where you can appropriately greet the year 2026.

Abu Dhabi: Tradition and Elegance

Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Abu Dhabi Corniche stretch offers an 8-kilometer-long spectacle of fireworks that can be viewed from multiple points - such as the MOTN Festival area, near the Manar installations on Lulu Island, or from the sands of Corniche Beach. The sight of lights arching over the sea provides a true visual experience.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

This premium location is attractive not only for its luxury: guests can participate in an elegant New Year's evening combined with a concert and fireworks, with a pre-purchased ticket. The event's uniqueness lies in the culinary experiences and the exclusive environment.

Liwa Festival

A favorite for adventurers, the Liwa Festival also offers spectacular fireworks. Visitors camping among the sand dunes can experience the midnight lights as a unique experience. The show will also be visible from the surrounding settlements of Liwa Village and Tal Moreeb dune.

Sheikh Zayed Festival

This months-long cultural event not only showcases the heritage of the Emirates but also celebrates the New Year with grand fireworks. Artisans, traditional artists, international performers, gastronomic stalls, and family-friendly programs make the experience diverse.

Yas Island

The island of entertainment does not miss out on the celebration: fireworks are held at two times – one at 9 PM, mainly for families with children, followed by the classic midnight show. The spectacle can be enjoyed from Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina, and Yas Beach locations, but perfect views are also possible from the Manar installation on Samaliyah Island.

Dubai: The Capital of Sights

Burj Khalifa

The fireworks around the world's tallest building are one of the events generating the most interest every year. Thousands gather in Downtown Dubai to countdown together and admire the precisely choreographed light show projected on the tower’s façade.

Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm

The Atlantis hotel and the entire palm-shaped island also light up when midnight strikes, and fireworks shoot into the sky. The location is unique, as the lights highlight the Palm's shape when viewed from a bird's-eye view – often captured in drone videos.

Expo City Dubai

Building on the legacy of Expo 2020, Expo City Dubai offers special programs on New Year's. A child-friendly countdown is held at 9 PM with confetti, a musical selection, and spectacular projections on the Al Wasl Dome. A second countdown follows at midnight. Ticket prices start from Dh150.

Al Seef

Al Seef district represents the charm of the old town meeting modern elements. The New Year is celebrated here against a backdrop of traditional Arab dhow boats, historic buildings, and Dubai Creek, providing an authentically traditional fireworks display.

Bluewaters Island and The Beach (JBR)

These two nearby locations hold simultaneous fireworks, so those living or staying near Jumeirah Beach Residence or Dubai Marina can enjoy the New Year's Eve double. The seaside panorama and towering skyscrapers in the background offer both a natural and urban visual spectacle.

Global Village

The multicultural entertainment park celebrates each country's New Year countdown every hour, starting from 8 PM until midnight. Visitors can enjoy multiple fireworks while also experiencing gastronomic, musical, and artisanal programs.

Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah Celebration

Sharjah – Al Heera Beach and Al Majaz Waterfront

Al Heera Beach offers a 3.5-kilometer stretch for a 10-minute fireworks display, while Al Majaz offers a light show with urban panorama at five points. These locations are ideal for families, providing a calmer festive atmosphere.

Khor Fakkan Beach

Located on the east coast, the coastline of Khor Fakkan makes the evening special with LED actors, a laser show, and a 10-minute fireworks display.

Ajman Corniche

The popular family picnic spot of the small emirate fills with life and light on New Year’s Eve. The coastal walkway serves as an excellent venue for community celebration.

Ras Al Khaimah – Al Marjan Island

Ras Al Khaimah is known for its attempts at fireworks records, and this year will be no different. The stretch between Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, along with several designated parking areas (like Jais, Yanas, Rams), offers perfect views of the massive fireworks display.

Summary

In the United Arab Emirates, welcoming the New Year is more than just a few minutes of fireworks – it’s an all-night experience that offers a perfect blend of culture, technology, spectacle, and community. Whether it's the elegance of Abu Dhabi, the iconic attractions of Dubai, or the calmer coastal locations in Sharjah and Ajman, everyone can find the perfect spot to stylishly bid farewell to 2025 and joyfully welcome the year 2026.

(Source of the article based on official announcements.)