Last week we gave you the lowdown on all the happenings around Christmas; for this week we’ve temporarily removed our party hats and put on our thinking caps to find all the best spots around the capital for the perfect New Year countdown ...

Abu Dhabi Country Club
Celebrate 2010 in style – dress to impress as The Club is transformed for a magnificent Gala evening with exquisite food, top-class live entertainment, dancing into the wee small hours and a fireworks display at midnight. The evening begins at 8pm with dinner and concludes with an early morning breakfast on New Year’s Day.
The Poolside will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve special with live entertainment from Salha and The Million Dollar Band plus a disco and a Grand Raffle for the night. Dress code is black tie or national dress. Members AED 525, guests AED 625 (adults only). Doors open at 8pm.
Information: 02 673 1111.

Al Raha Beach Hotel
Enjoy a colourful countdown to the New Year with a Carnival Party at Al Raha Beach Hotel. From 8.30pm until late all of Al Raha’s venues will be open to ticket holders, offering a multitude of fun and fabulous events.
Start your evening in the lobby for live cooking stations, belly dancers, magicians, beverages and canapés and Latin rhythms. Head on to the ballroom for a live cabaret band and seated dinner, or alternatively choose Sevilles for some live dancing action. Then continue the party with bubbly in the Black Pearl Lounge and celebrate the start of the new decade with Al Raha’s three resident DJs in Enigma. The Lobby will see in the final moments of 2009 with a big countdown. AED 790 per person.
Information: 02 508 0555 ext 427.

Al Ghazal Golf Club
The Golf Club always puts on a good party. Its New Year’s Eve event starts at 8pm for welcome bubbly and goes on to include a buffet with a range of select beverages included. You’ll need to be a party of at least four people – that’s the minimum booking. AED 400 for members, AED 450 for non-members.
Information: www.alghazalgolf.ae or 02 575 8040.

Beach Rotana
Dinner and dancing brings in the New Year in style at the Beach Rotana. The evening starts with a buffet-style dinner, then there’s music from DJ Mario from the Sky Bar Beirut and Guy Manoukian with his band – Arabic, Greek, Tzigan, salsa and samba music should see everyone on their feet to dance in the New Year. AED 2010 per couple, including selected beverages.
Information: 02 697 9011.

Centro
There’s a whole party package happening at Centro this New Year’s Eve, perfect for those who want a complete fuss-free deal or simply to enjoy some tunes and drinks to see in 2010 with entertainment from Radio 2 DJ Steve Johnston on the terrace. An additional AED 300 per person gets you a room for the night as well. The deals include:

• Cocktail Table (from 11.15pm onwards) – up to six people per table, AED 1,000 each. Includes a bottle of bubbly and one of the house beverages
• VIP Sofa Lounge from 11.15pm onwards – facing the pool, up to eight people per table. AED 1,800 includes a bottle of bubbly and two other bottles of your choice
• VVIP Sofa Lounge – again from 11.15pm and for eight persons per table, this time facing the race circuit. AED 2,000 per person includes a bottle of bubbly and two bottles of your choice

Information: 02 656 4444.

Countdown Party in The Garden
Another option: for AED 385, enjoy a lavish buffet and unlimited house beverages all evening as the New Year is brought in at the Countdown Party in The Garden, the Crowne Plaza’s dead-centre restaurant. The party starts at 7pm and every guest will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win two return tickets to Paris, courtesy of Swiss International Airlines.
Information: 02 616 6122.

Eight restaurant
Head to Souk Qaryat Al Beri this New Year’s Eve for a lavish menu of seasonal dishes and a whole host of entertainment from the resident DJ at Eight restaurant. From 9pm until 4am, join the party at one of Abu Dhabi’s chicest spots with bubbly and an oriental twist setting the pace for the night. AED 950 per person – tables of 10 plus can book a cheaper deal.
Information: 050 144 6662.

Elements @ Level Lounge
If fancy dress isn’t your thing, head on up to the Crowne Plaza’s roof to the ever-popular Level Lounge. There will be plenty of live entertainment from international DJs and extra treats for New Year’s Eve. AED 350 covers entry, plus there’s free bubbly and canapés until 11pm.
Information: 02 616 6122.


