New Year’s Eve at Palace Downtown

About New Year’s Eve at Palace Downtown

Palace Downtown is one of the most recognisable hotels in Downtown Dubai, set on the lake with Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain right in front of it. For New Year’s Eve 2026, the hotel is turning almost every one of its dining spaces into a countdown venue, giving you five different ways to welcome 2027 on Thursday 31 December 2026. Celebrations start at 7pm across the hotel, with the latest venues running until 2am.

What we like about the Palace Downtown line up is the range. Whether you want an intimate Arabic dinner, a lavish gala buffet, a Thai sharing menu or a lively open air party with a band and DJ, there is a format here. Prices start at AED 2,595 per person, which places it firmly in the luxury bracket, but you are paying for one of the best positions in Downtown on the biggest night of the year.

What to expect

The hotel has published the following venues and starting prices for 31 December 2026:

• Al Bayt, 7pm to 2am: indoor a la carte dining from AED 2,595 per person, outdoor family style sharing from AED 3,795 per person, and an exclusive outdoor terrace for 15 to 20 guests at AED 60,000
• Ewaan, 7pm to 2am: gala buffet at AED 2,995 per adult indoors and AED 4,095 per adult outdoors, with 50% off for children dining outdoors
• Thiptara, 7pm to 1.30am: family style sharing menu at AED 3,995 per adult indoors and from AED 5,995 per adult outdoors, with 50% off for children
• Buhayra Lounge, 7pm to 1.30am: open air gala buffet with a trio band, DJ sets and dance performances, from AED 4,995 per adult, with 50% off for children
• Viewing Deck: buffet and DJ entertainment, with packages from AED 6,500 per person

The hotel describes each venue’s dining style and entertainment but has not published a full list of what each package includes, such as specific dishes or beverage tiers. If drinks matter to your plans, ask when booking.

Who it is for

Palace Downtown suits couples looking for a special occasion dinner, families who want a refined evening with discounted rates for children at several venues, and groups who want to dance their way into 2027 at Buhayra Lounge. The private Al Bayt terrace is aimed at larger parties who want their own space for the countdown.

How to book

Tables at Al Bayt, Ewaan and Thiptara are booked through the SevenRooms links on the official Palace Downtown New Year’s Eve page. For Buhayra Lounge, call +971 4 428 7961, and for the Viewing Deck, call +971 4 428 7888. The hotel requires 100% payment in advance, and a booking is only confirmed when you receive an official confirmation email from the hotel. Automated confirmations are not honoured.

Good to know

• Date: Thursday 31 December 2026
• Start time: 7pm at all venues
• Finish: 2am at Al Bayt and Ewaan, 1.30am at Thiptara and Buhayra Lounge
• Lowest published price: AED 2,595 per person at Al Bayt indoors
• Children: 50% off at Ewaan (outdoor), Thiptara and Buhayra Lounge
• Payment: 100% in advance

Tip: Indoor tables are much cheaper than outdoor ones, but you lose the open air atmosphere at midnight. If the fireworks are the main reason you are going, budget for an outdoor seat.

Tip: Emaar has not yet released its 2026 traffic and access plan for Downtown. On previous New Year’s Eves, roads around Burj Khalifa closed in the afternoon, so plan to arrive early and enjoy a drink before dinner.

Tip: The hotel is also promoting overnight stays for New Year’s Eve, although it has not published room rates. Staying over removes the stress of finding transport home after midnight.

Our verdict

Palace Downtown offers one of the most complete New Year’s Eve programmes anywhere around Dubai Mall, with five venues, clear pricing and a postcard view of Burj Khalifa. It is a splurge, but we think it is hard to beat for location and choice. Pick your venue, book early and get ready to welcome 2027 in genuine Downtown style.