NYE cancelled?

We have the latest news on what is, and isn't, going on in Dubai for NYE. 40 Comments

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Last night, New Year's Eve celebrations across Dubai were called off. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the cancellation of all forms of celebrations marking the New Year in Dubai emirate, as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Time Out is contacting venues across Dubai to get the latest story. We will be posting up to the minute news in our Knowledge section so keep an eye what's going on and let us know what you hear.

http://www.timeoutdubai.com/knowledge/news/4692-nye-up-to-the-minute

As ever, if you have booked tickets, get in touch with the venue direct for more details on their final plans and possible refunds.

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By Emily Mccarrick
Time Out Dubai, 22 December 2008

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Posted by: Bert on 31 Dec ' 08 at 12:04

Dubai authorities should open a bank account. Instead of spending it on alcohol and other fun just donate it. I am sure that is a lot of money. Just a couple of hours less fun can save lives.

Posted by: Michael Gaiser on 31 Dec ' 08 at 12:01

''H.H. Sheikh Mohamed has proved it one more time what a great peoples' leader he truly is.

Being a Christian I know what it is to have the NYE bash cancelled but based on the situation I feel it is worth the cause.

All hats off to H.H.S. Mo''

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS AND SUPPORT HIS DECISION.

Let's not forget that we are all making money in this country and in our country, most of us would make peanuts, That's why we are here!

Also, these guys are rippping us off with their DJ events during the entire year so missing one night, so what?? good for my bank account.

Please note that Dubai is the ONLY place in the world where you pay for 100, 200, 300 Dhs to hear an outdated DJ!

It's totally unfair but the greed of those promotors is without control.

Posted by: frank on 31 Dec ' 08 at 11:33

I just spoke to Madinat Jumeirah and they confirmed that the Chaos VIP event is still on. I think its ridiculous to cancel events as I don't see how that's going to help the Palestinians or their cause. Whats even more ridiculous is that despite HH Sheikh Mohamed instructing all hotels to cancel their new years parties most places claim that their events are still on. If we really want to help the Palestinians we should donate blood, money, food clothes etc etc and of course the international community especially the Arab world should step up and stop this carnage instead of sitting on the sidelines and watching the fun. Canceling events won't end the suffering.

Posted by: frank on 31 Dec ' 08 at 11:27

I just checked with Jumeirah Madinat and they insisted that the Chaos VIP event is very much on apart from the fireworks. I think its ridiculous to cancel all events cos i don't see how that's going to help the Palestinians or their cause. However whats even more ridiculous is that HH Sheikh Mohamed himself has instructed that no hotel should host any parties and yet most places claim that their events are on. If we really want to help the Palestinians ...donate money,blood,food,clothes etc etc. And of course the international community especially the Arab world should step up and try to stop this carnage instead of sitting on the sidelines and watching the fun. Canceling events won't end the suffering.

Posted by: Saeed L' Faqihi on 31 Dec ' 08 at 11:18

well most party's aint cancelled, as i work with a security company for events and all, i just got a confirmation that Chaos at madinat arena is still on as planned.

Posted by: M on 31 Dec ' 08 at 11:16

Any word on Address Hotel? I am being told (as of 3:12pm) that some hotels are saying their events are still on..

Posted by: Time Out Editor on 31 Dec ' 08 at 11:14

Hi again, we're keeping you updated as quickly as we can. The information we have is correct at the time of publication. We'll be sure to let you know if we hear of any arrangements changing.

Posted by: June Park on 31 Dec ' 08 at 11:06

We have just been informed that the NYE celebrations at The Palace is going ahead as usual. We then watched city7 and it was announced that Sheikh Mohammad has cancelled all celebrations......help!!!

Posted by: Time Out Editor on 31 Dec ' 08 at 10:35

Thanks for all of your comments. We're updating the NYE updates constantly, so as soon as we have more news we'll let you know. News from Chi and Zinc soon, we hope.

Posted by: T on 31 Dec ' 08 at 10:08

I think that people have also come & planned from all over the world therefore I think that proceeds from Hotels & restaurants should go to charity & that would be a good gesture all around!

Posted by: Katie Seeley on 31 Dec ' 08 at 10:01

I just checked with Barasti and they say all celebrations are going ahead still there, including music. Friends of mine are also going to Lotus one where the celebrations are going ahead as its a private party....

Posted by: Farah on 31 Dec ' 08 at 09:52

It's the least that Dubai can do- partying and celebrating the new year while innocent people are being slaughtered would have been in bad taste to say the least. Send help and funds to the suffering people of Gaza. Dubai is a wealthy country, pressure should be applied on the US/Israel to stop the massacre of the Palestinians, however the world silently watches the bloodshed. FREE PALESTINE

Posted by: TAJ on 31 Dec ' 08 at 09:49

I haven´t seen any reaction like this after the terror attacks in Mumbai....

Posted by: ram on 31 Dec ' 08 at 09:44

is there any news on irish village?

Posted by: shadia on 31 Dec ' 08 at 09:30

Thanks for Sheikh Mohammad decision.
I really like and agree with Sam comment !

Posted by: Ron on 31 Dec ' 08 at 09:01

Any news on Da Gama in Century Village?

I called in the morning and the manager told me the party is still on, although he didn't really sound convincing.

Refunds better be given if parties are cancelled...

