Abu Dhabi is already preparing for a packed New Year’s Eve in 2025, with city planners again focusing fireworks around the Corniche, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island and other waterfront hubs, giving restaurants in these districts some of the strongest views in the UAE. As in previous years, the 2026 countdown will most likely centre on Wednesday 31 December, with shows timed for midnight as the city steps into the new year. Early announcements suggest a mix of family friendly promenades, luxury hotel dinners and ticketed waterfront parties, many of them tied directly to the official fireworks locations. Because of that, picking the right restaurant is really about positioning yourself near one of the main display zones. Early reservations are essential for restaurants with direct fireworks views.
Al Maryah Island fine dining with waterfront fireworks
In recent seasons, Al Maryah Island has hosted one of the capital’s most polished New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, with synchronised shows above the waterfront promenade and The Galleria. The promenade facing the water offers prime viewing, so restaurants that spill onto this edge – including upscale spots such as Zuma, Coya, LPM Restaurant & Bar and similar fine dining venues inside The Galleria – tend to sell out first for New Year’s Eve dinner. Many of these places usually offer set menus, with prices that can reach approximately 700 to 1,200 AED per adult, sometimes higher for premium packages with free flowing drinks. Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island also use their terrace restaurants and lounges to showcase the island fireworks, often pairing multi course menus with live music. Expect some of the highest New Year’s Eve dinner prices in the city.
Corniche and Emirates Palace sea view celebrations
Along the Corniche, fireworks are typically launched off barges or from the breakwater, lighting up the skyline and giving beachfront hotels spectacular vantage points. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in particular has a long record of elaborate festive programming, from gala concerts to New Year’s Eve dinners at Vendôme and the other in house restaurants that open onto the gardens and private beach. Past seasons show packages ranging roughly from 800 to over 1,500 AED per person for New Year’s Eve dinners here, depending on menu and inclusions, with the beach and marina area offering sweeping views of the fireworks show over the Corniche. Other Corniche facing hotels, including properties near Nation Riviera and Marina Mall, usually position their sea facing restaurants and terraces as fireworks viewing spots with minimum spend requirements. Many Corniche venues introduce minimum spend rules on New Year’s Eve.
Yas Bay waterfront restaurants for island fireworks
Yas Bay Waterfront has quickly become a favourite for those who want fireworks, music and dining all in one compact area, thanks to its position facing the Yas Island skyline. Restaurants along the boardwalk, including venues such as Nuri Grill & Bar and several neighbouring steakhouses, lounges and casual eateries, look directly toward the fireworks that are usually launched close to Yas Island’s theme parks and landmarks. In previous years, Yas Bay restaurants advertised special New Year’s Eve menus with outdoor seating, giving diners a front row seat when the midnight show begins over Yas Island. Prices here can be a little more varied than Al Maryah or Emirates Palace, starting around 350 to 600 AED per person at many mid range spots, though top tier venues still charge more for window or terrace tables. Choose an outdoor terrace table here if fireworks views are your top priority.
Yas Marina and trackside venues with skyline shows
On the other side of the island, Yas Marina and the hotel cluster around Yas Marina Circuit normally host their own New Year’s Eve dinners and parties, with restaurants and lounges lining the water and track. Diners at marina front venues can usually see both the local fireworks over Yas Marina and the larger island wide display, creating a layered skyline effect at midnight. Some of the more exclusive venues inside the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island or directly on the circuit may sell tickets for gala dinners or rooftop parties, with access managed through hotel reservation teams or platforms such as PLATINUMLIST or TICKETMASTER depending on the format chosen by organisers. Families often prefer earlier sittings with quieter music, while late seatings move into full party mode with DJs, countdown screens and views of the fireworks reflecting on the marina water. Check carefully whether your chosen marina restaurant operates on reservations only or requires an event ticket.
Saadiyat Island resort terraces with calmer views
If you prefer a slightly calmer atmosphere, the big beach resorts on Saadiyat Island usually frame New Year’s Eve as a more relaxed but still upscale celebration. Restaurants at properties such as Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas focus on al fresco dining, live bands and elegant buffets or set menus instead of direct front row fireworks. Because of the island’s orientation, you may still catch distant flashes from Corniche or Yas Island fireworks on a clear night, while also enjoying private resort fireworks if scheduled for in house guests. Prices for Saadiyat New Year’s Eve dinners are typically comparable to Al Maryah’s premium venues, often in the 700 to 1,200 AED range per adult, sometimes with kid friendly pricing for younger guests. For couples and groups seeking a refined but less crowded evening, Saadiyat Island is often one of the best compromises.
Hudayriyat and casual waterfront spots for families
For a more relaxed, family focused New Year’s Eve with open sky fireworks, Hudayriyat Island and other casual waterfront districts around Abu Dhabi city usually offer food truck style dining and simple cafes with views back towards the skyline. In many past seasons, Hudayriyat has hosted community fireworks and evening entertainment, and although details for the 2026 countdown will appear closer to the date, it is reasonable to expect something similar. Here, families can arrive early, let children enjoy the playgrounds and cycling tracks, then settle onto the grass or simple terrace seating with shawarmas, burgers or coffee before the fireworks show. Most food prices will stay closer to everyday levels, although some operators may add small surcharges or minimum spends for prime viewing spots. Parking capacity is limited, so arriving before sunset is strongly recommended for families using private cars.
Prices, booking strategies and suitability notes
Across Abu Dhabi, restaurant New Year’s Eve pricing varies widely, but a few patterns help with planning. High end hotel restaurants on Al Maryah, Saadiyat and the Corniche often start around 700 AED per adult and can exceed 1,500 AED for premium packages with drinks and live entertainment, especially at flagship venues like Emirates Palace or signature fine dining brands. Mid range waterfront spots at Yas Bay, Yas Marina and along the Corniche can range from approximately 350 to 800 AED for special menus, often including soft drinks and sometimes limited house beverages. More casual cafes at Hudayriyat or in neighbourhood marinas may charge standard menu prices or modest minimum spends while still giving you partial fireworks views. Always confirm what is included in the price – food only, soft drinks or full beverage packages – before you pay a deposit.
Weather, transport and safety tips for New Year’s Eve
Late December in Abu Dhabi usually brings some of the most comfortable weather of the year, with average daytime temperatures around 24 to 26 degrees and nights often dropping to roughly 16 to 18 degrees, although humidity and sea breezes can make it feel cooler on exposed terraces. Light layers, a shawl or thin jacket are usually enough for outdoor dining, but children may need an extra hoodie closer to midnight, especially if they sit near the water. Traffic traditionally builds up from early evening around the Corniche, Yas Island and Al Maryah Island, so it is wise to plan for additional travel time, use taxis or ride hailing where possible and follow police instructions on temporary road closures. Public buses may help for guests coming from other parts of the city, but return services after midnight can be crowded, so many residents arrange shared rides or stay overnight in city hotels instead of driving long distances back to other Emirates. If your restaurant or lounge uses a ticketed New Year’s Eve format, sales will typically run through their own reservation teams or established platforms such as PLATINUMLIST, TICKETMASTER or VIRGIN MEGASTORE TICKETS, and prices announced now should still be treated as approximately, because operators sometimes adjust packages closer to the date. Make your reservation before it is too late. According to recent checks by the editorial team behind www.few.ae, the safest strategy is to book early, reconfirm all inclusions in writing and keep an eye on official Abu Dhabi announcements as the 2026 New Year’s Eve fireworks programme is finalised.
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