Unique New Year Adventures in the UAE

New Year's Adventures in the Skies, Underwater, and in the Desert: 5 Unique Celebrations in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, year-end celebrations have long moved beyond the traditional firework displays. Across the country, unique events are organized that stand out not due to their size, but because of their location and ambiance. For the 2025/2026 New Year's Eve, more and more people are seeking alternative options instead of the usual crowded centers. Here, we present five New Year's experiences that differ from the traditional and allow you to experience the last and first moments of the year in a special way.

1. New Year's Eve from the Air: Hot Air Balloon Experience at Atlantis

The Atlantis The Palm offers a unique opportunity for those who wish to view the midnight fireworks from above. As part of the "NYE Sky Carnival," guests can ascend into the air in a tethered hot air balloon, providing a view not only of the Atlantis fireworks but also the spectacular pyrotechnic displays at JBR, Burj Al Arab, and other Dubai venues.

The balloon ascents occur at two times: the first between 7 and 10 PM, and the second in the early hours of New Year, between 1 and 2 AM. The program also includes a ground ceremony, where participants can articulate and write down their New Year's intentions. Prices vary by location: seating with balcony views starts at Dh500, outdoor tables at Dh2,000, and VIP spots at Dh3,000, each for up to four people.

2. Night Kayaking and Paddling: Watching Fireworks from the Water

For water enthusiasts, Crystal Clear Watersports and other similar providers offer night kayaking and paddle boarding on New Year's Eve. Participants join guided tours in small groups, watching the fireworks from the water near the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Bay Island, or the Four Seasons Hotel.

During the program, performance or speed is not the focus but rather the calm, unique setting and intimate experience. Prices depend on the selected package and duration, but the event is exclusive with limited attendance.

3. Dinner in the Depths of the Ocean: Ossiano's Special New Year's Menu

Atlantis' underwater restaurant, Ossiano, prepares a special multi-course dinner for New Year’s. This experience is not only a gastronomic delight but also a retreat from the big noisy parties. Surrounded by marine life, guests can enjoy their festive dinner on December 31st, starting at 7 PM.

After dining, participants are escorted to designated viewing spots to watch the spectacular Atlantis fireworks. The experience costs start at Dh1,500 per person, offering intimate and different atmosphere New Year's moments.

4. 50 Meters High in the Air: Dinner in the Sky Dubai

For those who truly crave height, Dinner in the Sky Dubai offers a unique opportunity. This event takes place in a floating restaurant, where guests are hoisted about 50 meters high by a crane to enjoy their New Year's dinner.

The program starts at 10:30 PM and ends at midnight, including a multi-course menu and a grand view toward Palm Jumeirah, JBR, and Dubai Marina. The event's price starts at Dh1,400 per person, ensuring the New Year begins literally above the clouds.

5. Desert Escape from the City: Liwa New Year's Festival

For those who want to avoid city bustle and fireworks, the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival is a perfect choice. The festival takes place in the Liwa Oasis near Abu Dhabi and starts at the end of the year, running into early January.

Visitors can participate in dune races, motor, and car competitions, and relax under the star-lit sky in the evenings. The event area is usually free to enter, although some programs and competitions may require additional fees. Here, the celebration is not about fireworks but about motorsports, traditional desert culture, and community experiences.

Closing Thoughts

In the UAE, New Year's celebration is no longer the privilege of shiny skyscrapers and spectacular fireworks. Across different places in the country, more opportunities arise to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the new year in a special, memorable way—whether from the air, underwater, or amidst sand dunes.

Whether it's a romantic dinner underwater or adrenaline-filled desert programs, the possibilities are almost endless. These alternative forms of celebration not only open up new perspectives for participants but also help turn the anniversary into a truly personal, unique experience. And if all this is done with Dubai's iconic skyline as a backdrop, it ensures the new year begins in the most memorable way possible.

(This post was created based on the shared experiences and stories of the readers.)