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Best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free

Head to these places on New Year Eve

New Year's Eve Fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free

The year 2023 is almost here! What’s New Year without watching some spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky when clock  strikes 12?!

If you’re wondering where to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free, we’ve got you covered!

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi

There are many spots to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi, from Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Festival and Yas Bay Waterfront to Al Maryah Island.

1. New Year’s Eve fireworks at Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi Corniche is the city’s classic spot to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks; it is stretched over eight kilometers along the waterfront and is the best place to capture the capital’s most prolific display of pyro-projectiles.

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free
Abu Dhabi Corniche

Also, there’s a list of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can hang out too.

Entry to the corniche is free.

2. New Year’s Eve fireworks at Yas Bay Waterfront

Yas Bay Waterfront lights up for New Year on Yas Island every year, offering an electrifying mix of al fresco dining, world-class entertainment and unique leisure experiences.

There will be a huge fireworks display over the Marina at 9pm and a second one at midnight, promising two stunning firework displays.

Best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free
Yas Bay Waterfront

The Waterfront is a vibrant leisure and entertainment district, including Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, cafés, bars and restaurants, a beach club and the award-winning Etihad Arena.

3. New Year’s Eve fireworks at Sheikh Zayed Festival 

Located  at Al Wathba, Sheikh Zayed Festival exhibits UAE’s heritage, highlighting the history and union of the UAE.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival will try to break its own Guinness World Records for duration, volume and formation during its firework and light spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

This includes:

  •  The largest fireworks show (for 40 minutes), which will break Three Guinness World Records in terms of duration, volume and form.
  •  A huge drone show, which will break one Guinness World Record by using more than 3000 drones, which is the first in the region.
  • The grand performances of the Emirates Fountain Light and Laser Show.
  • International parades from around the world.
Best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free
Sheikh Zayed Festival

Along with fireworks, there will be many other activities for families and everyone, including camel races, falconry shows,  theatrical central Emirates Fountain plaza, and dining adventures from over 50 restaurants and food trucks serving snacks from around the world.

Entrance to the festival is ticketed and the fee is Dh5. Kids below 6 years and elder citizens over the age of 60 can enter the festival for free.  Also entry is free for people of determination.

Gates open at 3PM.

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4. New Year’s Eve fireworks at Al Maryah Island

Al Maryah Island will light up the sky when the clock strikes 12 with a spectacular fireworks display which will take place at the boardwalk. 

The event is free to watch, but you might want to head there at your earliest to get the best spot!

5. New Year’s Eve fireworks at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium

This iconic, state-of-the-art football stadium located in the city of Al Ain promises a free, family-friendly event with their firework bash that will keep you mesmerized. The venue offers comfortable seating to catch the action and is usually packed with locals and tourists every year.

The stadium holds 22,717 spectators and is one of Al Ain’s tallest buildings and a recognisable landmark.

Best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi for free

The fireworks extravaganza will light up the skies of Al Ain on the eve of the New Years at the stroke of midnight.

Elsewhere to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Beach Club: Saadiyat Island is the perfect place to enjoy the fireworks this New Year, which has top rated resorts nearby and also hotels such as St. Regis and Hilton. Saadiyat Island lights up with pyrotechnic displays, with multiple viewing areas across the island.

Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra: It’s not confirmed but likely. Al Dhafra translates to ‘where desert meets sea’, and a phenomenal fireworks display over the sand dunes will give an extra glow to the deserts.