New Year’s Eve With a View: Rooftop Spots To Watch Fireworks In the Gulf

New Year Dubai Abu Dhabi Saudi Arabia Qatar

by Sana Bun

New Year’s Eve With a View: Rooftop Spots To Watch Fireworks In the Gulf

15 Dec 2025

If you are planning to catch the New Year’s Eve fireworks the Gulf style, rooftops are often the smartest choice. They offer breathing room, good food and the kind of skyline views that make the countdown feel special. While official fireworks timings for 2025–2026 will be confirmed closer to the occasion, the Gulf already has a strong line-up of rooftops worth booking early. Below is a straightforward look at where to see New Year fireworks in the Gulf, with examples from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha.

Dubai: High-rise views and reliable skyline dinners

Dubai remains the busiest city for celebrations, and its rooftops are among the best places to watch fireworks in Dubai.

AURA Skypool on Palm Jumeirah is one of the clearest examples. With 360-degree views and lively programming, it is a solid pick for rooftop New Year events Dubai without needing to be near the actual fireworks crowds.

Closer to the action, Address Downtown sits right by Burj Khalifa and overlooks the Dubai Fountain. It remains one of the most dependable rooftop restaurants to watch New Year fireworks in Dubai, simply because the tower is right in front of you.

Both venues are strong choices if you want the atmosphere of a big celebration without spending the evening on packed streets — and they easily fall into the category of the best rooftop bars for New Year in Dubai.

Source: auraskypool.com

Abu Dhabi: Rooftops by the marina and the Gulf

Abu Dhabi rooftops offer calmer views, often mixed with waterfront settings. For rooftop lounges with fireworks view in Abu Dhabi, the emirate has a few reliable options.

Ishtar Rooftop at Yas Marina pairs Middle Eastern and North African dishes with views over the marina — ideal if you prefer a relaxed evening with scenery rather than crowds.

Meanwhile, Stratos Revolving Lounge provides 360-degree skyline and sea views. It works well for couples or small groups looking for fireworks view restaurants in the Gulf with a more classic dining feel.

Instagram: @ishtaryasmarina

Riyadh: A growing rooftop scene above the city lights

New Year’s Eve isn't an official holiday in Saudi Arabia, but rooftop dining is becoming increasingly popular, and the city has several venues perfect for rooftop New Year’s Eve parties in Riyadh.

Stella Sky Lounge at The St. Regis Riyadh is known for its open-air terrace and polished service — a good fit if you are after a celebratory dinner with views.

At Robata in The Canopy, the terrace is one of the most praised in the city, combining Japanese-inspired dishes with wide skyline views. Both are solid options if you want a festive atmosphere in a more understated setting, making them good examples of romantic New Year’s Eve rooftops in the Gulf.

Source: robatasaudi.com

Doha: Terraces facing the Corniche and Downtown

Doha’s rooftops offer a mix of skyline, marina and Corniche views — and several work well for Doha New Year rooftop views even before fireworks plans are confirmed. Sora Rooftop at Park Hyatt Doha overlooks the Corniche, Souq Waqif and the Old Port, making it a strong choice if you are searching for where to book rooftop dinner for New Year in Doha.

For something more nightlife-driven, Cocoo Doha hosts DJ sets and themed evenings. And Sky View at La Cigale Hotel offers panoramic city views, making it a popular rooftop choice across different age groups. These venues fit well into the growing list of hotel rooftops with fireworks views in GCC.

Instagram: @cocoodoha

How to choose the right rooftop in the Gulf

When looking for new year rooftop restaurants in GCC, it helps to keep things simple:

Pick venues with year-round views rather than relying on unconfirmed fireworks spots.
Check age rules — some rooftops only accept adults or mixed groups.
Book early: the most popular rooftops fill fast.
Keep an eye on official announcements for road closures and confirmed fireworks locations.

If you are travelling with family, call ahead: some venues can double as kid-friendly rooftop fireworks venues in the Middle East, but others may not allow children.

From Dubai’s skyline highlights to Abu Dhabi’s marina rooftops, Riyadh’s rising terrace scene and Doha’s Corniche-facing lounges, the Gulf has plenty of elevated places to celebrate. These examples make it easier to plan where to go — and offer a reliable starting point for anyone searching for where to see New Year fireworks in the Gulf with a good view and a relaxed atmosphere.

by Sana Bun