This is an article from 2011. View festive and new year in Dubai 2012

Fireworks fans
It’s no secret that Dubai has a penchant for fireworks (DSF, anyone?) but on New Year’s Eve three particularly spectacular shows will leave you spoiled for choice. Major displays are held at Atlantis, the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, with each of the iconic landmarks competing to put on the most ostentatious, awe-inspiring show. Take a look at our top tips for bagging a prime view.

Burj Al Arab
If you can’t afford Dhs7,450 for the seven-star hotel’s swanky New Year’s Eve gala, you don’t have to miss out on the display. Check out the view from the Pullman Mall of the Emirates’ rooftop, or from the terrace at its all-day dining restaurant, Sanabel – there’s a party across both venues, where Dhs1,000 will get you selected house beverages all night. If you don’t want to spend a penny, throw on a sweater instead of your designer garb and pitch up on Kite or Sunset Beach. Both are located just off Jumeirah Beach Road and directly to the right of the hotel, so expect superb views.

Atlantis
Your first option is to go for the Under the Stars gala dinner at the pink resort itself, but if Dhs2,750 seems a little steep, there are other ways to catch the action. Last year, we saw Atlantis’s impressive display from as far away as M-Dek’s NYE party at Media One Hotel in Media City, which this year is Dhs295 before 11.45pm and Dhs100 after. You could also check out the views from Vista Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in the Holiday Inn Knowledge Village, which will be hosting a NYE do for a reasonable Dhs395, or Dhs550 with unlimited house beverages. Alternatively, just head to a friend’s apartment on the Palm.

Burj Khalifa
To catch these impressive fireworks, plan your journey beforehand and think carefully about how you’re getting home. Last year, Downtown was incredibly busy, with delays of more than two hours on the roads and hardly a taxi in sight, while the metro was so overwhelmed the main station was eventually closed. Ideally, camp out on the sofa of a friend who lives in the area. For the best views, find a spot anywhere round Emaar Boulevard (get there early to nab a bench on the boulevard, or find a space in the square opposite Qamardeen Hotel – both are free of charge). If you fancy missing the scrum and not the show, Italian seafood restaurant BiCE Mare in Souk Al Bahar is offering dinner on its terrace for Dhs1,200 per person.