-- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi invites guests to welcome 2026 with an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration of elegance, glamour and world-class entertainment. In partnership with Theory Eleven Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the evening will be elevated by an exclusive headline performance from internationally acclaimed EGOT winner, John Legend.
From a spectacular gala dinner to a dazzling fireworks display and an after-party to remember, this New Year's Eve is the capital's most anticipated night of the year. Stay packages at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi offer the perfect way to enjoy a truly immersive and seamless experience while ticket-only options give guests an instant connection to the energy of the night.
An Immersive Stay and Celebration
Exclusive access to the entire celebration including a gala dinner, drinks reception, performance and after party is available to guests booking a stay at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
The evening begins beneath the Palace's majestic Grand Dome with a welcome cocktail reception from 7 – 8.30pm where guests will savour artisanal beverages and canapés. The celebrations continue with a gourmet gala dinner across Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental's distinguished dining venues, including two Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing a curated selection of world-class cuisine. Guests can chose Talea, Strawfire, Martabaan, Sand&Koal, Hakkasan and Vendome; each offering a unique culinary experience, ranging from set menus to buffets with live cooking stations.
As the stars rise over the Arabian Gulf and the celebration crescendos towards midnight, John Legend takes the stage on the Palace Terrace, delivering an intimate and unforgettable live performance of his most beloved hits, from All of Me to Love Me Now. A pianist, songwriter and record producer of rare distinction, Legend is among the few artists to have achieved Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.
As midnight approaches, the sky will ignite in a dazzling fireworks display, before the celebrations continue at an exclusive after-party at the Palace Terrace, featuring renowned DJs and live entertainment into the early hours.
A minimum three-night stay, including the night of 31 December, is required, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive experience for those staying at the hotel.
Ticket and Packages
Concert tickets are available in Silver, Gold, Platinum and Royal tiers, each offering premium seating and bespoke privileges designed to elevate the evening. For ticket holders, the evening will begin with the welcome cocktail reception on the Palace Terrace East Wing from 8pm, where guests will enjoy premium beverages and gourmet tasting stations curated by Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental's award-winning culinary team. Ticket-holders will also have access to the John Legend performance, fireworks display and after-party at the Palace Terrace. The starting price for the Silver tier starts at AED 3,500.
For stay packages that include the gala dinner, concert, fireworks and afterparty, bookings can be made directly with the property on +971 2 690 8888 or via email moauh-reservations@mohg.com. Ticket-only packages can be bought on Platinum List.
The event is open to guests aged three and above, and early reservations are recommended as seating is subject to availability and confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that all bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Guests are kindly requested to attend in black tie or national attire.
About Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Located on a pristine private beach, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is the epitome of luxury in Abu Dhabi, showcasing Arabian hospitality at its finest. Each of the resort’s 390 rooms and suites is furnished to the highest levels of comfort and has stunning views of the city, sea, and garden. Twelve dining venues serve a variety of cuisines created by world renowned chefs and the resort boasts lush gardens, a lavish 1,500-sqm spa, two temperature-controlled swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a private marina. With many of Abu Dhabi’s main attractions within a short distance, including superb shopping destinations and impressive cultural and heritage sites, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental provides guests with the perfect place to explore the beauty and charm of the UAE’s capital.