Guilty Pleasures @ Crowne Plaza Yas Island
One of London’s biggest pop parties has arrived in Abu Dhabi – Guilty Pleasures will be at Stills Bar and Brassiere at the Yas Island Crowne Plaza on New Year’s Eve. AED 350 for women, AED 450 for men including food and standard house beverages till midnight.
Information: 02 656 3053.

Heroes
Famed for its fancy-dress theme nights, the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi this year is pulling out all the stops to ensure everyone has a monstrously good New Year’s Eve. Head along to Heroes from 8pm and make yourself a monster or an alien for the night with unlimited standard beverages until 11pm; then there’s a buffet and monster party with live music until 4am. AED 275.
Information: 02 616 6122.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
This New Year’s Eve, Chameleon is the place to see and to be seen! Featuring an impressive range of festive themed beverages, various vintage bubbly combined, savvy mixologists and a resident DJ, this fashionable and chic venue is the perfect place to toast at     the stroke of midnight. New Year’s Eve at Chameleon starts at 7pm and runs to 3am, with a cover charge of AED 250.
Or relax Poolside, overlooking the beach and the Grand Mosque, with a range of sharing platters, small bites and a dedicated drinks bar – plus live DJ. 7pm to 2am, with a cover charge of AED 150.
Information: 02 654 3238.

Hilton Abu Dhabi
From five course meals to live bands, there’s a whole host of entertainment on offer at the Hilton for New Year’s Eve.

• Vasco’s will be celebrating the evening with a five course menu and entertainment from musical duo Sound Canvas from 8pm: AED 495
• Bice will also be hosting a five course menu and music from pianist Ima: AED 525
• Jazz band U-Turn will accompany a five course menu at the Jazz Bar for AED 525 from 8pm, and party goers at Hemingways can enjoy a three course menu, entrance and two complimentary drinks from 8pm (AED 305 for set menu or AED 200 for entrance and two drinks)
• There’s also a gala dinner taking place in the Liwa Ballroom with entertainment from The Worx – AED 650, from 7.30pm
• If you just want to dance your way into 2010, Cinnabar will have DJ Toni taking charge of the tunes from 10pm. AED 250 for women, AED 300 for men

Information: 02 681 1900.

Intercontinental Al Ain
For one night only, the InterContinental Al Ain will turn to an Oriental Samba Show to see in the New Year with a bang. A sumptuous buffet from the hotel’s French executive chef will start the evening while Brazilian dancers, belly dancers, a live Columbian band, DJ and One-Man show will warm up the celebrations. We’re intrigued! AED 480 per person or AED 850 per couple.
Information: 03 768 6686.

La Rumba @ Etoiles
The official after-party to Rihanna’s concert is going to be huge. Etoiles and Flash Entertainment are putting on what must be the party animals’ gig of the year – and you don’t need Rihanna tickets to head along to gate 3 and the arena of Emirates Palace hotel.

Dance from 9pm till the early hours with live music from DJ Danny Neville from Radio 1, Etoiles’ own DJ Andy Swift, DJ Enzo Mirak from Beirut and plenty more. This year sees a special twist from Etoiles with a performance from the UAE number one percussionist Hush and go-go dancers, fire-flaring and fireworks for a truly special New Year countdown. AED 350, or free with Rihanna tickets.
Information: 02 690 8960.

Ministry of Sound @ Left Bank
Celebrate the New Year in true Ministry of Sound style as the world’s most famous club returns for an exclusive event. With Ben Dela Pena making his Abu Dhabi debut, make sure you get your tickets early and enjoy the finest house music all night long.

The event starts at 9pm. Tickets are AED 450 for women and AED 600 for men – this includes entry plus all standard drinks free throughout the night. Tickets: visit Left Bank, or go to www.1boxoffice.ae
Information: 02 558 1680.

