An aerial view of Burj Khalifa.

Dubai has announced a packed programme of events and activities for New Year’s Eve, which will see an array of world-class entertainment, spectacular fireworks and concerts taking place across the city.

When it comes to celebrations and the New Year countdowns, Dubai never falls short of expectations. With record-breaking celebrations and world-class performances, Dubai captures the eyes of the world every time.

As the city prepares for head-turning celebrations, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Calendar revealed the main events and activities taking place to usher in the New Year in an unforgettable way.

From dazzling fireworks that can be seen from all around the city, to DJ performances at the beach and star-studded performances by international artists, as well as enriching shopping experiences, Dubai promises visitors and residents something for everyone to enjoy, all with appropriate safety precautions and social distancing measures in place.

Stilt shows and star-studded performances by international artists are organised in Dubai.

The array of events and activities that Dubai will host in celebration of New Year’s Eve will continue to reinforce the positive message to the world that the city is open and continues to welcome everyone to enjoy Dubai’s diverse destination experiences.

The celebrations will contribute to further enhancing domestic tourism by attracting citizens and residents from other emirates to enjoy the many experiences and varied promotions the city has to offer, in line with the UAE Strategy for Domestic Tourism announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The successful citywide management of the pandemic led to the reopening of the city to tourists on 7 July, with an emphasis on health and safety as a top priority. Dubai launched the DUBAI ASSURED stamp, a compliance programme to certify all establishments in the tourism ecosystem that have complied with safety guidelines.

With Dubai being endorsed by the World Economic Forum as one of the world’s safest destinations, it received further global recognition - the World Travel & Tourism Council awarded the Safe Travels stamp to Dubai for the effective citywide management of the pandemic.

As the fourth most visited city in the world, according to the 2019 MasterCard Global Cities Index, Dubai, which welcomed 16.73 million international visitors in 2019, continued to be a top-of-mind destination globally throughout 2020 as Dubai Media reports.

New Year celebration awaits with live concerts in Dubai.

As one of the first few cities in the world to have restarted its events sectors, Dubai is one of the few destinations that will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with live citywide events and spectacular fireworks displays and laser shows, with Dubai Tourism working closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure the success of the festivities to welcome 2021 in grand style.

Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Calendar have listed below the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve and ring in 2021:

DSF Markets

Dubai Shopping Festival’s visitors will be treated to a host of entertainment on New Year’s Eve with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).  Shoppers can enjoy the best deals at malls and stores across the city as part of the DSF Sale Season promotion, which runs until 30

Fireworks

Fireworks are set to light up the entire city at the stroke of midnight with dazzling colors and laser shows that never fail to impress. Bidding a grand farewell to 2020, wherever you are in the city, the fireworks displays at 23 different locations can be enjoyed when the clock strikes midnight as Dubai lights up from north to south and east to west.

A fireworks show in Abu Dhabi is all set to break two Guinness World Records. Lasting an astounding 35 minutes, the New Year’s Eve (NYE) fireworks display will light up the night sky over Al Wathba for more than half an hour.

Fireworks shows will be held at the following locations: Burj Khalifa; Burj Al Arab; Madinat Jumeirah; Dubai Festival City Mall; Global Village; La Mer; Dubai Frame; Jumeirah Beach Residence – The Beach; Al Seef – Dubai Creek; Nshama Town Square; Bab Al Shams Desert Resort; Le Royal Meridien Resort; Bvlgari Resort Dubai; Golf Club – Arabian Ranches; Emirates Golf Club; The Address Montgomery Hotel; Jebel Ali Hotel; Four Seasons Hotel; The One & Only Hotel – Palm Jumeirah; The One & Only – Royal Mirage; Atlantis The Palm; Jumeirah Zabeel Saray; Park Hyatt Dubai.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is providing residents and visitors a unique experience of watching the fireworks through their marine transport service.

A fireworks show in Abu Dhabi is all set to break two Guinness World Records.

Concerts

A glamorous New Year celebration awaits with a live concerts at Burj Al Arab. Step into the New Year with a tasteful gala dinner featuring excellent cuisine prepared by Burj Al Arab's culinary team. Before the clock strikes midnight, the party will move to a 360-degree view terrace, where guests can witness a spectacular panoramic view of the fireworks displays around the city.

Treat yourself to delicious fine dining with pass-around plates of starters, mains and sweets while enjoying a night of live musical acts.

Make the most of Dubai's spectacular winter weather and dance into the New Year at a beachside bash at Barasti Beach. The Barasti Lockdown Breakout New Year Eve Party kicks off after sunset and ends in the early hours of 2021, with live entertainments.

Celebrate an unforgettable New Year's Eve!