
New Year celebrations in Dubai are among the most spectacular globally. The whole city erupts in festive fervor and there is a riot of colors & positive vibes all around. And amidst all this, there are several sites in Dubai that are among the most favored by photo enthusiasts for their Instagram pages. The views in these spots are stunning, to say the least. Every photo clicked here invites a “wow” from viewers. Be it the sweeping deserts or spectacular skyscrapers, each site has its own unique feature. Read on to know more about the 5 most Instagrammable New Year spots in Dubai.
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Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai
A huge number of eyes from around the world are turned towards Burj Khalifa on New Year’s Eve. The magnificent midnight fireworks above the world’s tallest building is the “showstopper” event in Dubai on the last night of the year. The reflections of the fireworks & the laser lights on the Burj Lake create a rippling, hypnotic ambience. From various pots in Downtown Dubai, you can click memorable shots from evening to midnight. The New Year Burj Khalifa tickets offer you access to the Sky View Observatory, from where you can experience the stunning fireworks and panoramic views of Dubai.
However, the whole area gets insanely crowded as evening moves towards the night – especially the free areas. To avoid the mass crowds, secure your place at the paid zone inside Burj Park.
Atlantis, The Palm and Palm Jumeirah
Think of opulence. Think of unlimited glitz & glamour. Think of a terrific beachfront party ambience. And what comes to your mind is Atlantis, The Palm, on Palm Jumeirah. Celebrations here have become the stuff of legends. The grand fireworks above the iconic crescent shape of Palm Jumeirah makes for a marvelous scenery. The stunning lights of the ornate hotel, their reflections on the sea waters, and the pulsating beach parties are pure photo golds! And the crowd here is comparatively lesser than the choc-a-block scenario in Downtown Dubai.
Having said that, the terrace spots get filled up several months in advance – so don’t delay to book your spot! If you are on a budget, then head for the Palm Boardwalk. You will get quite decent views without having to pay the premium rates. And a good quality zoom lens will best capture the spectacular hotel with all the lighting & chic decoration.
Dubai Desert
If you are looking to go shutter-happy in an offbeat location that’s also a visual treat – then the right place for you would be the serene desert outside Dubai. You would not be having gorgeous lighting & teeming crowds. But what you will have here is nature in all its serenity, ambient backdrops, and some unforgettable scenery. At sunset time, the golden sands – bathed in deep crimson shades – create a mesmerizing ambience, and priceless photo opps. You may also catch a glimpse of desert fauna and frame them as well!
But you would need to arrive early and take up a vantage viewing point in the promenade. If you are facing the wheel, then you would get the best pics. The terrace spots are paid. But there are vantage public spots too. Reach before dusk & stay put till midnight for getting the perfect shots.
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise & Views from Lakeside
From a New Year Yacht or a Dhow cruise on Dubai Marina, you can capture timeless pics of the magnificent reflections of the fireworks on the waters. The brilliantly illuminated skylines also provide great content for your pics. The vantage point from the vessel’s open-air deck allows you to click the photos without jostling with the crowds. But book your yacht or seat on Dhow cruise well in advance as the demand is high. And a tripod or phone stabilizer would be a good inclusion – the vessel’s movement on the water might make longer-exposure shots shaky.
Bluewaters Island & Ain Dubai
The largest observation wheel in the world – Ain Dubai – creates a stunning backdrop, especially in front of the setting sun and the crimson sky. The chic island with its ornate decorations forms an ideal photogenic scenery. The terrific fireworks here illuminate the waters and also light up Ain Dubai. And you can go click-click-click! The location is less chaotic owing to lower crowd turnout. This allows you to take the pic in relative peace.
Thus, there is no dearth of Insta-worthy New Year sites in Dubai. You can click marvelous photos from these spots that would superbly decorate your Insta page. But plan well in advance & reach the spots in proper time.


