For many countries around the world, New Year celebrations involve elaborate decorations in several places, depicting a slight shift towards preparation for a new year.
There is a reason fireworks light up the Burj Khalifa every year. Spectators from all over the world gather to witness the harmonious display of technology and synchronism at elevated levels.
These are viable options to celebrate the New Year, but an activity lies underrated, waiting for you to take full advantage of this year. Oftentimes, rooftops and restaurants see a spike in visitors from dawn till dusk, but the RTA firework cruises in Dubai remain one of the best opportunities to explore and experience Dubai’s transformative New Year's Eve celebrations.
The magic happens while floating on water through Dubai’s diverse network of waterways. Regardless of your plans for the upcoming celebrations, the RTA firework cruises deserve to be at the top of your list.
Why Choose Water to Celebrate New Year’s Eve?
An electrifying atmosphere, chock-full of visitors and locals, feels exhilarating and is almost inevitable every New Year’s Eve in Dubai, but this comes with its set of woes, including congestion and arduous hours of waiting.
Sure, an adrenaline rush on the highway feels quite delightful, but the innocuous feel on a yacht stays on par, depending on the client. Instead of getting stuck moving at gradual speeds, you’re seated or standing admiring the scenic backdrop of a charming landscape.
All of these reasons act as buffers to influence your overall decision towards witnessing the New Year RTA cruises in style.
What are RTA Firework Cruises?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has specifically designated New Year’s Eve as the best time of the year to witness the awe-inspiring fireworks. It is an orchestra of well-planned events leading up to the grand finale, which happens on December 31st.
Utilizing proper yacht services like BENO results in an encompassing experience leading to multiple viewing angles of iconic buildings and landmarks, including areas near Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island, and Palm Jumeirah.
The Dubai RTA firework cruises typically depart between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM and return around 1:30 AM, allowing guests to witness the full countdown and post-midnight celebrations before heading back.
BENO’s Yacht Cruises: Seamless, Pleasurable, and Iconic
BENO stands tall as one of the most iconic options when it comes to the entire RTA firework cruise options. The options are endless because at BENO, creating long-lasting memories with clients is very important and stands at the heart of operations.
What to Expect from BENO’s Yachts
- Spacious seating and panoramic windows
- Open deck areas for photography
- Smooth sailing and stable views
Exit Points
Conventional departure locations include:
- Marsa Al Arab
- Marina
- Dubai Harbor
Pricing and Availability:
- Arya: Starts at AED 1,601 per hour
- Cali: Starts at AED 1,201 per hour
- Jude: Starts at AED 4,001 per hour
- Julia: Starts at AED 2,400 per hour
- J.Uno: Starts at AED 1,200 per hour
Regardless of your size as a group or couple, these prices come with heavy benefits and offers, with some yachts offering up to 20% discount when you actually book a cruise. You can also request a private yacht rental in Dubai with BENO.
Private Water Taxi: More Customizations for Your Delight
If you want even more privacy and absolute flexibility, the RTA Water Taxi appears to cater exclusively to your needs. You might be considering the RTA Water Taxi if you are interested in:
- Private booking for small groups
- Personalized atmosphere
- Looking for the perfect space for families, friends, or intimate celebrations
Pricing and Accommodation Options
- It can take up to 20 passengers at once.
- The pricing starts at AED 3,750 per boat.
This option is tailored for enthusiasts seeking ample space, especially with friends or when hosting visitors or guests. You might also go for this option if your personal space is a priority among other things.
Traditional Abras: An Affordable yet Seamless Alternative
Many enthusiasts love to pick a more traditional and affordable option whilst enjoying the full benefits, as you would on a proper cruise. There are several other reasons why RTA Abras remains a favorite amongst locals:
What Sets Abras Apart
- Traditional wooden boats
- Open-air seating
- Authentic Dubai experience
Pricing and Accommodation
- Starts at AED 150 per person
- Children under two often travel free
Abras are ideal for families and visitors who want to experience Dubai’s rich heritage while enjoying a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration.
What You’ll See During the Cruise
The real magic of RTA firework cruises lies in the views.
As midnight approaches, vessels glide into strategic positions, offering unobstructed sightlines to some of Dubai’s most iconic displays.
Fireworks illuminate the sky near landmarks such as:
- Downtown Dubai
- Palm Jumeirah
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Marina and Bluewaters
From the water, the fireworks feel closer, brighter, and more immersive. Reflections ripple across the sea, cameras flash, and the countdown becomes a shared moment among passengers.
Tips that Elevate Your New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Celebrating on New Year’s Eve can be intense and quite overwhelming for a lot of people. This is why we have carefully curated this list to keep you ahead of celebrations while you have a special treat from your favorite destinations:
Start your itinerary early: Be fast when planning towards booking because these tickets are always selling out at high speeds.
Be punctual: Maintain discipline while getting to the departure point to avoid mishaps before the vessel takes off.
Dress the part: Outings and events in the evening feel much better whilst wearing comfortable clothes. Vintages work best!
Bring essentials: Phones charged, light layers, and minimal bags
The effect of having a stable rental service slides into view here because you need to have unfiltered access to multiple mobility options, especially if you are travelling with guests or family, to limit the effects of waiting hours and zero mobility to traverse within Dubai.
Why Tourists Prefer Cruises Over Land-Based Fireworks Viewing
The entire experience on a cruise cannot be compared to what you would get if viewing in person for a wide number of reasons listed below. Cruises eliminate several bottlenecks that you would have faced when viewing in person. These include:
- Clear, unobstructed views
- A relaxed environment
- Comfortable seating
- Freedom from dense crowds
For tourists, it’s a chance to experience Dubai fascinatingly. For locals, it’s a refreshing alternative to the usual New Year's Eve regimen.
Enhance Your New Year’s Eve Celebration with BENO
A rare opportunity to experience Dubai from the waterways has presented itself. Be it BENO’s yachts, enhanced privacy of the Water Taxi, or the charm of a traditional Abra.
It’s an irrefutable fact that Dubai is a prime location for New Year’s Eve celebrations with lots of celebratory options. Sometimes the bustling city can get overwhelming sometimes and people love to take a step back while reminiscing about events and activities that have taken place throughout the whole year.
No better place to do this than the RTA firework cruises that happen every New Year’s Eve, along with the countdown in Dubai.
FAQs
- When can I book a Fireworks cruise?
The best time to book a fireworks cruise is up to 60 days
- How much does it cost to view fireworks at Burj Khalifa?
This cost will depend on your mode of operation. Whether you’re standing right in front of the mall or climbing aboard one of BENO’s premium yachts with prices ranging from AED 1,000 and above.
- Are fireworks cruises worth it?
For the best End of the Year celebration, fireworks cruises are absolutely worth every penny.
- What time are the fireworks in Dubai Festival City?
The fireworks in Dubai Festival City starts at midnight.
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