NYE celebrations that stand out for their unique setting rather than scale

From sky-high experiences to underwater dining and desert escapes, a growing number of events are offering alternative ways to mark the start of 2026

- Waad Barakat

As New Year's Eve approaches, celebrations across the UAE are extending beyond traditional fireworks viewing spots.

From sky-high experiences to underwater dining and desert escapes, a growing number of events are offering alternative ways to mark the start of 2026, often away from dense crowds and familiar vantage points.

Here are five New Year's Eve experiences that stand out for their setting rather than scale:

1. Ring in New Year from hot air balloon at Atlantis

At Atlantis The Palm, a tethered hot air balloon experience is offering guests a sky-level view of the New Year's Eve fireworks. According to organisers, the NYE Sky Carnival includes two balloon ascents, one between 7pm and 10pm and another after midnight from 1am to 2am.