New Year Travel Guide for Visitors to Dubai
Planning a trip to Dubai for the New Year is one of the best ways to make the celebration unforgettable. The part that confuses most tourists is exactly how to plan your day around it. From busy streets and special events to concerts and fireworks shows, you will want to explore them all. To put your mind at ease and make planning hassle-free, here is a Dubai New Year travel guide that will go a long way on your trip.
Start Planning Before You Fly
One thing that we will advise everyone not to do is wait until the last minute to make plans. New Year is a very popular time in Dubai and planning in advance will make sure you are not stuck in traffic or run out of time to book your favorite event or activity. So, this Dubai New Year travel guide is here to help you figure out where to stay, where to celebrate & how to get there. Once you know, the rest becomes super easy. Here are some recommendations as per the budgets for accommodation:
- Budget-friendly: Sunday Marina View Hotel Apartments, Millennium Place Marina
- Mid-range: Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina by IHG, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club
- Luxury: FIVE LUXE JBR, Atlantis the Royal, One&Only the Palm
Pack for Comfortable Winter Days
When you see the most loved months for visiting Dubai, December is one of the top months. It’s because there’s no stress of dealing with the intense heat, and you can enjoy your whole day outside to the fullest! Just make sure that your suitcase has the following items:
- Light and comfortable clothes for daytime
- A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A power bank for your phone
- A small bag for carrying your essentials
Tip: Don’t pack heavy winter outfits, as the weather is comfortable and not freezing.
Pick Your New Year’s Eve Experience
There’s not one but plenty of amazing fireworks spots to check out during New Year’s Eve. Although being at every spot is not possible, this Dubai New Year travel guide has amazing options. Check access, tickets, timings, transport and exit arrangements first. All you need to do is select the one that you like the most and book it in advance if needed:
- Watch Burj Khalifa fireworks & Downtown Dubai
- Restaurant with Burj Khalifa view: Time Out Market Dubai, At.mosphere, Amelia
- Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina
- Private/Shared Yacht Celebration
- Xclusive Yachts
- New Year Rose Royale Cruise
- Spend the evening at a beachside celebration: JBR or J1 Beach
- Palazzo Versace Dubai
- Address Hotels + Resorts
Tip: With the Dubai New Year Travel guide, keep one simple rule in mind: Do not pick a place only because it looks beautiful in the photo.
Make Transport Part of Your Plan
Another thing that you must plan beforehand is transportation. The roads are super busy and the road closures make it a bit stressful to get around. Therefore, you must add a taxi, metro or private transfer to your Dubai New Year travel guide to pre-arrange. Always keep the following in mind:
- Dubai metro and tram timings
- Road closure information
- Closest metro station and bus stop
- Transport back to the hotel
- How early you need to arrive
Tip: If you are taking a taxi, leave some extra time. If your destination is within walking distance, walking can be easier than sitting in heavy traffic.
What Can We Do Before the Fireworks Time?
Just because the fireworks are at midnight doesn’t mean you have to sit idle the whole day. The best thing that the Dubai New Year travel guide will advise you to do is plan your day around the nearby places where you plan to watch fireworks. This is because there can be road closures or heavy traffic that may make you late for the fireworks show.
- Downtown Dubai: Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo & dinner at Souk Al Bahar
- Dubai Marina & JBR: Dubai Marina Walk, JBR Beach and The Beach, JBR
- Palm Jumeirah: The View at The Palm and enjoy lunch around The Pointe
- Old Dubai: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, abra ride and Gold Souk or Spice Souk
- Business Bay: Dubai Canal, City Walk
Do Not ‘Overplan’ Your January 1st
After staying up past midnight, waking up early is really hard. So, let’s take it slow. Dubai New Year travel guide will focus on the activities that are slow-paced, making your first day of the year comfortable and memorable. You can start the first day of the year with:
- Relaxing breakfast
- Beach day
- Casual lunch
- Shopping day
- Sunset walk along the beach, promenades, etc
Keep These Tips Handy
- Many bookings require you to bring identity proof for verification, so make sure you are carrying it safely.
- We advise everyone to save your hotel address on your phone for quick access.
- If you plan to travel on your own, then download useful maps and check official Dubai tourism and RTA updates.
- You should also carry a power bank to keep your phone charged at all times.
- Wherever you plan your event, make sure to follow the event staff and transport officials.
Takeaway
With the Dubai New Year travel guide, you are all set to have a hassle-free celebration. Once you make your plans with its help, you will also have time for fun, surprises and unplanned moments to make the trip special. So, pack your bags and bring your excitement to get ready to welcome the New Year in Dubai.