Muscat welcomes the New Year with a unique blend of Arabian heritage and ultra-modern luxury. Unlike the frantic energy of many global capitals, the city offers a more sophisticated celebration, featuring grand gala dinners on manicured lawns, fireworks reflecting off the Gulf of Oman and a refreshing winter breeze. Most festivities are centered around the world-class resorts in the city, where the transition from 2025 to 2026 is marked by exceptional cuisine and live entertainment. Read on to discover the best places to celebrate New Year in Muscat, each promising live music, dazzling performances and a sparkling toast to 2026!
New Year in Muscat 2026: Best Places, Parties & Fireworks
Here are the top places to celebrate New Year in Muscat, detailed with everything you need to plan your night:
1. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Tucked between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the sea, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah is the epicenter of New Year festivities in Muscat. On NYE 2026, the resort is hosting a vibrant ‘Retro Carnival Gala Dinner’ with a sparkling countdown under the stars. The event transforms the beach into an open-air gala with a retro carnival theme, making it a perfect spot for those who want a lively, toes-in-the-sand experience without sacrificing luxury. The night features pre-dinner drinks, an expansive international buffet and potential after-parties or beach festivities.
Timings: 8 PM to 2 AM
Things to Do:
- Enjoy a dazzling Retro-themed evening with an international buffet
- Join a lively countdown on the Turtle Beach with a private fireworks display
- Watch live music performances by the K22 band from the Philippines
- Dine at the Bait Al Bahr, offering a sophisticated plated menu titled ‘Echoes of the Sirens’
Insider Tips:
- Stay overnight at the resort itself to enjoy the ‘New Year's Day Brunch’ without worrying about the drive back
- Dress in smart casuals and avoid flip-flops for the gala
- Use the Otaxi app for fixed-price booking, as traditional street taxis can be expensive at night
2. The Chedi Muscat
For those who find loud parties overwhelming, The Chedi Muscat is a sanctuary of calm and understated opulence. The New Year’s Eve festivities here are more focused on gastronomic precision. The evening usually begins with a cocktail reception on the Zen-like lawns, followed by a seven-course dinner that is widely considered the best culinary experience in the city. There are no loud DJ sets here, but live jazz or acoustic performances are held during dinner. It is the ultimate choice for a romantic date night or a sophisticated gathering of friends.
Timing: 8 PM to 1 AM
Things to Do:
- Celebrate on The Chedi Lawn with a chic cocktail and canapé reception
- Relish a world-class gala dinner followed by a DJ playing music
- Visit the 103-meter Long Pool for a photo before dinner
- Watch distant fireworks displays along the coastline
Insider Tips:
- Book the NYE gala dinner early, as it sells out very quickly
- Request a table near the outdoor patio for the best view of the stars
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Muscat: Famous Attractions That Offer A Never-Ending Expedition
3. W Muscat
Located in Shatti Al Qurum, W Muscat is where the cool crowd gathers for New Year! If you want to dance, this is your venue. The Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar at the hotel hosts the trendiest rooftop party in Oman, featuring an electric vibe, international DJs, creative mixology and a 360-degree view of the city’s coastline. For New Year’s Eve 2026, the event features a high-concept theme, ‘Tulumia’ (or House of Tulum). In short, NYE festivities at W Muscat are less about a seated dinner and more about a high-energy social experience!
Timing: 9 PM to 3 AM
Things to Do
- Participate in the Wet Deck Party with a poolside dinner and DJ sets
- Experience a bohemian-chic, Tulum-inspired party
- Watch the world-famous DJs like CJ Jeff live at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar
- Stroll on Shatti Beach before the party to see the local crowds and festive lights
Insider Tips:
- Book a VIP table at the Siddharta Lounge to ensure you have a base for the night
- Avoid driving yourself, as the Shatti area gets extremely congested on NYE
- Take a taxi to the Royal Opera House nearby and walk the short distance to the W
4. Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Often hailed as the ‘Jewel of the Sultanate’, Al Bustan Palace offers the most prestigious celebration in Oman. The ‘Black & Gold’ Gala on the Al Bustan Lawn is legendary, featuring white-glove service, a massive gourmet spread, and an atmosphere of old-world royalty. The palace’s 38-meter-high atrium is decorated with thousands of lights, making it the most instagrammable spot in the city. It’s an ideal choice for families and couples who want a high-end, structured celebration with a stunning fireworks backdrop over the private bay.
Timing: 8 PM to Midnight
Things to Do:
- Enjoy a lavish Gala Dinner Buffet with live music performances
- Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa session at Al Bustan Palace Spa
- Savor a special New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet at Al Khiran Kitchen
Insider Tips
- Arrive early for the Festive Afternoon Tea at the Atrium Lounge (2 PM to 5 PM)
- The Ritz Kids Club hosts a separate mini countdown for children so parents can enjoy the main gala
- Make early reservations, as the event usually sells out by mid-December
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Muscat: Fascinating Excursions To Look Forward To
5. Grand Hyatt Muscat
Located in the heart of the prestigious Shatti Al Qurum district, the Grand Hyatt Muscat is an architectural masterpiece that feels like an Arabian palace. For the 2025/2026 transition, the hotel is known for its ‘Paris by Night’ or similarly themed extravaganzas that take over its lush outdoor gardens. The celebration is a ‘Gourmet Paradise’, featuring live cooking stations that serve everything from fresh Omani seafood to hand-carved prime rib. What sets the Grand Hyatt apart is its ability to host a massive, high-energy party while maintaining a sense of classic luxury. With a vibrant entertainment lineup of live bands and international DJs, it is a top choice for those who want to dance in a sophisticated, opulent setting right by the beach.