Posted by: Sam on 31 Dec ' 08 at 08:58

Whilst I applaud the sentiment behind the cancellation and the need for observance I would like to offer the following comments: 1. There are unfortunately terrible tragedies and atrocities happening around the world every day. We need to be more conscious all of the time not just tonight and not just for the Palestinian cause. 2. New Year Celebrations are a physical expression of the hope that things can and will be better in the coming year - isn't that what we want for the Palestinian people? 3. I think that the Palestinian people need more practical and tangible support than canceling our parties. Let's convince the hotels to donate a % of profits to Red Crescent to provide Humanitarian Aid. All of us who are attending the festivities should also donate extra money. We could observe a period of silence to think about the situation. What about a gathering at one of the stadiums or parks and have the Blood Bank in attendance so people can donate, collection points for food, clothing, blankets etc. Let's have support books at all foreign embassies and all expats should go to their embassy and tell their governments that they need to do more to stop the situation. Even if the events are canceled tonight - we should still do all of the above anyway.

Posted by: Dave on 31 Dec ' 08 at 08:36

I spoke to Madinat Jumeirah, they said the Club Persia event at Shoo Fee Ma Fee is still happening tonight, they said they have 2 DJs and dancing is permitted. But there will be no fireworks.

Posted by: Ghassan on 31 Dec ' 08 at 08:03

I would like to thank Sheikh Mohammed for the cancellation..
I do not imagine myself dancing ans kids are killed for no reason..

Posted by: S on 31 Dec ' 08 at 08:00

I got news from the Burj the firework will not happen all the people coming every year to watch it but this year no count down no firework.....,dinner still not decided.will post later if i have more news.
Live band may be canceled.

take care

Posted by: event guy on 31 Dec ' 08 at 07:58

We have tickets for the Axwell event in the trade center and the organizers said that the party will push through and only goverment sponsored events are canceled.

Furthermore, this order is only applicable in Dubai. I work for an events company and my contacts from hotels in abu dhabi said all their events will proceed as planned.

While hotels and venues here in Dubai are still undecided. Apparently, their top managers are having a meeting with DTCM now to make a final decision.

Posted by: Jeff on 31 Dec ' 08 at 07:20

Just returned from DTCM office. All outdoor and indoor parties cancelled all over Dubai, including hotels. Restaurants can serve dinner indoor but no entertainment allowed (live band or background music). But it is not entirely a ‘dry’ night!

Please post any new updates on Aviation Club, Cellar in particular.

Posted by: on 31 Dec ' 08 at 06:02

I have just called The Aviation Club to find out if The Cellar will be open and they have said that they'll find out at midday, I also asked if it is cancelled whether we will get our money back and again they said that they will confirm at midday. I will post on here when I find out more info

Posted by: Kevin on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:57

Aimee, you said sad, what about the other people!!

Posted by: Motherjammer on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:56

ANybody heard anything about Chi @ The Lodge...still on?

Posted by: jane on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:48

hi! im a 8 yr old girl who really wants to celebrate new years like every other person. this party cancellation thing is a little unfair to kids (including me:)who have been waiting for a new years eve party.

Posted by: aimee on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:42

Is there any point of having a new years party if you cant dance, no music!!
Has anyone heard anything about Brasti, is it still happening?

Posted by: Todd on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:39

I understand the reasoning behind canceling nye, however, wouldn't it be a great idea to raise money for charity by going ahead with the parties?! The venues could charge an extra fifty dirhams that could go to charity....makes sense???

Posted by: MC on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:35

I checked this morning with The Atlantis hotel regarding the Sanctuary party and the management has not decided yet. They will keep us posted via the local media and their website.

Posted by: Anna on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:18

I think the NYE've parties should all be moved to tomorrow, what about all the 450 hotels, more bars and more nightclubs that have invested thousands of Dirhams for DJ's and Bands flown in many times from over seas.......these business are all trying to survive in this moment of economical crisis, has nayone thought of that???

Posted by: Kevin on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:17

How can you have a party with no music, a NYE with no countdown and no fireworks!!
Might as well cancel the whole thing rather than certain aspects of it!

Posted by: Dsouza Aloma on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:13

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed has proved it one more time what a great peoples' leader he truly is. Being a Christian I know what it is to have the NYE bash cancelled but based on the situation I feel it is worth the cause.

All hats off to H.H.S. Mo.

Posted by: Time Out Editor on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:08

It looks as though some venues may be going ahead with dinner but no party or fireworks. We will let you know as soon as we hear more from the hotels.

Posted by: Ahmed Shariefi on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:05

I have tickets for Shakira's party and yet I was not planning to attend, it didn't feel right with all what's happening around us.

I welcome the decision, but can also understand if some international visitors get annoyed and frustrated.

Posted by: aimee on 31 Dec ' 08 at 05:03

Can anyone tell me whats happening tonight is everything open or what?

Posted by: Eliza on 31 Dec ' 08 at 04:41

I just checked this morning with Madina Jumeriah regarding the Chaos and they said its not yet cancelled.

Posted by: T on 31 Dec ' 08 at 04:35

we have been told that Irish Village might not be refunding cost of tickets sold. please advise!!!

Posted by: Time Out Editor on 31 Dec ' 08 at 04:27

Hello, this is the Deputy Editor of timeoutdubai.com, thanks for your comments.

We are going to get in touch with as many hotels as we can today and keep you updated on what's going on.

Let us know what else you hear.

Posted by: z on 31 Dec ' 08 at 04:21

I agree if its gets implemented. I really would love to see the ruling implemented in all hotel, specially the Jumeira beach hotel. Called them this morning, and they said that nothing had changed yet and plans are still on schedule... interesting... I would appreciate if timeout or any other media house would call few places to makes sure this gets implemented.

Posted by: Zalfa on 31 Dec ' 08 at 04:14

Chapeau to He. H. Sheikh Mohamed! This compassionate, respctable & humanitarian decision will expand your love& appreciation in our hearts and that's what makes Dubai different and full of unpredictable surprizes. Thank you

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