What to Expect at the RAK NYE 2024

Ras Al Khaimah is known for its spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations and this year is no exception, with the emirate gearing up for an unforgettable night of thrilling events and experiences to ring in 2024. Check out the highlights so you can plan a night to remember.

SOUNDFEST

Get your dancing shoes on and head to Soundfest where you can boogie into the new year. This ticketed event, which takes place at Ras Al Khaimah’s party destination, Al Marjan Island, promises an immersive musical experience like no other, featuring a line-up of local and international acts.

Be wowed by acclaimed U2 tribute show, U2UK, which performed at U2’s after party on the Dutch leg of the band’s Vertigo Tour; dig an Egyptian fusion indie rock vibe with Code Misr, known as the ‘Coldplay of the Arabic World’; become captivated by Raï-نا, a North African band that encapsulates the soul of Raï music, influenced by legends such as Cheb Khaled; and listen to the golden voice of vocalist Mary Darwish, now part of the Cairo-based outfit Dabet Namla, enchanting you with Arabic indie pop rock. For some big-hitting chart toppers, DJ Bia will not disappoint, churning out some real international bangers to keep the NYE spirit alive throughout the evening.

The festival is also packed with activities to keep you entertained, from carnival games to a shisha lounge to food truck delights that will top up your dance energy, and of course, the night ends with a bang, as Ras Al Khaimah’s hotly anticipated record-breaking fireworks show lights up the skies.

Need to know:

Time: From 6pm on December 31

Place: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

Tickets: Click here

More info: Click here

RAK NYE FESTIVAL

End 2023 with a day of family friendly fun and celebration at the RAK NYE Festival, a free-to-enter public event that invites visitors and residents to party together on Al Marjan Island. There’s something for everyone, from DJ performances to dedicated kids’ activities, plus a variety of food trucks where you can get a taste of international cuisine and fuel-up for the night ahead.

The day-long celebration starts at 2pm and culminates in the stunning midnight fireworks and drone show – expect a larger-than-life 4.5km display that will light the night skies across the waterfront between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village in a spectacular farewell to 2023.

This year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show will feature dazzling new techniques never seen before in an attempt to break two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ – the ‘Longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks’, and the ‘Longest straight-line drone display’. Expect a breathtaking ‘carpet’ of aquatic pyrotechnics, LED drones and fireworks choreographed to a music specifically composed for this event, inspired by Ras Al Khaimah’s unique landscape – desert, mountain and sea.

Need to know:

Time: From 2pm on December 31

Place: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

Parking: There will be plenty of places to park, with 10,000 free spaces made available, accessible at the entrance to Al Marjan Island via E11 road to the RAKEZ building roundabout. A traffic team will on hand to direct vehicles to the nearest parking areas. Click here for a map of the parking zones.

CAMP UNDER THE STARS

For a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah, take advantage of the complimentary campaign facilities, conveniently located next to the RAK NYE Festival and Soundfest sites.

This is an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the world-class fireworks display from a cozy and scenic setting. The camping area includes dedicated zones for caravans, RVs, and tents, available on a first-come, first-served basis, so get booking now.

DRIVE-IN FIREWORKS

Also new for this year is a Vehicle Viewing Point where you can park up and watch the fireworks from the comfort of your own car. Perfect for families with younger children or big kids who fancy a quick nap before the fun begins!

However you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Ras Al Khaimah has an option for you, making it a night to remember as you bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 in grand style.