7 New Year’s Eve gala dinners to try in Dubai

The Starry Night Arena at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Burj Al Arab has some competition from its near-neighbour, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This evening begins with a walk into a ballroom bedecked with thousands of stars and enveloped in jazz rhythms. As you sit down to your dinner, you’ll then be entertained by members of the Cirque Du Soleil team, before you are escorted out onto the terrace to watch the fireworks over Burj Al Arab. After midnight, DJ Tony Perry takes things into the early hours.
Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Time: 8pm onwards
Price: AED3,750
Contact: +971 4 432 3232, website

Atlantis the Palm
This gala dinner is held on the hotel’s broad beach, which provides a prime position for the fireworks overlooking the imposing hotel at the crown of The Palm’s outer crescent. The evening begins with canapes and beverages in Asateer before diners wander down to the shoreline at 8pm for an expansive buffet. There’s live music from a 30-piece band and an open bar until 3am.
Where: Atlantis The Palm
Time: 7.30pm-3am
Price: AED2,900
Contact: +971 4 426 2626, website

Dukes Dubai
You can get stuck into two different dining options at Dukes, whether the Brit-inspired GBR or Indian restaurant Khyber, for a five-star, three-hour meal. Afterwards, there’s a beachside US-style jazz party.
Where: Dukes Dubai, The Palm
Time: 8pm-11pm, afterparty until 2am
Price: AED895 for the dinner, AED1,250 including afterparty package
Contact: +971 4 455 1111, website

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou
Lapita’s Tiki masquerade gala dinner at Kalea restaurant will offer a unique way to see in the New Year, with a multitude of live stations including a cured salmon carving station, live caviar station, fresh seafood station and a spit roast serving 18-hour slow-cooked prime rib. Dubai Parks and Resorts also has its own midnight fireworks to enjoy. Great choice for families.
Where: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Time: From 8pm
Price: AED995 (with house beverages)
Contact: 

A Romantic New Year’s Eve at the Beach
This is a stunning package that will suit couples looking for an altogether more luxurious experience. Dine in a private cabana on the Jumeirah Al Qasr beach beneath glittering stars and with your own violinist, after which you can join the exclusive Layali beach party. The premium package is AED15,000 and includes a six-course set menu dinner and free-flowing beverages including premium French bubbles.
Where: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Time: From 8pm
Price: From AED7,500
Contact: +971 4 432 3232, website