How to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly New Year in Dubai
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I have been in Dubai during the New Year, and one thing I noticed is that the people who spend the most are not always the ones who enjoy the most. For example the rooftop tables at AED 2,000 per head, hotel packages, valet parking and many more. And this is totally fine if you have thick pocket :) But most families I know celebrate in a much simpler way and come back home with the same big smile.
Burj Khalifa fireworks, from the street
The best part about this is that its Free but with a cost. That is the main reason lakhs of people go there. You stand somewhere around Downtown or the Dubai Mall side and watch the whole tower light up at midnight. The difficult part is everything before it, roads close from afternoon, the metro is crowded and once you are inside the area you are not getting out quickly. Reach by 4 PM if you want a proper spot. If you have small kids or elders with you, honestly think twice, or try the Business Bay side where its slightly less packed.
But if you book your tickets for Burj Khalifa fireworks in advance, you won’t have to worry as much about busy streets, heavy traffic, or loud noise from the crowds. You can enjoy the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks direct from the Burj Khalifa building with an unforgettable experience.
A New Year cruise
My personal favourite for families. On the creek, dhow cruise packages for that night usually sit around AED 150 to 350 with buffet and a Tanoura show, Marina costs more because of the skyline. You get a seat, food is sorted, kids are not getting lost in a crowd of thousands, and you still see fireworks from the water. Book early though, by mid December the good boats are gone.
Desert safari on New Year's Eve
Not many people think about this one. Camps run special evening packages with dune bashing, BBQ dinner, belly dance and their own countdown under the open sky. Around AED 200 to 450 depending on the camp, pickup and drop included, so no taxi surge pricing to worry about at 1 AM which is a big relief actually.
Global Village
Entry ticket is cheap and on New Year's Eve they normally do fireworks for different countries' midnights, so you get more than one countdown in the same evening. Food from every corner of the world, some shopping and a lot of noise. Go early, parking is a headache that night.
Beach or waterfront with your own food
JBR, Al Seef, Festival City. Pick one near your home, carry a mat and some homemade food and just sit by the water. Most of these places have something happening at midnight. And the best part is that it costs nothing.
Whatever you choose, plan the transport part first because that is where the night usually goes wrong. Check the RTA timings, keep the Nol card topped up and leave a little early. If you want help with cruise or safari bookings, XYZ.com has New Year packages for both.
