Abu Dhabi Week discovers how the capital gets ready to wave away 2013 and start the New Year.
Whether you like to go big or go small, there is something for everyone to celebrate this New Year’s Eve. From fantastically foodie-flavoured festivities, theatrically themed parties and dance floor finds, residents can ring in 2014 with plenty of pizzazz. So what’s on offer? Read on to find out.
After all, there’s no time like the present!
Party with a premise
Fall into some fancy dress with these special celebrations to kick start 2014 with a dash of style
Al Raha Beach Hotel
Mirror, mirror on the wall – which party is guaranteed to draw all? The black tie ‘Hall of Mirrors’ gala dinner will see guests welcome the New Year in style. After enjoying a delicious meal you can dance the night away with music from Ire Trio Band. AED 590++ per person, excluding beverages. Contact: 02 508 0555
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Leg it to the rooftop bar Thirty 1st for a throwback in time. Think legwarmers, shoulder pads and members-only jackets galore! This NYE party will see guests dressed in their best 80s style to countdown the night. Entry is free, DJ starts spinning from 9pm. Selected drinks AED 20 from 5pm to 9pm. Contact: 02 657 4888
Le Méridien
Countdown the year with a Carnival straight from the roads of Rio! This Brazilian-themed party will feature musical shows, dance performances and plenty of delicious food. After dining at one of the restaurants head down to the party in the Center Garden wearing white, red, yellow or green. Prices from AED 390 and up. Party from 8pm onwards. Contact: 02 644 6666
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Get ready to glow! After enjoying a delicious five-course set menu at 18º from 8pm to 11pm you can then check out the ‘Glow with the Stars’ after-party on the outdoor pool deck of Rayana Spa. DJ Simon B from Radio 1 will hit the decks while you party 80 metres above ground. Dinner from AED 800 per person and up. Entrance to after party only, inclusive of soft and hard beverages AED 600 per person. Contact: 02 596 1234
Iris, Yas Marina
Ring in the New Year with a return to retro. Old school Hollywood glamour is the theme for the night, with guests dressing up in vintage, retro and 20s inspired attire. Guests can enjoy delicious bites, drinks and live music while soaking up the view from the Yas Marina. From AED 750 per person. Contact: 055 160 5636
Le Royal Méridien
Looking for some luck in the New Year? Then head over to PJ O’Reilly’s for a journey into the magical land of Paddywood. Live music, good food and friends will make for a memorable night out. From 7pm, dress code: glamourous green. Entrance for AED 50 for advance tickets or AED 75 on the night, inclusive of BBQ plate. Over 21 only. Contact: 02 674 2020
Just dance
Slip on your dancing shoes and work up a sweat while you boogie the year away
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat
Please don’t stop the music! Head over to the Sea Lounge for a celebration to remember. With DJ Kiko Navarro on the decks, guests will be dazzled and entertained by the fire performers, dancers and stilt walkers before taking in some spectacular fireworks. From
AED 250 and up. Party begins at 10pm. Contact: 02 656 3500
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Drop the beat. Head over to The Yacht Club for good food and even better dancing. With resident DJ Angelo, guest DJs and saxophonist in charge you’ll be sure to get your groove on. Friends can enjoy a family style sharing menu, inclusive of a bottle of bubbles and a bottle of Russian beverages. AED 549++ per person, minimum of six people per table. Contact: 02 666 6888
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Meet me on the dance floor! After dining at the hotel and releasing a floating lantern into the waters of the Grand Canal, you can continue the celebration at the after party at Sorso Bar. From 1am to 4am, you can move and groove on the dance floor to the sounds of resident DJ Beta. 21 years and over only. Dinner from AED 588++ and up. Contact: 02 818 8282
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
After feasting on a delicious Italian sharing menu at Aqua, you can head down to Glo, the hotel’s open-air lounge, to countdown 2013 in style. Hosted in collaboration with Fashion TV this party is sure to get dapperly dressed guests dancing. AED 950++ per person.
Contact: 02 813 5555
Countdown with cuisine
Make memories with your family and friends with mouth-watering meals
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa
Make way for moreish Moroccan cuisine at Agadir. Take your palate on a journey with this fine-dining experience, inclusive of free flowing house beverages. Formal attire required. From 8pm to 1am. From AED 390++ per adult, AED 250++ per child, with soft drinks. Contact: 02 616 9999
St. Regis Saadiyat Island
Beef, it’s what’s for dinner. Head over to 55 &5th, The Grill for pre-dinner drinks and canapés before sitting down to an indulgent eight-course meal. Top your celebrations off with live music by a pianist for a delightful night. Begins at 7.30pm. AED 950++. Contact: 02 498 8888
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri
Usher in 2014 with a special Arabian night. Hosted at the Al Nojoom ballroom, enjoy Lebanese treats and traditional dishes. Entertainment will include a belly dancer and magnificent fireworks at midnight. AED 750++ per person including a bottle of select beverages per table. Contact: 02 509 8888
Eastern Mangroves by Anantara
Celebrate the New Year with a Thai twist when indulging in a gourmet five-course set menu at Pachaylen. Featuring live entertainment, after you’ve eaten your fill you can head over to The Pool Deck to dance the night away. AED 1,199++ per person, including glass of bubbly and other select beverages. Contact: 02 656 1000
Delights of the day
Who says the party has to stop now that the clock’s dropped? Check out these daytime dining deals
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
Start 2014 off right with a special health-focused brunch to get you on track. The ‘Resolutions’ ultimate brunch at Origin will feature a live salad station, organic produce, healthy smoothies and much more. From 12.30pm to 4pm. AED 225 per person with soft drinks or AED 350 with unlimited house and sparkling grape. Contact: 02 656 0000
Sheraton Hotel and Resort
Start new traditions with a celebration for New Year’s Day. Dip your toes on the sand on 1st January with a delightful picnic on the beach for two, complete with a hamper filled with gourmet nibbles, chilled grapes and live entertainment. AED 280 for two persons. Contact: 02 677 3333
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Put those resolutions off for one more day and indulge on 1st January with a special brunch served up in Urban Kitchen. Featuring Arabic specialties, Asian treats, exotic desserts and more. AED 220++ with soft drinks or AED 320++ with select beverages.
Contact: 02 698 8888
Hilton Abu Dhabi
After dancing the night away, recover your senses over a bountiful buffet. This brunch at La Terrazza will cover all your cravings and features a live pasta station, carving section and more. From 12pm onwards. AED 195 per person. Contact: 02 681 1900
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
Spend the first day of the year on Saadiyat Island enjoying a delicious brunch at The Café. Indulge on gourmet dishes and fresh flavours. From AED 280++ per person, for food only. From 1pm to 4pm. Contact: 02 407 1234
