UAE guide to hottest New Year's Eve gigs

If you have lived in sunshine city long enough, then surely you have or still are suffering from what we native expats like to call, the Dubai Syndrome.
 
The condition comprises a bunch of eccentric behavioural patterns, but the most of common one of them all is the procrastination in planning your New Year’s Eve night.

Endless calls to mates, researching the web to look over the same gigs and eavesdropping at your neighbourhood coffee shop is normal as the pressure builds to plan that special night out that comes just once every year.

Emirates 24|7 has decided to make things a tad bit easy this time around by presenting you with a list of the top billed events on December 31, with enough options to satisfy the party animal in you.

But don’t fret; those looking for a posh nosh affair, a family night out or an Asian extravaganza also have plenty to choose from.

So we say, plan away folks and have Happy 2012!

For the party animals

Coldplay live in Abu Dhabi

This New Year Eve party with seven-time Grammy award-winning rock band Coldplay who have been pencilled in to ring in the festivities in Abu Dhabi.

The quartet also will kick-start the emirate’s historic hosting of the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race, followed by a concert that will certainly run to a packed house if their previous capital outing is anything to go by.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and Flash Entertainment, Coldplay will perform live at a unique venue adjacent to the purpose-built Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater.

Having last played to 20,000 fans in Abu Dhabi in 2009, the British band is relishing a return to the UAE capital to play for their tens of thousands of fans from across the region and beyond.

On the back of the band’s latest album “Mylo Xyloto”, which debuted at number one in 30 countries worldwide and smashed the record for the highest number of download sales in one week, ADTA is optimistic that Coldplay’s iconic status as arguably one of the biggest bands on the planet will significantly boost visitor numbers to the ‘Destination Village’.

Tickets are priced at Dh325, Dh495, Dh695 and Dh995. VIP tables Dh15,000, Dh20,000 and Dh25,000.

Orgainsed by Flash Entertainment, gates open 8pm, concert begins 9pm. Call 800 35274

Moulin Rouge NYE 2012

Transport yourself into the Parisian nightlife as the Alchemy Project, in association with Bong Event Management, presents Moulin Rouge.

We weren’t kidding about Paris, with 12 burlesque performers dancing the night away, along with six DJs from across the globe and a themed live fashion show by international super models.

From 8pm until 4am, tickets are priced at Dh250 and Dh450. Hold your horses though, because special table booking prices are also up for grabs.
 
A regular table for four comes at Dh3,000 minimum spend, inclusive of two standard bottles, plus mixers, along with four complementary/free VIP ticket (regularly priced at Dhs450). This will be located in the main room.

Naturally, VIP tables are also up for grabs with Dh6,000 minimum spend for eight people, inclusive of four standard bottles plus mixers. This is also inclusive of eight complementary/free VIP ticket and will be located in the VIP room.

At the Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai. Call: 050 252 3512

Sandance NYE

Get set for a fantastic line-up on top global acts at Nassimi Beach at Atlantis The Palm with Sandance.

This action-packed 12-hour gig, from 3pm-3am, allows you to chill out in the sunshine, then watch the sunset with Goldfish, before Space Ibiza’s Jon Ulysses, Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx (DJ Set), Vula (the voice of Basement Jaxx), DJ Mag’s, Above & Beyond, Sister Bliss from Faithless take to the stage.

Capping off this unforgettable experience is a fireworks display at midnight that will certainly take you back to the The Atlantis’ opening night party.

Tickets are priced at Dh250 in advance and Dh350 at the door, with Dh450 for VIP. Sorry folks, but VIP tables have already sold out. Yes, it’s that massive! Call: 055 200 4321

Armin van Buuren: A Peppermint Experience NYE Special

If the world’s former number one DJ is setting foot on our shores and if you happen to be an ardent fan of dance music, then all roads lead to Armin van Buuren and the Peppermint Experience, where he spins on NYE at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Armin is a dedicated trance lover, but isn’t imprisoned by a single genre, saying on his official website: “What makes trance work so well is that it doesn’t stick to one style, and can incorporate electro, minimal, whatever it likes.”

The main ingredient to Armin’s life will always be music. “This is just what I really want,” he says. “It’s not just love for music, it’s my passion. It goes beyond liking, and beyond a hobby, it’s about a way of living. Music is essential to my life.”

The folks at Fluid Production hit the nail on the head to bring him down to Dubai for the biggest night of the year.

From 9pm to 3am, tickets are priced at Dh400. Call: 04 332 6343

For the posh nosh

Cruise away on QE2

Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship to celebrate New Years Eve 2011 in style.

From gourmet food, captivating entertainers, magnificent laser and firework displays, an exceptional line up of international acts (including The Gypsies, The Bootleg Beatles, Drury Lane, and many more), to royals, dignitaries, celebrities and VIPs, the event aims to treat guests to a unique, luxurious experience and the most stylish way to ring in the New Year of 2012.

This is a black tie affair, so get out those posh frocks and killer heels and look your best for this rocking affair.

