In Dubai, New Year’s Eve is not just a celebration, it is a business strategy.
Every year, as the Burj Khalifa fireworks light up the sky, restaurants around Downtown Dubai transform into premium viewing lounges. And surprisingly, it is not just fine dining spots cashing in. Even fast-food and casual dining chains are charging eye-watering prices just for the privilege of sitting down with a clear view of the midnight show.
Your burger may be fast, but the bill definitely is not.
Here are the most expensive fast-food and casual dining places in Dubai charging the most to watch the New Year’s fireworks.
Five Guys, Dubai Mall
Estimated price: AED 2,000 to 2,500 per person
Known for smashed burgers and milkshakes, Five Guys turns luxury on New Year’s Eve. Outdoor promenade tables with Burj Khalifa views are sold as premium packages, often including unlimited food. The catch? You are paying thousands for a burger you usually order in minutes.
KFC, Dubai Mall
Estimated price: AED 1,200 to 1,500 per person
Yes, even fried chicken comes with a fireworks premium. KFC’s New Year’s Eve seating near the Dubai Fountain has reportedly carried steep minimum spends, proving that on December 31, the view matters more than the menu.
Nando’s, Dubai Mall
Estimated price: AED 3,000 to 5,000 per person
From peri-peri chicken to premium positioning, Nando’s takes things to the next level on New Year’s Eve. Outdoor tables with direct Burj Khalifa views are sold as exclusive experiences, making this one of the priciest “casual dining” options in Downtown.
Pizza Hut, Dubai Mall
Estimated price: AED 1,200 to 1,400 per person
A slice with a side of fireworks. Pizza Hut joins the New Year’s Eve pricing madness with minimum spends for fountain-facing tables, turning a family pizza night into a luxury event.
Why Are Prices So High? It all comes down to location, location, location.
Restaurants near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain sell guaranteed fireworks views, limited outdoor seating, and controlled access during one of the busiest nights of the year. Food becomes secondary. What guests are really paying for is a front-row seat to one of the world’s most famous fireworks displays.
