Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
In a country known for some of the world's most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations, many Emiratis celebrate the start of the new year away from the crowds, in quieter, more personal ways whether it's gathering at home or heading to the desert to enjoy the night with family.
These moments are often shaped by simplicity and familiarity. For some, New Year's Eve is an opportunity to slow down, reflect on the year that has passed, and welcome the next one surrounded by people who matter most.
For Reem Abdullah from Al Ain, the evening takes place at home in an intimate setting shared with close friends.
"On New Year's Eve, I usually host a small gathering at home with close friends, where we spend the evening playing board games and enjoying the comfort of being together," she said.
Reflection is central to the night. "We like to write our New Year's resolutions together and look back on our accomplishments from the past year, celebrating how far we've come."
While large public events take place across the country, Abdullah said she prefers "to welcome the new year in a quieter, more intimate way – one that feels warm, personal and grounded in togetherness."
Desert Beckons
Others choose to turn to the desert as a place of calm and connection. For Shamma Al Zaabi, New Year's Eve is spent in the Al Wathba desert with her family.
"We sit together in the desert, cook traditional food, and make tea and Arabic coffee," she said.
"It's very simple, but that's what we enjoy most - just being together, talking and spending time as a family."
At midnight, the family watches the fireworks of the Sheikh Zayed Festival from a distance, away from the crowds. Al Zaabi said the tradition has been part of her family's life for years.
"It's part of who we are and how we like to spend important moments – staying close to nature, sharing food, and being together as a family."
"Even as celebrations grow bigger and busier elsewhere, this is what feels most meaningful to us, and it's a tradition we hope to keep alive for the years to come."
Bonding Around Bonfire
In Liwa, New Year's Eve often reflects traditions passed down through generations. Alanood Al Suwaidi said her family gathers in a heritage arish, where the day begins early and gradually fills with activity.
Some family members prepare breakfast, while others decorate the hands of young girls with henna.
"Most of the food is made by family members, because for us, cooking is part of spending quality time together," she said.
As evening approaches, the gathering continues around a bonfire. Family members share stories about the past year while camel milk is heated, and corn and sweet potatoes cook over the fire. Before midnight, they write letters about their hopes for the year ahead, framing them as achievements already realised.
The night ends with fireworks, followed by dinner shared together.
"Those moments, sitting together at the end of the night, are what make the new year feel truly complete," Alsuwaidi added.
For younger Emiratis, the desert also becomes a space for friendship and shared memory. Mohammed Al Mazroei said he spends New Year's Eve in Liwa with his cousins and close friends, riding bikes, playing card games, and passing the evening laughing together.
As midnight approaches, they sit on the dunes to watch the fireworks from above.
"We've grown up together, and being there every year reminds us that no matter how busy life gets, these friendships stay the same. Welcoming the new year from the dunes, surrounded by people you've known your whole life, makes the moment feel meaningful in a quiet way," he said.
Throughout homes and deserts, these gathering reflect a shared feeling: for many Emiratis, welcoming the new year is less about spectacle, and more about being together.
