Here’s your guide to the firework displays happening in Abu Dhabi for New Year 2021.
As we come to the end of one of the most challenging years in recent history its time to cheer and usher in the new year with hopes and prayers and what better way to do it than to witness a stunning firework display.
Like so many things this year the ongoing pandemic has but the dampers on most of the elaborate firework displays we are usually able to see on new year leaving only two venues that will have fireworks this year.
Sadly there will be no fireworks this year on the Corniche or Al Maryah Island so where can you go to watch fireworks in Abu Dhabi this year, here is where.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is the place to see New Year fireworks this year, get ready to witness a Guinness World Record setting 35 minute firework display that will keep you gaping in wonder.
Said to be the world’s longest ‘Girandola’ fireworks show, it is set to be the largest straight line fireworks display. A Girandola firework display is a spinning wheel that’s launched in the air which is going to be a first in the UAE only at the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
So head on over to witness a word record in the making, be sure to go early as its going to be a very busy night. There are busses running form the Abu Dhabi main bus stand every 30 minutes to the festival or you can just drive over.
For more details on the Sheikh Zayed Festival read our full article here.
Where to watch from
The best place to watch the fireworks will be form around the central fountain at the festival, you will also be able to watch the sound, light and fire show that will be going on as well but make sure you go early as space will be hard to find.
The next best place to watch would be further down the road form the actual festival site. Drive on to the Al Wathba Hill and watch the fireworks form the top which will be a stunning vantage point. You can also park by the base of the hill and enjoy a New Year BBQ while you watch the fireworks.
Yas Marina
Yas Marina will host the only New Year firework display that is close to Abu Dhabi and accusable to the public.
You can enjoy a New Year dinner at one of the many stunning restaurants spread around the marina while you usher in the new year, bookings are essential, read our guide to the activities at Yas Marina here.
Where to watch form
The best place to watch the fireworks at the Yas Marina would be from any of the dining venues at the marina or form the W Hotel but reservations are essential.
General public can watch the fireworks form the parking on the right of the entrance to the Yas Marina or even from the Al Zeina or Al Muneera waterfronts that face Yas Island, do head out early as traffic will be heavy.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves
The Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi hotel, has announced a spectacular fireworks display. Watch in awe as spectacular pyrotechnics light up the Eastern Mangroves.
The festivities also include two NYE (New Year’s Eve) events at the resort, bookings are essential.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
The Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri will have its yearly NYE fireworks show over the Grand Canal. Guests who have booked the hotel’s stay packages have a front-row seat to the festivities and will enjoy their Abu Dhabi New Year celebrations in style.
So that’s our advice on watching the New Year fireworks in Abu Dhabi for 2020/21, be safe and happy watching, stay tuned for more updates on this.
