How to celebrate the new year in the Arab countries. New Year in the UAE: a symbiosis of luxury, style and oriental traditions
United United Arab Emirates- one of the most amazing countries peace. Just 50 years ago, the grandfathers of the current citizens of the Emirates roamed the desert on camels and never heard of not only mobile phones and the Internet, but even about the benefits of civilization familiar to Europeans, such as running water or public transport(except, perhaps, dromedaries).
Everything changed when bottomless deposits of gas and oil were discovered in that notorious desert. Now the UAE is the richest, most stylish and luxurious state in the world, in which every citizen from birth is provided with everything necessary for a comfortable life.
In December-January, this direction is popular among tourists of the "highest level", since both the rest itself and the entrance ticket to New Year's parties in the Emirates are not cheap. However, in terms of quality, such a vacation is many times superior to vacations in budget countries, where, at first glance, everything still shines and shines, only the gilding has already worn out a little, and the service “sags” a little, and the animators turn out to be compatriots who came to work. In the UAE, everything is impeccable, and every guest feels like a sheikh.
New Year in Dubai - the most progressive and "Europeanized" emirate
Recall that the UAE is a Muslim country, and they have their own holidays, which have nothing to do with the Gregorian calendar. On the other hand, tourists are a solid source of income for the state, and elementary oriental hospitality and cordiality should not be discounted, so the New Year and both Christmases (Catholic and Orthodox) are celebrated in the Emirates with considerable scope and pomp.
Most tourists are attracted by the already traditional fireworks on the Palm Jumeirah. The best pyrotechnicians in the world make the Burj Khalifa skyscraper shroud in the sparkle of fiery "paths", create amazing flowers and patterns from salute volleys. The 2014 New Year's extravaganza even entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest and longest show of its kind in the history of fireworks.
In addition, in the tourist capital of the UAE, on New Year's Eve, themed feasts are held in hotels, pubs, restaurants, everything is decorated with garlands, images of gifts, deer and other symbols of this winter holiday. Richer tourists can take part in beach parties - such events gather the entire "color" of the Arab secular society, and world stars often drop in there.
Four points should be noted:
- Banquet prices start at $100 per person - and that doesn't include food and drinks. The upper ceiling is not limited by anything and can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
- Dubai is a progressive city, but still drinking alcoholic beverages on the street is strictly prohibited. Most likely, the strong drink will be included in the New Year's menu, but it is better to clarify this issue in advance.
- Like the end time of the event. Often the New Year's Eve party ends exactly at midnight. At best, the fun can last up to 3-4 hours, but dancing until the morning is unlikely to succeed.
- In order to fully enjoy the fireworks, it is better to pre-book a trump spot in some restaurant with a panoramic view, about two kilometers from the action itself.
Almost all the same can be found in the emirate, only a little quieter: parties are cheaper, and fireworks are more modest - for nothing that the capital of the entire UAE. Other emirates are less popular among European tourists, and therefore do not celebrate the New Year on such a grand scale.
Get out of town
Fans of maximum exoticism can meet the coming year on a festive safari, in the heart of the desert in the Bedouin camp. Also, on New Year's Eve, local dhows ply the Dubai Creek, luxury liners and private yachts - you can also order an entrance ticket to any of these ships and spend a holiday surrounded by luxury and gourmet dishes.
New Year's shopping
This is what attracts fashionistas and fashionistas from all over the world to the UAE between December 2 and the end of January! The air temperature is 23-28, the warm Persian Gulf quite suitable for swimming, the exoticism and coloring from all sides - all this pales in comparison with the grandiose shopping festival, which lasts until February 2. During this unprecedented attraction of generosity, discounts can reach 70%, and on New Year's Eve in all shopping malls the grottoes of Santa Claus work, just like in American cinema.
New Year in the United Arab Emirates is a subtle and expensive pleasure, but, as practice shows, there are plenty of connoisseurs of such non-standard holidays: all tickets for the best parties and hotel rooms end a month before the holiday. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not delay: otherwise, even our expert managers will only be able to sigh sadly and shrug at the request to pick up a tour in the UAE.
There is not much information on the net about how New Year in the United Arab Emirates. Someone will say that the country is an Arab one and the holiday, it seems, is not entirely theirs. But, in fact, it's not like that at all. New Year is a common holiday, and it occurs in many countries, regardless of the religious affiliation of the inhabitants.
How the New Year is celebrated in the UAE
It is worth noting that the New Year in the UAE occurs more than once! Residents of the UAE respect the Lunar calendar, according to which there are 354 days in a year, and all religious holidays are calculated according to this calendar.
