Dubai’s top 10 New Year’s Eve parties

As Dubai prepares to break the world record for the largest ever firework display, thousands will descend upon the city to end 2013 with an almighty bang. International pop stars such as Emeli Sandé, Axwell (formerly of Swedish House Mafia) and Far East Movement will be performing. With a multitude of events to choose from, here is our selection of the 10 biggest New Year’s Eve parties in Dubai.

EVENT: Downtown Dubai

WHAT’S ON: Be right at the heart of the action when the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, explodes into color at midnight.

WHO SHOULD GO: Families, couples

COST: Free

EVENT: SANDANCE NYE @ Atlantis Beach, The Palm

WHAT’S ON: With Emeli Sandé, Axwell and Paul Oakenfold performing, this is set to be the biggest beach party of the year.

WHO SHOULD GO: Over-21s

COST: $122

EVENT: Barasti presents Sugar Beach NYE 2013 @ Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

WHAT’S ON: The beach will be transformed into a festival playground.

WHO SHOULD GO: Over-21s, and with DJ Jazzy Jeff on the decks, any “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” fans

COST: General admission $57

EVENT: Japanese Omakase – NYE Special @ Nobu

WHAT’S ON: A nine-dish extravaganza put on by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, followed by a spectacle on the beach.

WHO SHOULD GO: Foodies, families

COST: Adults $707, 12-17 year olds $530, 10-11 year olds $354

EVENT: Atelier / People NYE 2013 @ People by Crystal Nightclub

WHAT’S ON: The popular nightlife brand is hosting a Middle East Gets Private-themed party to cap off its World Summer Tour featuring Far East Movement and Ray Foxx.

WHO SHOULD GO: Over-21s

COST: General admission $95

EVENT: New Year’s Eve Royal Gala @ Atlantis Beach

WHAT’S ON: A 26-piece live band will perform, the bar will be open all night, and the buffet will be serving caviar.

WHO SHOULD GO: Foodies

COST: Adults $871, 12-17 year olds $653

EVENT: NYE 2013 @ Armani/Privé

WHAT’S ON: Where better to spend New Year’s Eve than inside the Burj Khalifa, in the Armani hotel nightclub?

WHO SHOULD GO: Over-21s, with instructions to be chic, elegant and simply Gatsby

COST: Ladies $136, gents $204

EVENT: New Year’s Eve 2013 @ Cirque Le Soir

WHAT’S ON: Apparently a true Victorian circus made up of strong men, bearded ladies, lion-tamers and mermaids.

WHO SHOULD GO: Over-21s

COST: Ladies $215, $269 gents

EVENT: Desi District @ Boudoir

WHAT’S ON: An event that promises to be the finest in Dubai for those from the Indian subcontinent.

WHO SHOULD GO: Over-21s, style aficionados

COST: Ladies $136, gents $163

EVENT: DWTC New Year’s Eve gala dinner @ Dubai World Trade Centre

WHAT’S ON: A delectable four-course dinner and a chauffeur who will take you home at the end of the night.

WHO SHOULD GO: Couples

COST: Couples $245, per person $122