Mecure Grand Jebel Hafeet
For a unique New Year’s Eve, head on up to the Mecure Grand Jebel Hafeet. Perched halfway up the most dramatic mountain in Al Ain, the hotel’s a great place to bring in the New Year from a top scenic vantage point. Book yourself in for the Gala Dinner and be entertained by the hotel’s Ole Band though the midnight hour. AED 485.
Information: 03 783 8888

Oceans
The regular party spot within Le Royal Meridien hotel is hosting Lipstick on New Year’s Eve. The party will include international guest DJs spinning the decks well into the New Year. Entrance AED 200.
Information: 02 674 1094.

One to One Hotel – the Village
One to One’s Black & White New Year’s Eve party promises live entertainment, awesome tunes from Simon B (Radio 1), buffet and unlimited drinks – all for just AED 500. Dress to impress (in black and white, of course!).
Information: 02 495 2000.

Pearls and Caviar
Celebrate in the stylish lounge bar at the Shangri La Qaryat al Beri with a bubbly reception and a live action oyster bar followed by an exquisite six-course set menu with paired drinks. After dinner, see in the New Year with a magnificent display of pyrotechnics over the water. AED 1500 per person.
Information: 02 509 8777.

Radisson Blu Yas Island
Groove into the New Year by the poolside with international DJs Martin Damen and Ms Bunty, live cooking stations and a laid-back atmosphere. Start the party with dinner underneath the stars at the pool, watch fireworks at the Plaza, and move indoors at 11pm for the Underground Garage Party hosted by the DJs – who are flying in from Amsterdam specially to make sure you bring in the New Year with a bang. AED 700. Information: 02 656 2000.

Rihanna – Live in Abu Dhabi
The New Year’s Eve event on everyone’s lips – the live concert in the grounds of Emirates Palace starts at 8pm, followed by the La Rumba after-party from midnight onwards. Tickets from AED 395 are available from Virgin Megastores and the Emirates Palace or online at www.boxofficeme.com among others.
Information: www.thinkflash.ae/rihanna.

Sax
The club inside Le Royal Meriden hotel will be entertaining party revellers with a live Arabic band and guest DJ. Table reservations available – entrance AED 200 per person. Information: 02 674 1286.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi
The Sheraton is offering a whole range of New year’s Eve options in its bars and restaurants.

• Treat yourself with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as Il Paradiso turns into a lounge with complimentary pass-round canapés, cosy bean bags or classy couches to relax on, and quality lounge music from the guest DJ. Doors open at 9pm. No reservation required; prepaid tickets at AED 120 include three discounted drinks
• Enjoy the hottest fusion night in town at Zenith, where DJ Chad plays all through the night. Men AED 200, women AED 100 net per person both including two house beverages
• Bubbly, caviar and oysters will help start the New Year in style at Cloud Nine, accompanied by the Sheraton’s pianist Yaryna for a very chic and civilised end to 2009.

Information: 02 697 0262.

Traders Hotel
With DJ Fadi from Radio One playing tunes from 5pm, party into 2010 with a relaxed, fun and lavish Barbecue Beach Party on the private beach of Traders Hotel. AED 500 per person.
Information: 02 510 8888.

Ushna
With Ushna’s Resident DJ Benson playing funky tunes all night, the Ushna Bar and Terrace lounge is the ultimate location to welcome in the New Year. AED 395 includes canapés, and premium drinks (add bubbly for AED 495). Fireworks over the water too! Information: 02 558 1769.

VIP Events – The White New Year’s Eve party.
Hop aboard for a VIP New Year’s party and see in 2010 in style. VIP Events are mooring up at the end of the Plant Souk at Mina Port for drinks, canapés and a buffet dinner, catered by the Hilton, aboard the impressive 97’ White Empros motor yacht. Board the party at 9pm, dress in white for the night and join in the festivities with DJ Mike Hargreaves setting the mood for an unforgettable evening. AED 750 per person.
Information: 050 125 1661

The Yas Hotel
Don’t miss the midnight action at Skylite, the hotel’s rooftop lounge – a perfect setting with views of Yas Marina and fireworks at midnight to bring in the New Year in style. Or celebrate the night at Rush, with an array of prestige bubbly and specialty beverages plus chic house music from the bar’s resident DJ. New Year’s Eve diners at any of The Yas Hotel’s restaurants get a ‘VIP’ pass to Rush and Skylite. Information: 02 656 0600.