- Muslim New Year
For reference: the Muslim New Year is a religious holiday without reference to a date. The date of the celebration is constantly changing, moving back annually by 11 days. Therefore, according to the Muslim calendar, today we have 1439. This holiday is celebrated calmly and without great scope. In 2017, it took place - from 21 to 22 September.
- Traditional New Year
The second time the New Year in the Emirates is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1, traditionally, as in most countries of the world. This holiday is held with fun and great scope.
The biggest fireworks in the world
Residents of the UAE tend to shock the rest of the world with the size of their hotels, skyscrapers, parks for recreation and more. In 2009, the UAE conquered the whole world with the largest fireworks, which was included in the Guinness Book of Records.
It is customary to celebrate the New Year in the UAE with fireworks. The main events take place near the Burj Al Arab hotel on Jemeirah Beach, as well as at the Atlantis Hotel. Each hotel tries to make the maximum impression on the arriving tourists. And there are so many tourists these days that you have to take seats to watch the fire show in advance.
For those who are not eager to contemplate the amazing fireworks, there are entertainment programs in hotels with Christmas tree, Santa Claus and Snow Maiden. When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the duration of the New Year's program. In some hotels, the festivities end with the chimes, which very often discourages tourists from the CIS countries. Therefore, clarify this point in advance so that later there are no conflict situations.
By the way, prices for tours to the UAE during the New Year celebrations increase by an average of 2-2.5 times. Although, even this does not stop those wishing to celebrate this fun holiday in the Emirates.
If you're ready, there's still time to book your tickets and hotel!
New Year and spirits in the UAE
Remember - spirits in the UAE under strict ban and New Year's Eve! Even in relatively liberal Dubai, we strongly recommend that you do not consume anything on the street or in any other public place other than a hotel and restaurant where drinking is allowed.
Otherwise, your mood can be very badly spoiled by the police, and as a New Year's gift, there is a chance to get a night in the station and a substantial fine. And in Sharjah, you will have to do without alcoholic beverages - there, as you know, drinking is completely prohibited.
What other options are there for celebrating the New Year?
If you are not interested in fireworks, and gatherings in the hotel make you feel sad, then you can choose an alternative option for celebrating the New Year in the UAE. What else does the Emirates offer:
- New Year's safari in jeeps to the desert to the Bedouins. Exotic? - More than! Instead of snow, sand, gatherings by the fire and a bewitching belly dance. Most guides offer this program. Estimated cost is about 100 USD per person.
- Beach parties are another way to celebrate the New Year in Dubai in an interesting and exciting way. Discos from December 31 to January 1 on the beach with the participation of world-famous DJs. The cost of such parties varies depending on the hotel on the beach where they are held, drinks included, program and performing stars. The breakup can be from 100 to 1000 USD.
If you celebrate the New Year in other Emirates
Remember that Dubai celebrates the New Year in the most pompous way. Neighboring emirates do it more modestly. In Abu Dhabi, they also give fireworks in honor of the arrival of the new year. If you are in Ajman, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah and decide to visit Dubai for the New Year, then take care of your departure in advance.
By noon on December 31, all highways at the entrance to the city will stop, and you have a chance to miss all the events by staying overnight in the car.
Weather in the UAE for the New Year
The UAE is a country of year-round summer, so worry about weather not worth it. For the new year, the weather here is as comfortable as possible: on average, about 22-27 degrees during the day. It can be 12-17 at night, so it makes sense to wear something over a T-shirt or shirt. The water temperature is about 20 degrees - not so cold and you can even swim. Rain is unlikely - the most "wet" month in the Emirates is February.
How to be parents with children
Many shopping centers are equipped with special rooms made in the style of Santa's house. You can have quite a lot of fun there: read poetry, sing, take pictures with Santa. The cost of visiting is on average from 10 to 20 USD. All children are given gifts - sweets.
What else can you do during the holidays?
If you like to combine business with pleasure, then you have a chance to save a lot even on the celebration of the New Year 2018 in the UAE. This year the world famous Dubai Shopping Festival started on December 26, 2017 year and will last for a whole month - until January 26, 2018. Discounts on many products during this period reach 70%! So there is a chance not only to meet the New Year in an interesting and exciting way, but also to make many interesting and bargain shopping during the holidays!
By the way, during the festival, many expensive prizes are raffled off. Last year there were Lexus, Nissan, several kilograms of pure gold, and even a helicopter! Who knows, maybe this year you will be lucky too?
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Nadezhda Burmak, director of the PROtravel tour operator, tells how you can celebrate the New Year in the United Arab Emirates and whether it is possible to save money.
Question: How is the New Year celebrated in the United Arab Emirates?
