You don’t need to spend a dirham to welcome 2027 in style. Every emirate puts on public fireworks on New Year’s Eve, and many of the UAE’s biggest shows are free to watch. Here is where to go in each emirate, what time the shows start and what to know before you set off. Most 2027 programmes are announced in December; where details are not out yet, we list last year’s arrangements and will update this page.
Dubai
Dubai licensed 48 fireworks displays at 40 locations last year, so there is a show near almost everyone at midnight.
- Burj Khalifa: the free public zones around Downtown Dubai, with gates at Boulevard Heights, Burj Vista, Emaar Square, the former Address Boulevard and Fountain Views. Read our Burj Khalifa fireworks guide.
- JBR, Bluewaters and Dubai Marina: free beach and promenade views of several displays.
- Burj Al Arab: best seen from Jumeirah Beach and Umm Suqeim.
- Atlantis The Palm, Al Seef, Dubai Festival City and Dubai Frame: more free waterfront and park views.
- Global Village: several countdowns through the evening for different time zones (entry ticket required).
Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba: not quite free, but close. Entry was AED 10 last year, when the festival welcomed 2026 with a 62-minute fireworks display and 6,500 drones that broke five Guinness World Records.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Bay Waterfront, Saadiyat Island and Hudayriyat Island: free public shows. Yas Bay has held an early family show as well as one at midnight.
More in our Abu Dhabi New Year’s Eve guide.
Ras Al Khaimah
- RAK NYE 2027 at Jais Festival Ground: free 11-hour festival with a fireworks and drone Sky Show from 11.50pm. Free registration is required for every guest from 15 November. See our RAK NYE registration guide.
- Manar Mall: fireworks at 9pm, no registration needed.
Sharjah
- Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach: free 10-minute fireworks, usually at 8pm, so families can watch early and you can still drive to Dubai for midnight. Sharjah is alcohol-free. See our Sharjah guide.
Ajman
- Ajman Corniche (opposite Ajman Saray), Festival Land in Al Jurf, Ajman Boulevard and Sweer Park in Masfout: free midnight fireworks last year. See our Ajman guide.
Umm Al Quwain
- Al Khor Waterfront: free celebration with live entertainment, food trucks and fireworks at midnight. See our Umm Al Quwain guide.
Fujairah and the east coast
- Khorfakkan Beach: free 8pm fireworks against the mountains.
- Fujairah beach resorts: many hold their own midnight displays for guests. See our Fujairah guide.
Can you see two fireworks shows in one night?
Yes. Sharjah’s fireworks are usually at 8pm and Ras Al Khaimah’s Manar Mall show is at 9pm, so you can watch an early show and still reach a midnight display. Leave straight after the early show, as the roads between emirates are extremely busy on New Year’s Eve.
Tips for watching the fireworks for free
- Arrive early: the best free spots in Downtown Dubai, on Abu Dhabi Corniche and at Al Majaz fill up hours ahead.
- Use public transport where you can, as roads near the big shows close from the afternoon or early evening.
- Bring water, snacks (where allowed), a light jacket and a charged phone.
- Check the rules: RAK NYE bans outside food, blankets and large bags, and Ras Al Khaimah requires free registration.
- 1 January 2027 is a public holiday, so there is no rush to get home.
Want a seat and dinner instead? Compare every party and gala dinner on our New Year’s Eve in the UAE page, or browse New Year’s Eve events under AED 500.