Chinese New Year in UAE

Chinese New Year is a 15-day festival. It brings in the new moon that takes place between 21st January to 20th February. It is also called Lunar New Year for this reason. It is a time to get rid of the bad and evil and welcome the good. 

Chinese New Year is conducted extensively in the United Arab Emirates. There are parades and fireworks that light up the entire country. This article talks about the Chinese New Year 2025 Dubai and UAE events that you should not miss.

Things to Do During This Time

There are various events that take place during this time. Some of the major things you can do are:

• Watch fireworks displays
• Enjoy exquisite Chinese delicacies
• Shop from the different sales

You can also shop online since many leading brands and stores offer massive discounts on their products. You can use coupons from DealsandCouponsmena for added savings. Some prominent brand coupons available on the platform are:

• Noon
• Namshi
• Rivoli Shop
• Sun and Sand Sports
• Sivvi
• GUESS
• Adidas

This makes it the perfect time to stock up on all your essentials. 

Top Places to Visit During Chinese New Year

The main places that you should visit during the Chinese New Year are explained in the following sections.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

It is the biggest theme park in all of the Middle East. It houses three theme parks and one water park. It is also home to some of the best fireworks displays during Chinese New Year. There are beautiful fireworks that light up the sky from 9 pm at the Riverside. There are also laser shows for an added wow element. These take place in 30-minute intervals. 

Dubai Festival City Mall

Another place to catch the fireworks New Year 2025 is the Dubai Festival City Mall. It is the biggest mall in Dubai and has over 400 stores. Stunning fireworks light up the Dubai sky. 

There are also offers at different stores in the mall. This includes cashback on spending a certain amount. A Dancing Dragon performance takes place. 

Global Village

Global Village is the ultimate destination for entertainment and shopping. It also has opulent dining facilities. The Global Village turns into a place of Chinese New Year festivities with fireworks. You can enjoy the views, shop for the new year, and enjoy delectable dishes. 

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is a massive luxury hotel in Dubai. It is one of the most popular landmarks known for its seven-star status. The Burj Al Arab Fireworks 2025 are truly a sight to behold. You can expect from 1600 to 1800 drones to make a 300-metre-long Chinese dragon across the sky along the Burj Al Arab. 

Dragon Mart

The Dragon Mark is one of the biggest Chinese product trading centres. It welcomes the Chinese New Year with exciting performances. This includes a Dragon Kund fu Dance, a Big Dragon Dance, an umbrella Dance, a Lion Dance, and a Peking Opera Show. 

The events usually start on 2nd February and go on to 11^th February. There are also various workshops that you can partake in. 

Hudayriyat Island

The Hudayriyat Island offers free activations for special days. There are umbrella dances and roaming dragon shows. You can also catch a glimpse of roaming stiltwalkers. A final show has all the performers come together for a grand gala. 

Things to Gift During Chinese New Year

Giving and receiving gifts is another tradition associated with Chinese New Year, particularly with red envelopes (hongbao) containing cash. These are said to bring good fortune. Although red envelopes are a customary gift, the UAE offers a variety of unique gift options as well. 

Fortune tellers and high-end merchandise with a New Year's theme can be found in Chinese marketplaces and shopping centres. This is a perfect time to buy gifts for family and friends because many shops in the UAE/Saudi Arabia have sales and discounts.

Some popular gift options are: 

• Fruit baskets
• Tea sets
• Electronic items
• Crockery
• Wine
• Clothes

What to Eat During this Time

Food plays a major role in the Chinese New Year 2025 Dubai festivities. There was a widespread availability of meals that were rich in symbolism. Many restaurants offer special Chinese New Year menus featuring traditional dishes that represent prosperity, health, and happiness. Some popular dishes include:

• Dumplings (Jiaozi) are shaped like old Chinese silver ingots. These dumplings symbolise riches. It is said that eating them during Chinese New Year will bring luck and prosperity.
• Fish is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Because the term for fish in Chinese sounds like "surplus," it's a must-have meal for the celebration.
• Longevity noodles are offered to represent a long life. Slurping these noodles whole, uncut, is said to bestow longevity and good fortune.
• Nian Gao, or sticky rice cake, is a treat that is said to promote prosperity and advancement. "Gao" means lofty or high, and it represents the aspiration for development and success in the upcoming year.

Why is the Chinese New Year Popular in UAE/Saudi Arbia?

China and UAE share diplomatic relations. 2025 marked the 41st year of the same. The UAE/Saudi Arabia is also known for its accepting approach and for valuing cultural diversity. The UAE's Chinese New Year celebrations have increased a lot in recent years. It is particularly visible in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where there is a sizable population of Chinese expatriates. 

Chinese customs are frequently combined with the opulent flair that the Saudi Arabia is renowned for during these festivities. Grand preparations for the festivities include 

• Themed decorations
• Chinese lantern displays
• Special events held in hotels, malls, and public areas

Together with residents and visitors, the Chinese community congregates to take in the culinary specialties, cultural events, and entertainment. Everybody may find something to do during this celebration. You may be participating in traditional Chinese ceremonies or just enjoying the views. 

Final Words

Chinese New Year in the UAE is truly a combination of tradition and modern celebrations. The celebrations across the country offer something for everyone. The Burj Al Arab Fireworks 2025 and delicious food bring the Saudi Arabia to life. This makes the UAE the perfect place to be during Lunar New Year.