How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sharjah in 2026
New Year’s Eve in Sharjah is a different kind of celebration: family-friendly, alcohol-free and early. The emirate’s fireworks usually go off at 8pm rather than midnight, which makes Sharjah a favourite with families and with anyone who wants to see two fireworks shows in one night. Here is what to expect for New Year’s Eve in Sharjah in 2026.
Sharjah’s 8pm New Year’s Eve fireworks
Last year Sharjah welcomed the new year with three ten-minute fireworks displays at 8pm, organised by Shurooq: at Al Majaz Waterfront on Khalid Lagoon, at Al Heera Beach and at Khorfakkan Beach on the east coast. All three are free to watch. Because the fireworks are early, young children can see them before bedtime, and you still have time to drive to Dubai for the midnight show. The 2026 programme has not been announced yet; we will update this guide when it is.
Other ways to celebrate
Last year Sharjah’s New Year’s Eve options also included a dinner on Al Noor Island, lagoon cruises from Al Majaz Waterfront timed for the countdown, desert camping with stargazing at Mleiha, and family activities at Al Montazah. These are usually re-announced in December, and we will list each one here with its price and booking link.
Good to know: Sharjah is alcohol-free
Sharjah is a dry emirate, so no alcohol is served anywhere, including in hotels. Modest dress is expected in public places such as Al Majaz Waterfront and the beaches. If you are planning a party night with drinks, look at New Year’s Eve in Dubai instead, or combine the two: fireworks in Sharjah at 8pm, then on to Dubai for midnight.
Getting around
The roads between Dubai and Sharjah, particularly the E11 and E311, are very busy on most evenings and even more so on New Year’s Eve. If you are going from the 8pm fireworks to Dubai for midnight, leave straight after the show, or take a taxi so you do not need to park twice. Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Heera Beach have parking, but it fills up well before 8pm.
Families and the east coast
For a quieter celebration, Khorfakkan on Sharjah’s east coast combines the 8pm fireworks with a beach setting and mountain views, and works well as part of a weekend away on the east coast. See our Sharjah guide and family events for more ideas over the holiday.