New Year’s Eve In the Middle East: What Is Open And What Isn't?

by Sana Bun

New Year’s Eve In the Middle East: What Is Open And What Isn't?

12 Dec 2025

The New Year’s Eve Middle East experience varies widely across the region. In some countries, December 31 is a normal working day; in others — like the UAE — it is a major night of celebrations. Opening hours, alcohol rules and public transport schedules differ significantly between Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and other key cities. Whether you are planning a night out, heading to watch fireworks, or simply want to know if you can buy groceries on December 31, here is a clear guide to what is open on New Year’s Eve in the Middle East for 2025–2026.

Dubai & the UAE: What is open and how the city operates

The UAE remains the most event-focused destination for New Year’s Eve, especially Dubai. The Burj Khalifa fireworks attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, which means opening hours, road access and transport are influenced by crowd-management plans.

Restaurants and alcohol rules

Most restaurants open on New Year’s Eve in the UAE will run special programmes, themed menus or gala dinners. Alcohol is served on 31 December, but only in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants, bars and private clubs. Drinking or carrying alcohol in public remains prohibited.

Road closures & public transport

For New Year’s Eve 2025–2026, Dubai Police and Emaar have confirmed that road closures around Downtown Dubai will begin at 4 pm, ahead of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. These closures will remain in place until after midnight, with reopening expected once crowd dispersion is complete.

However, the Dubai Metro schedule for New Year’s Eve hasn't yet been announced by the RTA, so travellers should monitor official RTA updates closer to 31 December. In previous years, certain stations near the fireworks zone — especially Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall — have closed early due to capacity, but similar measures for 2025–2026 remain unconfirmed.

New Year’s day

The UAE officially recognises January 1 as a public holiday, so government offices are closed. Malls, eateries, attractions and public spaces remain open with holiday operating hours.

Fireworks in Dubai for 2026

As of now, fireworks timings for Dubai 2026 haven't been officially announced.

The main Burj Khalifa show traditionally begins at midnight, with satellite displays at a number of locations.

Saudi Arabia: Normal working day, rising celebrations

Saudi Arabia treats December 31 and January 1 as regular working days, because the country follows the Hijri calendar for official holidays. That means most businesses operate normally.

Shops and malls

Because January 1 isn't a public holiday, shops are open on New Year's day in Saudi Arabia. Malls, supermarkets and retail outlets will follow normal hours.

Restaurants

Most restaurants in Riyadh and Jeddah operate as usual. Many now offer New Year’s Eve dinners, reflecting growing interest in international-style celebrations.

If you are checking opening hours for restaurants in Riyadh on December 31, expect regular or extended evening hours, especially in entertainment zones such as Boulevard Riyadh City.

Alcohol

Alcohol remains prohibited in the kingdom at all times of the year.

Events

Although not officially a holiday, New Year’s Eve events have become more common as part of Riyadh Season and other entertainment initiatives. These can include fireworks, concerts and countdowns — but they are not tied to public-holiday closures.

Qatar: Mostly business as usual

In Qatar, neither December 31 nor January 1 are official public holidays. This means New Year working hours in Qatar vary depending on each business.

Shops and supermarkets

Supermarkets and shopping malls typically operate on normal hours. For essentials, grocery store hours on New Year in the Middle East are generally stable in Qatar — with no special closures expected.

Restaurants

Most restaurants and cafés open as usual. Some host themed dinners for New Year’s Eve.

Alcohol

Alcohol is served only in licensed venues (primarily hotel bars and restaurants) to tourists and non-Muslim residents. Drinking or being drunk in public spaces is strictly prohibited, and this remains unchanged during New Year’s Eve. Public transport

If you are wondering whether public transport is running on New Year’s Eve in Doha, the most recent public-transport guidance indicates normal metro and bus operations. However, stations near celebration areas may experience crowd control.

Travellers should check the Ministry of Transport and Qatar Rail channels closer to the date.

Regional overview: What is open during New Year’s Eve 2025–2026?

UAE

December 31: Road closures; venues open with special programmes
Metro/tram: Schedule not yet confirmed
January 1: Public holiday
Alcohol: Allowed in licensed venues only

Saudi Arabia

December 31 & January 1: Regular working days
Shops & malls: Open
Alcohol: Not allowed
Events: Growing number of NYE celebrations in major cities

Qatar

December 31 & January 1: Not public holidays
Shops/venues: Open as usual
Public transport: Expected normal service
Alcohol: Licensed venues only

Final tips for New Year’s Eve 2025–2026 in the Middle East

Check RTA for transport updates in Dubai — metro schedules are unconfirmed.
Arrive early if heading to Downtown Dubai.
Expect normal hours in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Use licensed venues for alcohol in the UAE and Qatar.
Allow extra time for traffic and crowd zones.

Whether you are planning fireworks, dinner or practical errands, this guide summarises the essentials of New Year’s Eve in the Middle East — and the realities of what will be open in 2025–2026.

by Sana Bun