Fireworks in Abu Dhabi, RAK and Hatta: where to see New Year's Eve fireworks

Planning on visiting other emirates this New Year’s Eve?

Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have big plans for Sunday December 31.

Abu Dhabi will host a 40-minute long show, while RAK is attempting to break another world record. Here’s what you can expect…

Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi is a spectacular event and one of the highlights of the yearly calendar.

There are so many spots to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi and they are free to attend.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Yas Island
Head down to Yas Bay and Yas Marina to enjoy a memorable night with your friends and family. There will be a huge fireworks display over the Marina at 9pm and a second at midnight, offering two spectacular displays. You can enjoy a delicious meal at the various restaurants, bars and cafés on the promenade, too.
Free. Sun Dec 31, 9pm. Yas Island.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island will ring in the new year in style with a spectacular ten-minute fireworks display, which will take place at the boardwalk. Usually, this event is free but on a first-serve basis, so you’ll need to arrive early to claim the best spot. Don’t worry though, you can book your table at one of the top restaurants and settle down on the terrace, or watch the fireworks performance on any of the large screens.
Free. Sun Dec 31, midnight. Al Maryah Island.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Festival
Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba festival will attempt to break three Guinness World Records with 40-minute NYE fireworks. The extravagant 40-minute NYE fireworks show will be part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and will take place at Al Wathba. Organised by the Sheikh Zayed Festival committee, there will also be cultural entertainment throughout the evening from 4pm.
Free. Sun Dec 31, 4pm onwards. Al Wathba.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Hudayriyat Island
A family-friendly fireworks bash will keep you “ooohing” and “ahhhing” throughout the night. Located at Hudayriyat Island, there will be dining options and activities available until 5am.
Free. Sun Dec 31, 5pm-5am. Hudayriyat Island.

Ras Al Khaimah

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is set to welcome 2023 with a 15-minute fireworks and drone display. The free family-friendly festival that is the perfect viewing platform for the Guinness World record-breaking fireworks and drone show.

On Sunday December 31, from 2pm to 1am, enjoy some of the best DJs and performers, including Rach by April, Fahmil Khan and DJ Alena, food trucks, kids activities and more.

Featuring pyro drones, nano lights, colours and shapes choreographed to electric beats, #RAKNYE2023 will see fireworks light up the sky in a truly spectacular New Year’s celebration that cannot be missed. Covering a 4.7km stretch along the waterfront between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, visitors will be mesmerized by a jaw-dropping pyro-musical set to break new records once again.

RAK was previously recognised with two Guinness World Records titles, including the most remote-operated multirotor / drone launching fireworks simultaneously and the highest altitude multirotor / drone firework display.
Free. Sun Dec 31, 2pm-2am. Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village, visitrasalkhaimah.com/raknye.

Hatta

Okay, so Hatta might technically be in Dubai but it’s geographically a bit of a way out of the city. On New Year’s Eve, the mountain range will be illuminated as the clock strikes midnight.

As part of the newly launched Hatta Festival, Hatta will be breaking out the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Just before midnight on Sunday December 31, you’ll see the giant Hatta sign sparkle and shine under the light of the pyrotechnics.
Free. Sun Dec 31, just before midnight. Leem Lake and Hatta Wadi Hub.