There’s a lot happening in the UAE for New Year’s 2025. Be it fireworks displays or the splashes of food offers, there’s something extravagant in every corner of the city. But, do residents really escape for a celebration, or find other ways to make the most of this time? Here’s what we know.
Lubna Jabeen, Blogger, explains that she is planning a peaceful celebration at home with family-like friends and kids this New Year’s Eve.
“Considering how busy the city gets with traffic, going out with kids can be quite challenging. While celebrating outdoors and enjoying the lively atmosphere is always tempting, we’re lucky to have a unique advantage! From our apartment, we can enjoy not just one but three grand fireworks shows—the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Dubai Creek. It’s like hitting the jackpot, all while staying cozy at home,” said Lubna.
Shreya Rao, Influencer and a proud mother, told us, “This New Year’s Eve, I’ve decided to embrace a cozy celebration at home with my three-year-old. As a mom, the bustling streets of Dubai and the loud fireworks don’t seem as enticing as the idea of creating precious memories with my little one. While the city buzzes with excitement, we’ll be soaking in the warmth of togetherness, away from the crowds.”
Shreya is looking forward to an evening that will start with some fun, toddler-approved activities—maybe a little arts and crafts session to make her own “Happy New Year” decorations.
“We’ll then move on to baking some delicious treats, because nothing says celebration like the smell of freshly baked cookies. Later, we’ll snuggle up in our comfiest pajamas and have a little movie marathon featuring my toddler’s favorite animated films,” elaborated Rao.
It doesn’t end here, she also is ready to set up a “mini camp” in the living room with fairy lights and cozy blankets to make it extra special.
“As the clock strikes 12, we’ll raise a toast—me with a warm cup of hot chocolate and my little one with a kid-friendly juice. We might even step onto the balcony to catch a glimpse of Dubai’s famous fireworks from afar, avoiding the noise but still enjoying the magic of the moment,” Shreya concluded.
Also hearing from Claire, a proud mother to two sons, who shared, “We have a very usual family new years wouldn’t really know we are in Dubai. NYE day we will go to the beach in the morning and then cook a family meal at home and watch the Sydney Fireworks at 5 PM, Tokyo at 7 and do a pretend countdown and toast, and then the kids will go to bed. Myself and my husband don’t stay up till midnight, we will go to bed beforehand. NYD we will get up and go and watch the sunrise to welcome in the new year and then we are going to McCaffertys for a NYD family brunch to toast the new year with friends.”
Likewise for Shirin Janib, who said, “It’s quite a challenge to step out with two kids, so why not make it extra special at home instead? I am going to prepare my kids’ favorite dish, and once they’re tucked in bed, my husband and I will enjoy a movie night, kicking off the New Year 2025 together. Sometimes, peace begins from home..”
