Abu Dhabi’s New Year Eve 2025: All you need to know
Parking and transport updates for largest NYE celebrations in the UAE capital
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is preparing to host an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration, combining record-breaking fireworks, dazzling drone shows, and vibrant cultural events.
With its impressive lineup, this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet, drawing in visitors from across the globe.
The night will feature iconic locations such as the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi Corniche, which will light up the skyline as the city welcomes 2025 in spectacular fashion.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba is set to be the highlight of Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. The festival aims to dazzle the world with a 53-minute fireworks display, designed to break six Guinness World Records. Starting at 6:00 PM on December 31, visitors will be treated to hourly fireworks, building up to a grand finale at midnight.
A special 20-minute drone show will feature 6,000 drones performing aerial displays, including a “Happy New Year” message in the sky. The light show will feature over 80 lasers illuminating the skyline, while more than 100,000 balloons will be released to add to the excitement.
In addition to the modern entertainment, the festival will feature traditional Emirati performances, including Al-Ayyala and Al-Razfa, offering a unique cultural touch to the celebrations. Entry to the festival is priced at Dh50, and visitors are encouraged to book tickets early as capacity limits will be strictly enforced.
Security arrangements
Abu Dhabi Police have implemented a comprehensive security plan to ensure the smooth running of events across the emirate. Major General Ahmed Saif Bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi has outlined measures to manage tourist hotspots, regulate traffic flow, and ensure public safety during the festivities.
Motorists are urged to adhere to traffic laws and avoid distractions, particularly mobile phone use while driving.
With emergency services on standby and advanced technology at their disposal, officials are fully prepared to respond to any incidents.
For emergencies, residents can contact the Command and Control Centre at 999.
Transport and Parking updates
Abu Dhabi authorities have also announced several key changes to transport and parking arrangements for the New Year’s holiday. Surface parking fees will be waived on January 1, 2025, and will resume on January 2, 2025, at 8 AM. Additionally, parking fees at the Musaffah M-18 truck parking lot will be free during the public holiday.
The Darb toll gate system will also be free of charge on January 1, 2025, but will resume operations on January 2, 2025, during peak hours (7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM).
Motorists are urged to avoid parking in prohibited areas and refrain from parking in residential parking spaces from 9 PM on December 31 until 8 AM on January 1 to ensure smooth traffic flow.
For public transportation, Abu Dhabi Mobility has confirmed that public bus services will operate according to weekend and official holiday schedules, with additional regional and intercity trips provided. For more details on bus schedules, residents can visit the Abu Dhabi Mobility website or use the Darbi app.
Free viewing spots across Abu Dhabi
For those who prefer to celebrate without spending a fortune, Abu Dhabi offers plenty of free locations to enjoy the fireworks displays. Abu Dhabi Corniche, stretching 8km along the waterfront, is one of the best spots, providing unobstructed views of the sky-high fireworks. Arriving early is essential to secure the best vantage points, as the area is expected to be very popular.
Another prime location is Yas Island, which will offer double the excitement with fireworks displays at both 9 PM and midnight. Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina will host these events, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the dazzling lights from different angles. In addition, Sheikh Zayed Festival surroundings will offer a view of the spectacular light show and fireworks from nearby areas at no cost.
For those who prefer a more serene setting, Al Maryah Island is another excellent spot. The Promenade here will offer free access to laser shows and fireworks at both the South and North Plazas.
For the adventurous, the stunning desert backdrop of Tal Moreeb, Liwa will be a must-see, where fireworks will be combined with motorsport action to create a truly unique experience. Additional locations like Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and Madinat Zayed Public Park in Al Dhafra will also offer fantastic views of the celebrations.
Special celebrations at Yas Island
Yas Island promises an exhilarating New Year’s Eve, offering a blend of entertainment options. Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina will host vibrant fireworks displays, while nearby hotels and restaurants will offer premium viewing experiences for those looking for something a little extra. For families, Yas Beach offers a more relaxed environment, perfect for soaking in the festivities with loved ones.