We’ve spent New Year’s Eves in the back of taxis, queuing to get into clubs and even one time sitting on a train. But this year will be different. We’ve planned our night out with military precision, and suggest you do the same – so here’s our round-the-clock guide to where you should be counting down the last hours of 2011 and seeing in the start of 2012. Make the start of it as you mean to go on – by partying really hard.

7pm-10pm

Start off your evening with a hearty meal
It’s the last meal of 2011, so push the boat out. For starters you’ll need to line your stomach and store away energy for the long night ahead. Plus, since many New Year’s Eves tend to get rather raucous later on, you might as well make sure at least a portion of your evening is civilized!

Frankie’s: For an easy-going, understated start to your evening, Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar is serving a well-priced three course set menu of classic Italian dishes – we guarantee they’ll be good and carb-heavy to see you through till the wee hours of 2012. The à la carte menu will remain available and Frankie’s resident piano player will be tickling the ivories all evening.
New Year’s Eve dinner will take place in two sittings at 7pm or 9.30pm, and is priced at Dhs350 per person (including welcome drink). Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3333)

Bord Eau: Got a big appetite? And a big wallet? We’d recommend you book a table at Bord Eau then. The French restaurant is serving a gourmet nine-course set menu with grape pairings. Dishes will include chef’s specialties such as turbot with sabayon and Angus beef tenderloin. Sounds pretty spectacular. Afterwards, the festivities will continue at the Infinity Pool where you can watch a fireworks display over Maqta’a Creek.
7pm-11.30pm, Dhs1,500 including drinks. Shangri-La (02 509 8555)

Yas Viceroy: Yas Viceroy have planned different themed New Year’s Eve dinner events at each of their venues, so you can choose between an international buffet at Origins, an Italian feast at Amici, Middle Eastern cuisine at Atayeb, spicy Indian fare at Angar or a Japanese–themed evening at Kazu. We’re predicting the most indulgent of all, however, will be the Maritime dinner at Nautilus (which incidentally, is our new fave restaurant at Yas Viceroy). Sitting out on the terrace, you’ll be able to enjoy the views of the marina while you work your way through Canadian lobster tail with 22 carat rosé bubbly, before tackling line cod fillet and finishing up with a dessert of hazelnut and cocoa jelly with salted caramel mousse, raspberry sponge and rose and yoghurt ice cream. Now that’s what we call a celebratory menu.
Maritime dinner Dhs550 per person for dinner only. Prices of other menus vary, contact Vas Viceroy for further details (02 656 0000)

Hyatt Capital Gate: Want to stay ahead of the curve? The brand new 18 Degrees at Hyatt Capital Gate (the world’s furthest leaning building, in case you hadn’t noticed) has floor-to-ceiling windows so you’ll be able to check out the festivities and fireworks going on all over town throughout your evening. A five course meal will be served along with reds, whites and bubbly. Contact the hotel for details on their various packages.
8pm onwards, Dhs700 to Dhs2,000. Hyatt Capital Gate (02 596 1709)

Beach Rotana: Essence is teaming up with Benihana to provide a massive selection of Japanese and international grub for you to feast on as you see out the last hours of 2011. Fans of all-you-can-eat deals will love this one, which gives you unlimited access to the spread and to free-flow soft drinks or selected house beverages. For a mere Dhs299 including soft drinks or Dhs399 including free flowing selected party drinks, we’re confident you can get more than get your money’s worth!
7pm-10.30pm, Dhs299 with unlimited soft drinks or Dhs399 with selected house beverages. Beach Rotana (02 697 9011)