Answer: Many tourists from all over the world seek to celebrate the New Year in Dubai to see the famous fireworks at the Burj Khalifa tower. In early 2014, the fireworks were listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest and longest in the world. The main problem is that a lot of people gather on the square every year - a real pandemonium! - therefore, to see the fireworks, you will have to come to the square in advance. Immediately after the end of the fireworks, it is impossible to go back to the hotel either by metro - the nearest stations are closed, or by taxi - due to traffic jams.
To celebrate the New Year in the UAE economically, you can choose to stay in a hotel in an inexpensive emirate, for example, in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah or Ajman, book a table in a restaurant within walking distance from the center of Dubai to celebrate the New Year until the main stream subsides tourists, and in the morning calmly return to the hotel by bus.
The ideal, most comfortable, but also the most expensive option is to choose a hotel near the tower for relaxation, book a table for the New Year's show directly at the hotel, watch the fireworks, the New Year's show program and return to the room after it ends.
Question: What is the weather like in the United Arab Emirates in January?
Answer: Personally, I have vacationed with my family in Dubai in January several times, and I can note that it doesn’t happen year after year. Despite the fact that January is considered the coldest month of the year in the Emirates, the air during the day is from + 20 ° C to + 25 ° C in the sun, so a great tan is guaranteed. In the evening, the temperature drops to +14°С..+19°С, so a warm sweater will be useful for evening walks. Water during the day warms up to + 23 ° C, however, for those who are accustomed to warm seas South-East Asia, water even in Persian Gulf or Indian Ocean, which are considered the warmest, will seem cool. In addition, in January there are rains and rather windy weather. One option is to choose a hotel with a heated pool. In the UAE there is a very large selection of hotels of different stars, where there are pools with water at a comfortable temperature for swimming.
Question: Is it possible to somehow save on holidays in the UAE?
Answer: If we are talking about a trip for the New Year, then in order to meet reasonable money, you need to start organizing your New Year trip in the spring. Firstly, you can buy tickets in advance at the lowest possible airfare. Secondly, at the beginning of the year there will still be a fairly large selection of hotels. As a rule, by the summer, there are no more places for New Year's dates in the most popular hotels, as well as places for New Year's shows in famous restaurants. In the United Arab Emirates, for the period from December 27 to January 7, hotels do not provide any discounts, but starting from January 8, you can relax much cheaper.
On first beach line hotels are very expensive, like in the center of Dubai. For a more economical holiday, you can consider hotels on the outskirts of Dubai or in one of the other emirates. Another a budget option- stay in an apart-hotel with a kitchenette. Basic products in supermarkets cost about the same as in St. Petersburg, so you can save on food.
If you do not consider New Year's dates, then according to the action early booking you can win 20-30% of the cost of living, depending on the hotel.
Question: Are there any difficulties in obtaining a visa to the UAE?
Answer: For almost nine years of work, we have not had a single case of refusal of a visa in the UAE. Every year, visa formalities are becoming more and more simplified - now you can get a visa in one working day.
New Year holidays are just around the corner, it's time to think about how to spend these days. Do you want this New Year to become an unforgettable and enchanting holiday? Do you want to get a lot of vivid impressions and unforgettable memories? Then choose new year tour to the unrivaled UAE!
When is the New Year celebrated in the UAE?
In the Emirates, the New Year is celebrated twice. The first New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and is considered a religious holiday, so it passes quietly, measuredly, without excessive fuss and violent festivities. The UAE celebrates the second New Year together with the whole world - on January 1, and it is fun and on a grand scale!
Five arguments in favor of the UAE for the New Year
New Year holidays for each of us is a mixture of magic, good mood, expectation of miracles. It is the onset of the next year that makes both adults and children believe in a fairy tale. If you want to get a real fairy tale on New Year's Eve, then give yourself unusual holiday in the United Arab Emirates.
We can safely name five reasons why it is worth celebrating the New Year 2016 in the UAE:
1. New Year holidays and summer weather. Many are interested in - what is the weather in the UAE for the new year? Excellent! Is it not magic to meet the coming year not in snowy cold, but in warm weather by the sea? The unique climate of the UAE will allow you to enjoy the pleasant sun, average temperature the air at this time there is 26-28 degrees, get a light beautiful tan and it is even possible to swim in the sea, at a time when icy winds rage in your homeland.
2. Wonderful animation and active entertainment . In the United Arab Emirates, they prepare carefully for the New Year holidays. You will definitely not be bored on a festive night. You will be entertained by Russian-speaking presenters, you will see an enchanting show, spectacular fireworks and, of course, you will be able to participate in fun contests.
