As Dubai and the wider UAE gears up to welcome 2026, accommodation and dining prices for New Year’s Eve are reaching unprecedented levels, as per several reports. With some hotel suites and apartments boasting fireworks views priced above AED 200,000 for a two-night stay, many residents are rethinking their plans.
“I can’t justify spending that much on a few hours of fireworks,” says Fatima Maryam, a Dubai-based resident, working in JLT. “It’s just too much. Maybe, for a hotel dinner or even a casual gathering, feels more realistic for most of us.” Fatima plans to celebrate at home with a small group of friends, with homely food and intimate vibes.
Others, however, are also embracing the cozy option of staying in. “Honestly, there’s something special about a quiet New Year’s at home with family,” says Khateem, a resident of Sharjah. “We’ll cook a nice dinner, play some games, and enjoy the celebrations on our balcony. It’s intimate, comfortable, and way more affordable than the hotel rates this year, plus the kids also enjoy some movie time, which, during school days, is not possible. And the long break gives the parents some time to chill, too.”
Despite the glitzy offerings from luxury hotels and Palm Jumeirah apartments, which include rooftop pools and private beach access, a significant number of residents are prioritizing practicality over extravagance.
“I’ve always loved the big parties, but seeing these prices, it just doesn’t feel worth it,” adds Aisha Khan, a school teacher in Sharjah. “Sometimes, staying home makes the celebration more personal and meaningful.”
With fireworks displays planned across Dubai, from Burj Khalifa to Atlantis, Global Village, and Dubai Festival City, residents will still have plenty of options to enjoy the spectacle without breaking the bank. For many, the takeaway remains celebrating the New Years with family, indoors.