Timing: 7 PM to 3 AM
Things to Do:
- Attend the main party and live music at The Garden
- Dine at exquisite venues like Tuscany or The Grill House
- Take a pre-dinner walk along the Shatti Al Qurum promenade to see the public festivities
- Dance away the night at Copacabana nightclub with a themed DJ set
Insider Tips:
- Arrive by 7:30 PM to avoid traffic gridlock, if you are not staying overnight
- Secure a balcony room facing the sea for views of the hotel’s private displays and the city's coastal fireworks
- The hotel has self-parking for up to 300 cars, but it fills up quickly
- Live cooking stations allow you to see food preparation
6. Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Celebrating New Year’s Eve at Kempinski Hotel Muscat is the ultimate choice for those who want a blend of European luxury and modern beachfront style. Located in the heart of Al Mouj, the hotel is known for hosting the most fashionable and high-energy celebrations in Muscat. For New Year’s Eve, Kempinski typically offers a multi-venue celebration.
Timing: 7 PM to 3 AM
Things to Do:
- Experience a Gala Dinner at The Kitchen with live entertainment
- Enjoy a lively Mediterranean-style party at Zale Beach Club with front-row view of fireworks
- Walk through the Al Mouj Marina before your reservation
Insider Tips:
- Entry at Zale Beach Club is reserved for guests above 21 years old
- Consider a drop-off at Al Mouj’s entrance and walk (5 to 10 minutes) to the hotel lobby
- Men must dress in stylish linen suits, while women can go for elegant cocktail wear
Suggested Read: Resorts in Muscat for the Best Middle Eastern Holiday
7. Muttrah Corniche
If you prefer a local, open-air celebration without the 5-star price tag, Muttrah Corniche is where you need to be this New Year’s Eve! The 3-kilometer promenade is the heart of the city's public life, offering excellent opportunities for watching fireworks. On 31 December, thousands of locals and expats gather along the waterfront to watch the dhows (traditional boats) and fireworks near Al Jalali Fort.
Timing: 7 PM to Midnight
Things to Do:
- Watch stunning fireworks displays over the Gulf of Oman
- Attend New Year's Eve dinners, parties and events at resorts along the Corniche
- Take a stroll along the promenade to soak in the festive atmosphere
- Dine at Bait Al Luban for authentic Omani food with a view
Insider Tips:
- Arrive early to secure a good spot along the promenade to watch the fireworks
- Bring a jacket, as the December sea breeze can be chilly at night
- Check specific public event details for New Year 2026 closer to 31st December
Things to Do on New Year’s Day in Muscat
- Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture
- Relax along the Mutrah Corniche and explore the traditional Souq
- Take a dhow cruise at sunset for scenic coastal views
- Go dolphin watching or snorkeling in Muscat’s clear waters
- Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a seaside café to ease into the year
Travel Tips for Celebrating New Year in Muscat
- Reserve hotels and event tickets early, as they fill up quickly
- Check visa requirements and apply well in advance
- Confirm dress codes for New Year’s Eve events and parties
- Dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites
- Consider buying a local SIM card for better connectivity
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your experience
- Carry some local currency (Omani Rial) for convenience
- Use taxis or ride-sharing apps to get around easily
- Stay hydrated, especially if exploring during the day
- Respect and embrace local customs and traditions
Muscat offers a New Year’s Eve that is as diverse as its landscape! From the royal elegance of Al Bustan Palace and the high-energy beats of Kempinski’s Zale Beach Club to a quiet, starlit moment on the Muttrah Corniche, the Omani capital promises an unforgettable experience. As the fireworks light up the Gulf of Oman and the cool winter breeze sweeps through the palm trees, there’s no better place to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with a sense of wonder. Planning to celebrate this New Year in Muscat? Book one of our Oman tour packages and get ready for a celebration like no other!
FAQs - New Year in Muscat
Yes, most international travelers need an e-Visa to enter Oman, which must be applied for online in advance, as a visa on arrival is generally not available.
Top luxury hotels like The Chedi Muscat, Al Bustan Palace, and Grand Hyatt Muscat host lavish gala dinners and themed parties, making them ideal for a high-end New Year's Eve experience.
The Muttrah Corniche and the Al Mouj Marina are the primary public spots for free viewing of fireworks. While several hotels host their own private displays, you can see the sky light up from almost anywhere along the Shatti Al Qurum coastline.
Yes, New Year’s Eve in Muscat is one of the busiest nights for the hospitality industry in Oman. Popular venues like Al Bustan Palace or The Chedi often sell out their gala dinners by mid-December. Most hotels require a deposit or full payment to secure your table.
Yes, resorts like Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah host special activities, entertainment and dinners tailored for families, making them perfect for celebrating with children.
Since NYE sees heavy traffic, especially in Al Mouj and Shatti Al Qurum, use the Otaxi or Marhaba apps to book rides. If you plan to drive, arrive at your destination before 8 PM to secure a parking spot, as public lots fill up rapidly.
While Oman is conservative, the dress code for NYE at major hotels is ‘Black Tie’ or ‘Smart Elegant’. Men must dress up in suits or tuxedos, while women can wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses.
The weather in Muscat during New Year is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 24°C to 26°C, dropping to a cool 17°C to 19°C at night. However, it is recommended to carry a light jacket or pashmina for the midnight countdown by the sea.
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