New Year’s Day: Where to celebrate the first day of 2021 in Abu Dhabi

New year, new start! Kick-off 2021 in style with brunches, lazy lunches or perhaps a party. Here are some of the best options for the first day of the new year in Abu Dhabi.

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – Lazy Brunch:

Keeping with a relaxed theme to start the new year. Enjoy a mesmerising sharing-style menu brunch, offering a myriad of dishes from the Pacific Rim region. Indulge into freshly prepared sushi and nigiri, delicacies from the Robata charcoal grill, Chilean seabass, mouthwatering desserts and free-flowing beverages from Buddha-Bar Beach’s team of master mixologists. Friday 1 January 2020, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 450 (house beverages), AED 525 (Champagne) and AED 175 (children aged six to twelve years).

GO: Call (0)2 498 8888 for reservations and more information.

Cooper’s at Park Rotana – Cooper’s New Year Friday Brunch:

The celebrations do not end as Cooper’s sets the fun on the first day of the year with its New Year Friday Brunch. Featuring its renowned brunch buffet showcasing signature dishes partnered with free-flowing beverages, it will be a great way to welcome 2021 with friends. Friday 1 January from 12pm to 4pm. AED 195 (soft beverages), AED 265 (house beverages) and AED 295 (premium beverages).

GO: Call (0)2 657 3333 for reservations and more information.

Dino’s Bistro Italiano at Pearl Rotana Capital Centre Abu Dhabi – New Year’s Day Brunch:

Start the new year with a unique Italian à la carte brunch that will transport you to Italy. Expect all of your Italian favourites along with an antipasti station, cheese and cold cuts, artisan bread and turkey carving. A live performer will provide music. Friday 1 January from 12pm to 4m. AED 200 (soft beverages) and AED 250 (house beverages). 

GO: Call (0)2 307 5551 for reservations and more information.

Fairways at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa – Bubbalicious New Year’s Day Brunch:

Raise your glass to the first Bubbalicious Brunch of the year and experience a mouthwatering selection of indulgent international dishes. Expect fresh sushi, live cooking stations roasts, grills and a wide range of cheese. Dig into the spectacular dessert station piled high with homemade chocolates, sweets, cakes, made-to-order crepes, ice cream and sorbets. Friday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 295 (soft beverages), AED 395 (house beverages) and AED 125 (children).

GO: Call (0)2 616 9999 for reservations and more information.

Falaj Restaurant at Remal Hotel – New Year’s Day Brunch

The New Year’s Eve gala dinner menu at the all-day dining Falaj restaurant feature a variety of culinary specials from around the world. Begin your journey with appetisers that include Sicilian shrimp salad with shaved fennel and orange segments or the citrus tuna ceviche with avocado and baby cos lettuce. Mains feature roasted baby chicken with freekeh, green peas and pine nuts, braised lamb chops with stuffed vine leaves and oven-roasted salmon with fennel confit sauce and green asparagus amongst others. Live stations that include a carvery with roast turkey and chicken shawarma stations and a salad bar are also part of the experience. Bring your meal to a sweet finish with a selection of desserts like Black Forest trifle, crème brûlée and warm date pudding. Friday 1 January 2021, from 12pm to 4 pm. AED 180 (soft beverages) and AED 250 (house beverages).

GO: Call (0)2 809 2222 for reservations and more information.

Garage at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island:

Start 2021 in true W spirit and detox with a healthy ‘pick me up’ feast and fulfil your aftermath cravings. Or why not Retox to celebrate the first day of 2021 and sip and savour some Bloody Mary’s to get back in shape! Friday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 365 (house beverages) and AED 499 (sparkling).

GO: Call (0)2 656 0000 for reservations and more information.

Grills@Chill’O Restaurant – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche:

New year, new beginnings, new restaurant! Grills@Chill’O with its spacious surroundings, is ready to celebrate the start of 2021 with a juicy and delicious brunch. Signature meats right off the grill, cold drink in your hand, panoramic view of the Corniche, and surrounded by family & friends, the year is off to a perfect start. Friday 1 January from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 220 (soft beverages), AED 305 (house beverages) and AED 365 (bubbly).

GO: Call (0)2 813 7777 for reservations and more information.

Nahaam at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers: New Year’s Day Brunch:

The first day of 2021 is all yours. Start the New Year with a traditional New Year’s Day Brunch. With a lovely ambience, casual poolside atmosphere, and beautiful and sumptuous foods, Nahaam is the perfect afternoon out to celebrate with family and friends. Friday 1 January from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 485 (soft beverages), AED 580 (grape and hops) and AED 690 (bubbles).

GO: Call (0)2 811 5666 for orders and more information.

Oak Room at The Abu Dhabi EDITION – New Year’s Day Brunch

Experience a special Oak Room New Year’s Day Brunch with an additional hour complimentary. A spirited, leisurely affair, uncomplicated in approach, expect a seated menu of signature British dishes, a robust paired beverage selection, Espresso Martinis and Port. Starting with signature Oak Room Sourdough with Marmite Butter and an array of shared starters, then choose their main course, and two sides, followed by desserts served to share and an indulgent cheese selection. Friday 1 January from 12pm to 5pm. AED 195 (soft beverages), AED 365 (house beverages) and AED 465 (bubbles).

GO: Call (0)2 208 0000 for reservations and more information.

Offside at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort – New Year’s Day Lazy Offside BBQ:

Kick-start the new year in a casual setting surrounded by friends. Your first resolution to honour could be a sizeable hearty breakfast to fry away any 2020 residue that might remain. They say you need plenty of protein, fat, and salt to help the body recover and Offside Sports Lounge may have just the cure. Friday 1 January 2021 from 12pm.

GO: Call (0)2 811 4342 for reservations and more information.

Oléa at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – Recharging All Day Breakfast:

Recover from the festivities and celebrate the start of a new year with a lavish all-day breakfast at Oléa. Recharge and start the year off with healthy sandwiches, detox beverages, sushi, burritos and a whole host of delicacies. Friday 1 January 2020, from 8am to 3pm. AED 195 per person.

GO: Call (0)2 498 8888 for reservations and more information.

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi – New Year’s Day Dim Sum Brunch:

Hold back on your detox for just one more day and celebrate new beginnings with a delightful Dim Sum brunch at the authentic Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace. Friday 1 January from 12pm to 3pm. AED 123 (food only).

GO: Call (0)2 509 8555 for reservations and more information.

Sofra Bld at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi – New Year’s Day Brunch:

Commence 2021 on a high note with a celebratory brunch! Experience the diversity of international cuisine in the heart of the Fact award-winning restaurant, Sofra BLD. Friday 1 January from 1pm to 4pm. AED 279 (soft beverages), AED 349 (house beverages) and AED 459 (bubbly). 

GO: Call (0)2 509 8555 for reservations and more information.

The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar at Pearl Rotana Capital Centre Abu Dhabi – New Year’s Day Celebration:

Revel in a new year and enjoy the lively atmosphere at The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar. Start the year with a special evening which will be an exclusive preview of The Warehouse’s new menu. Friday 1 January from 9pm to 1am. AED 300 (house beverages).

GO: Call (0)2 307 5552 for reservations and more information.

Urban Kitchen at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi – New Year’s Day Brunch:

Festivities don’t end at midnight at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Start 2021 with an Extraordinary Dusit Brunch as you indulge in the best of the five-star hotel’s famous brunch. The mouthwatering specialities are bound to impress you and whisk you away into a prosperous New Year. Friday 1 January from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 270 (soft beverages), AED 400 (house beverages) and AED 99 (children aged seven to 12 years).

GO: Call (0)2 698 8137 for reservations and more information.