How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Umm Al Quwain
If you want fireworks without the crowds of Downtown Dubai or the road closures of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain is worth a look. The emirate’s Department of Tourism and Archaeology hosts a free public celebration at Al Khor Waterfront, and the beach resorts along the coast throw relaxed parties of their own. The 2026–27 programme has not been announced yet; below is what to expect based on recent years, and we will update the page when details are out.
Al Khor Waterfront: the main celebration
Al Khor Waterfront is the centre of New Year’s Eve in Umm Al Quwain. In recent years the evening has included musical performances, children’s activities and food trucks, building up to a fireworks display over the water at midnight. Two years ago the celebrations started at 11.30pm, so this is a late, short and easy night rather than an all-day festival. Entry is free.
Beach resort parties
Umm Al Quwain’s resorts make the most of their beaches on 31 December. Last year Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain hosted a White Beach Party with fireworks, and other resorts on the coast offer dinners and countdowns. These are usually far cheaper and calmer than beach parties in Dubai. We add every confirmed 2027 event to our UAE New Year’s Eve listings as bookings open.
Watch out for traffic heading to Ras Al Khaimah
The main roads through Umm Al Quwain carry tens of thousands of cars heading to Ras Al Khaimah’s record-breaking show on New Year’s Eve, and Umm Al Quwain Police closed some roads from the afternoon last year to manage it. If you are celebrating in Umm Al Quwain, arrive early and avoid the E11 and E311 northbound in the evening. If you want to see the big Ras Al Khaimah show instead, read our Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve guide: this year it is free but needs online registration.
Who Umm Al Quwain suits
Umm Al Quwain is ideal for families, residents of the Northern Emirates and anyone who would rather spend the evening on a quiet beach than in a crowd. It is around 45 minutes from Dubai without traffic, and New Year’s Day is a public holiday, so you can stay the night at a beach resort and drive home the next day.