Yas Rotana
Yas Rotana has some great party options to help you celebrate.

• Famous-name DJs are promised at the trendy Y Bar from 10pm. The entrance fee of AED 200 includes one drink.
• Make a splash and enjoy your New Year’s Eve at the Yas Island Rotana pool with DJ Dave Cleary from Radio 2 – again AED 200, again including one drink.

Information: 02 656 4000.

Escape into the new year
Get away from it all for the last night of the year. Enjoy yourself, eat and drink your fill, don’t worry about getting home, sleep late, and tuck into your first meal of 2010 with someone else doing the cooking

Centro Yas Island

• New Year’s Eve open buffet with unlimited house beverages and a glass of bubbly at midnight
• Overnight stay (and late checkout)
• Breakfast on New Year’s Day

Price: AED 999
Contact: 02 656 4444

Crowne Plaza Yas Island

• New Year’s Eve Guilty Pleasures party at Stills Bar and Brasserie, inclusive of food and house beverages from 8pm till midnight
• Overnight stay in a Superior Room
• New Year’s Day breakfast at Jing Asia

Price: AED 1,300
Contact: 02 656 3053

Park Inn, Yas Island

• New Year’s Eve poolside party and buffet
• Overnight stay

Price: AED 495 (or AED 395 if you don’t need the room)
Contact: 02 656 2222

Yas Hotel

• New Year’s Eve Dinner at Origins
• VIP to Rush and Skylite lounges
• Overnight stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms (and late checkout!)
• New Year’s Day brunch at Origins

Price: AED 2,101 per person based on double occupancy
Contact: 02 656 0600

Yas Island Rotana

• Set-menu dinner in Blue Grill on New Year’s Eve
• One night stay in Yas Island Rotana
• New Year’s Day brunch at Choices

Price: AED 1566
Contact: 02 656 4000

Yas Island Rotana

• Set menu dinner in Rangoli restaurant on New Year’s Eve
• One night stay in Yas Island Rotana
• New Year’s Day brunch at Choices

Price: AED 1,446
Contact: 02 656 4000

Yas Island Rotana

• New Year’s Buffet in Choices Restaurant on New Year’s Eve
• One night stay in Yas Island Rotana
• New Year’s Day brunch at Choices
• Free entrance to the pool party

Price: AED 1,726
Contact: 02 656 4000

New Year’s Day Brunch Guide
Wind down, refuel and start the New Year with no washing up to do. Here’s our pick of the New Year’s Day deals

Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Where: Casa Verde
Time: 11am to 3pm
Price: AED 95 for adults, AED 45
for children
Contact: 02 558 8990

Al Raha Beach Hotel
Where: Azur Restaurant
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: AED 320
Contact: 02 508 0555

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Where: Rosebuds, Brauhaus
and Benihana
Time: 12.30pm onwards
Price: AED 199
Contact: 02 697 9011

Casa Verde
Where: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Time: 11am-4pm
Price: AED 95 adults
AED 45 children
Contact: 02 558 8990

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
Where: The Garden
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: AED 185 inc unlimited bubbly and fruit beverages
Contact: 02 616 6222

Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Where: Stills
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: AED 140 inc soft drink; AED 210 inc standard house drinks; AED 350 inc free-flowing bubbly
Contact: 02 656 3053

Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Where: Barouk
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: AED 200 inc soft drinks; AED 300 inc standard house drinks and Arak
Contact: 02 656 3053

Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Where: Jing Asia
Time: 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: AED 160 inc soft drink;
AED 250 inc standard house drinks; AED 450 inc bubbly
Contact: 02 656 3053

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Where: Elements
Time: 11.30pm to 3pm
Price: AED 449 with unlimited
premium bubbly; AED 249 for the bubble-free experience
Contact: 02 654 3238

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Where: Global Buffet in Sofra Bld
Price: AED 310 inc selected beverages
Contact: 02 509 8555

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Where: Flavours Fusion Restaurant
Time: 11.30pm onwards
Price: AED 235 including
free-flowing bubbly
Contact: 02 697 0262

Yas Hotel
Where: Origins
Time: 12:00 to 4pm
Price: AED 350 inc house beverages Contact: 02 656 0600