Earlier in hotels as a rule New year's night ended with the “chimes”, but the Slavic soul asks for more and people demand “the continuation of the banquet”. That is why in recent times most hotels offer a New Year's program designed for tourists from Russia with the participation of Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden, songs, dances and other entertainment. Such festivities end only by 3-4 o'clock in the morning.
3. Entertainment for children. Professional animators, real Santa Claus and Snow Maiden will keep your kids entertained. Thanks to this, you can relax and unwind. And with the kids you can visit the residence of Santa Claus and make a cherished wish.
For children, many shopping centers open grottoes-residences of Father Frost, or, as he is called here, Santa Claus. They entertain children with the whole family, reading New Year's fairy tales and letters with wishes, dancing and singing, taking photos with Santa as a keepsake. For example, in the Sky Dubai complex, all this is done completely free of charge.
4. Carefree vacation. You can take a break from household chores, pre-holiday fuss and just enjoy the holiday. You will get a unique opportunity to escape from everyday problems, recharge with positive energy for a long time to come.
5. Eastern fairy tale. You will get a lot of positive emotions, imbued with the spirit of the real oriental tale, get wonderful souvenirs and wonderful gifts for relatives and friends.
What entertainment is creepy in the UAE for the New Year?
New Year holidays in the Emirates are celebrated for more than ten days. Therefore, a festive atmosphere and a great mood are definitely provided for you.
Hospitable Arabs offer tourists a variety of programs to celebrate the New Year, ranging from a classic feast to the chiming clock, ending with an extreme New Year's safari. Just like in the famous fairy tale “12 Months”, you will spend the New Year at the New Year's fire, except that instead of snow there will be sand, and instead of brothers-months there will be friendly Bedouins, along with their constant companions, ships of the desert - camels.
What about beach new year party in the UAE? For example, recently the Sandance club at the Atlantis hotel held a beach party with famous DJs Axwell, Paul Oakenfold, Emeli Sande.
To make your holiday unforgettable, you can easily diversify it. In Dubai, you can visit an excellent water park where you can have fun from the heart. And if you want extreme sports, then plunge into the winter and visit the unique ski park at Ski Dubai.
A nice bonus to celebrate the New Year in the Emirates is the Shopping Festival, which starts on January 1-2 and lasts for about a month - it's time to make great purchases!
The Sunny Arab Emirates will give you a real New Year's fairy tale. Allow yourself an original and unforgettable holiday - a tour in the UAE!
The indigenous population of the United Arab Emirates does not celebrate Christmas and New Year, because they are Muslims, and their calendar is not according to the Gregorian calendar, but according to the Hijri lunar calendar. According to him, the New Year comes in the fall and depends on the phase of the moon. The celebration of the New Year in the Emirates is rather not secular, but religious in nature, most Arabs just pray hard on this day.
But, despite the fact that the main income of the state is oil trade, the tourism business brings no small profit. And the prosperity of the Emirates, as a world tourist center, depends on how hospitable the locals are to foreigners and what they do for the convenience of tourists. Therefore, now the New Year and Christmas in the Emirates can be celebrated with extraordinary fun. And the atmosphere of the holiday in the country is no different from the atmosphere of the holiday in countries where the main religion is Christianity, and the chronology is carried out according to the Gregorian style.
Now, during the New Year and Christmas holidays in the Emirates, there is such an expectation of a miracle, as elsewhere on the eve of these dates. All the necessary paraphernalia, including spruce or pine trees, a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere - this is how the New Year and Christmas are now celebrated in the Emirates. The only thing you will not find everywhere there is snow, and is it needed if you specially went to celebrate the beginning of the year in this country?
The end and the beginning of the year is a busy time for the residents of the Emirates, but at the same time, it is also the most profitable for the country. Many shops, bars, hotels - all this is simply filled with tourists, and the owners of these establishments are fighting in earnest to attract customers. Therefore, on the eve of the winter holidays, the widest range of goods is laid out on the shelves, and entertainment venues offer the largest selection of entertainment.
Now the New Year and Christmas in the Emirates are beautiful sparkling streets with bright garlands, Santa Clauses, deer and gnomes; culinary establishments that compete for the title of "Best Christmas Cake" no cafe in Saransk will offer such an abundance before the New Year; enchanting shows; unsurpassed fireworks; all kinds of festive treats; unforgettable concerts of world stars and much more.
In recent years, there has been a large influx of tourists to the UAE just on the eve of the winter festivities, and this makes its own adjustments in relation to the holidays. local residents. Older people try to celebrate with their families, while young people find any reason to have fun. Now the favorite entertainment of young Arabs has become nightly calls to friends and participation in midnight car parades.