Things to note is, you will be required to present your original passport when you enter Port Rashid Terminal in Bur Dubai.

From 8pm onwards, tickets are priced at Dh3,000, inclusive of a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks; and Dh6,000, which is inclusive of a buffet dinner, unlimited drinks and access to celebrity areas. Call: 800 4669

Atelier NYE 2012

For the third consecutive year, Atelier brings another NYE event to Dubai. This time its the official and exclusive album release celebration of three of the music world’s top icons: Kesha, Christina Aguilera and Usher.

Alas, the trio won’t be here, but you can enjoy themed dance shows of each of the artists in the three dance rooms of N’Dulge Club in Atlantis The Palm.

Tickets are priced at Dh200 (Dh299 at the door), inclusive of access to arena room, lounge room and a gift from Atelier; and Dh300 (Dh399 at the door), inclusive of access to arena room, lounge room, VIP terrace and VIP gifts.

From 9pm to 4am, also on offer are table packages that start at Dh3,500 minimum spend, inclusive of  twp regular bottles, a sushi platter from Nobu and four tickets and go up to Dh15,000 for nine premium bottles, four sushi platter and 15 VIP tickets. Call: 056 603 79 61

For the Asian extravaganza

The Party Tonight ­ New Years Eve 11/12

Those who are looking for a family fun should go no further than this NYE party at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai.

Desi beats will entertain as top DJs spin the decks playing Indi Pop, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Bollywood and disco music.

Organised by Signature Events, the early bird offer allows you to purchase tickets at a discounted price until December 29. So singles play Dh400 (Dh500 later); couples pay Dh750 (Dh900 later); children between three and 10 years pay Dh150. Kids under three are free.

From 9pm, ticket price also includes an international buffet, two premium beverages per head and soft drinks. Call: 04 337 3724

Moksh d’Elite NYE 2012

It’s your turn to shine in the spotlight as you make your way to Raffles Hotel, Dubai to the exclusive Red Lounge Terrace.

The venue boasts lavish décor along with three terraces with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline. Brace yourselves as you witness a bird’s eye view of the spectacular NYE Burj Khalifa fireworks.

There are three music rooms playing a mix of Asian Fusion including Bollywood, house and R&B along with a dedicated room for western music enthusiasts playing the hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and all the latest hits.

The DJs include DJ/producer Smita alongside Dubai’s DJ Benson, Abu Dhabi’s DJ Sukhi and upcoming talent DJ Nishar. Don’t miss DJ Tar3k, the vibrant DJ/violinist as he mixes music with a live performance on the electric violin.

Organised by RNH Events, the evening kicks off at 10pm, until 3am. Ladies early bird offer is Dh600 with unlimited canapés and beverages; couples early bird offer Dh1,500 with unlimited canapés and beverages.

Those wanting tables can grab one for Dh9,000, inclusive of eight VIP tickets, two premium bottles, table service and unlimited canapés and beverages.

The other option is Dh10,000 inclusive of eight VIP tickets, four premium bottles, table service and unlimited canapés and beverages. Call: 050 991 7992

Kandy Club NYE 2012 Amplifier

This will be a night to remember as the famed “Amplifier”, Imran Khan will perform live, alongside the fabulous DJ Kamya.

Local boys DJ Shadow and DJ Manoj will also be pumping up the way to the New Year.

From 8.30pm at the Jumeriah Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, tickets are priced at Dh375 for couples and Dh525 for VIP couple passes.

Be ready to groove the night away to “Amplifier”, “Bewafa”, ”Bounce Billo” and many more hit tracks by Khan and the rest.

For the family affair

Dubai Drums New Years Eve Desert Drumming 2011

Come and indulge in a rhythmic spirit as you enjoy a night full of drumming, singing, dancing and general merriment with great people, good food, super music and lots of New Year spirit.

The camp will be decorated New Year style and the drinks will flow. There will also be a bonfire but pack warm clothes to ward off the chills.

The event is being held at the Bedouin Oasis Camp, Ras Al Khaimah, from 8pm onwards.

Tickets without transportation are priced at Dh425 and Dh185 (for six-14 years). With transportation, its Dh500 and Dh300. Children five and under are free.

Price includes community drumming throughout the night, new year barbecue dinner, camel rides, sand boarding, shisha, belly dancer, fire dance show, African drum group, African dancers, DJ Hany (No Limit) and giveaways and fun activities for the kids.

There are also tents available for an additional fee of Dh150 for a tent that sleeps eight or Dh75 for a tent that sleeps four. Bring your own bedding. There are also limited rooms with a shower and toilet available that sleep up to three for Dh275 per night for the room. Call: 056 744 2129

New Year Eve in Ice Land Water Park, RAK

Grab the family and drive down to Ras Al Khaimah to celebrate New Years Eve at the fun-filled Ice Land Water Park.

It’s splish splash time for the whole family, from 11am until 1am. Tickets are priced at Dh135 for adults and Dh90 for children up to 1.2 metres in height. Children under 0.8m go free. Call: 07 2447547

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