One thing is certain — the New Year in Dubai is a big deal. We recently did a round-up of the biggest New Years Eve parties in Dubai — from beach parties to swanky black-tie affairs. Each year, millions of people cram into downtown Dubai to get a glimpse of the incredible pyrotechnic show at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. And yes, we were among the throngs of people.
The Dubai skyline from our New Year party. Getting excited for the big countdown.
Rather than elbowing for a spot on the sidewalk, we joined the intimate New Years Eve party at the very classy restaurant, Thiptara. And let’s just say, you can’t get much closer to the action than here. Check out our journey as we share tips on how to navigate the madness.
Getting ready for the New Year in Dubai at Thiptara restaurant.
Arriving for the New Year in Dubai: Let the Madness Begin
Checking into our room at the Millennium Plaza Hotel, a short subway ride away from downtown Dubai.
After reading about the New Year in Dubai, one thing was evident. If you’re planning to watch the fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, you’ll need to stay either in downtown Dubai or somewhere walkable to it. We ended up staying at the Millennium Plaza Hotel, which is about a 45 minute walk from downtown. The walk is completely safe (Dubai has minimal crime) and entirely flat. With that said, it’s best to stay in the heart of downtown if you can. The last thing we felt like doing was walking back at 2 AM. But we found the rates to be a lot easier on the wallet by staying a little further away. Also, most hotels book up 6 months (or earlier) in advance.
Kevin is looking forward to relaxing in the bathtub on New Years Day.
Plan to Arrive Much Earlier Than You Think
Subway line in Dubai at 4 PM on the day of New Years Eve.
The Millennium Plaza Hotel is located right at the Emirates Tower Metro stop, so we were just 2 stops away from downtown. This is a great option to get to downtown as it drops you off right at the Dubai Mall.
The crowds are gathering. Things are getting busy ahead of the big New Year celebration in Dubai.
Early Arrival At The Palace Hotel: Ahead of our Party at The Hotel’s Restaurant Thiptara
What a view! On the Palace Hotel’s lobby balcony, overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
We survived the crowds! For the past few years, we’ve planned some pretty epic trips around the New Year from Mexico City (twice!) to Miami. With the exception of New York City, where I celebrated the New Year in the early 2000’s, I can’t think of anywhere that goes as wild for the New Year with celebrations across the city. Be sure to give yourself at least 4 hours (yes, no joke) to get to your party. We even had our “fast passes” that were distributed by Thiptara a few days ahead of of the event to get through the crowds. We arrived early for the party, but let’s just say there are a lot worse places to hang out than the Palace Hotel.
Burj Khalifa and Palace Hotel at dusk.
Party Time at Thiptara Restaurant, Our Top Pick to Ring in the New Year in Dubai
We did so much research into the best parties in Dubai. As soon as I saw Thiptara, and its incredible view of both the Dubai fountains and fireworks, I knew that I found the place. The special New Years Eve menu included a 5-course Thai menu. Each table was decorated for the occasion and we personally loved the customized napkin with our names on it.
The napkins on our table at Thiptara.
I also was touched to see New Year “crackers” on the table. These are festive table decorations that make a snapping sound when pulled open, and often contain a small gift and a joke. These were always a big tradition in my family with my mom putting these out for each Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It nearly marked a year since my mom passed away from cancer. It made me think of her and how much she would have loved seeing these on the table.
Kevin tears apart the cracker and throws the yo-yo toy halfway across the room!
There are two foods groups we eat pretty much weekly in Los Angeles — one being Indian food the other being Thai. Let’s just say, we had to HOLD BACK on eating everything served. We’ve done multi-course meals before. But these servings were definitely large. Kevin and I did get a laugh out of the first item on the menu though — called Yum Avocado Poo. I mean, come on… That is just asking for a joke!
Yum Avocado Poo. I dare you not to laugh! Or a spicy avocado salad with Alaskan King Crab and cilantro dressing.
From here, we slammed through a basket of Thai prawn crackers with peanut sauce and grilled scallops in curry sauce.
Kevin shows off prawn crackers.
Scallops in a curry sauce.
Now you can see why we have to pace ourselves with all this food.
Thiptara offers packages inclusive of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. We ended up going with the non-alcoholic option, which included some delicious mocktails along with other soft drinks and sparkling water.
Colorful mocktails included in the non-alcoholic package.
And even though we didn’t get the all-you-can-drink package, we still ordered a glass of Moët & Chandon ($50 USD a glass) to toast the New Year.
Getting Ready for the Big Countdown for the New Year
Thiptara, which means “magic at the water” truly lives up to its name. We moved from our table just a few minutes before midnight to watch the fireworks display. This year, the fireworks started at 11:57 PM. Why? Well, rumor has it that the organizers wanted to be the very FIRST to celebrate the New Year in Dubai. Seriously, Dubai is all about the superlatives!
The big fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, a memory we’ll never forget.
After watching the big display, we went back to our table and enjoyed relaxing and watching the Dubai fountain show. It was truly an international crowd with guests from Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries in the Middle East, New Zealand, Germany and many others. Though, nobody seemed in any rush to leave. Not just because it was a great party. But there were a million people pushing their way out of downtown Dubai.
Kevin watches the Dubai fountain show from the deck at Thiptara.
This was truly an epic New Years Eve celebration. In fact, I didn’t want to leave… Especially since we had that 45 minute walk back to the Millennium Plaza Hotel. Oh well, at least we can walk off all that Thai food we just ate. See, we’re already meeting our New Years resolution — getting more exercise!
On our way back to the hotel. Joining the throngs of people on the blocked off streets of downtown Dubai.
THE LOW DOWN:
- Thiptara offers a top-notch New Years Eve menu that includes a 5-course Thai menu with packages inclusive of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks as well as indoor or outdoor seating. If booking the alcohol package, it includes a free flow of selected wines, house spirits and Prosecco sparkling wine.
- Time: 8 PM – 1 AM
- Dress code: Dress to impress.
- Cost: This is one of the better deals. There are several packages to chose from —
- Indoor seating without alcohol: 2020 AED (or $549 USD per person); with alcohol: 2625 AED (or $715 USD per person).
- Outdoor seating without alcohol: 3045 AED (or $829 USD per person); with alcohol: 3675 AED (or $1,000 USD).
- **Insider tip: Book by December 15 for a 15% discount for an early bird reservation. We ended up booking indoor seats without alcohol for $467 USD per person, quite the savings.
- Location: Downtown Dubai, Ground Level, Palace Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd (across the water from the Dubai opera)
- How to book? Email their reservations office directly at Thiptara@thepalace-dubai.com.
Happy New Year from the Gourmet Globetrotters in Dubai.
Looking for other travel ideas through United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Check out our full coverage here.
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