Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most exciting cities in the world to spend New Year’s Eve, but with seemingly every bar, restaurant, lounge and hotel offering a special package, it’s difficult to know where to start.

To save you the bother, here’s our pick of the New Year’s Eve offerings. Go to any of these venues and we guarantee you’ll have a night to remember:

The ACT, Shangri-La Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road
The evening starts with a five-course festive dinner with hints of the Peruvian influence that The Act’s award-winning executive head chef has gained a reputation for.

Throughout the night international performers will take to the stage to perform classic hits from the 70s, as well as disco and rock ‘n’ roll. And once the clock strikes 12, guests can view the Burj Khalifa fireworks from The Act’s terrace on the 42nd floor.

Details: AED 1,000 per person (minimum spend). Visit theactdubai.com

Cirque Le Soir, Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road
Not your standard New Year’s Eve celebration, Cirque Le Soir promises a weird and wonderful trip into 2015 with its A Clockwork Orange-themed extravaganza.

Featuring special guests Chris Willis and Les Twins, expect the unexpected on this night where mischief and mayhem are the only rules.

Details: AED 300 for gentlemen (including 2 drinks) and AED 200 for ladies (including 2 drinks). Visit cirquelesoir.com

Mercury Lounge, Four Seasons
The brand-new terrace bar in the newly opened Four Seasons Dubai is hosting an Angels and Demons-themed night, with light bites, canapés, desserts and free-flowing champagne and cocktails included in the entry price.

Featuring illusionists, air dancers, jugglers and, of course, a stunning view of the Downtown Dubai skyline, it’s bound to be one of the hottest tickets in town this New Year’s Eve.

Details: AED 2,015 per person. Visit fourseasons.com

Mahiki, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
One of the few top-class venues in Dubai that is offering free entry on New Year’s Eve, a night at Mahiki will see you ringing in the New Year in exotic tiki style.

Guests who book tables will receive a complementary dinner picked from the venue’s Polynesian menu as well as a bottle and treasure chest full of their chosen cocktail.

Details: Entry free, prior booking mandatory. Visit mahiki.ae

Iris Dubai, The Oberoi
Anywhere with Burj Khalifa views this spectacular is bound to be an awesome way to ring in the New Year, but Iris Dubai is offering much more than views on the 31st.

The entry fee covers unlimited signature Iris cocktails and canapés as well as a live saxophonist, plus a special appearance from DJ MadJam later in the night.

Details: AED 1,000 per person for a table, AED 750 per person seated by the bar, AED 500 for standing. Visit irisdubai.com

Iris Yas Island
Not content with only one UAE party, Iris Yas Island is offering Abu Dhabi revelers a unique outdoor clubbing experience at Le Club in the capital.

Guests will be treated to free-flowing premium drinks and signature cocktails as well as a wide selection of tasty treats.

Details: AED 950 person for a table, AED 750 person person seated by the bar. Visit irisabudhabi.com

Clé Dubai
For a truly luxurious New Year’s Eve celebration, Clé Dubai is offering a sumptuous sit-down meal followed by a party to take guests past the strike of 12.

Featuring celebrity chef Greg Malouf’s modern take on Arab cuisine, the meal includes the highest-quality ingredients such as French quail, Scottish lobster and saffron-battered haloumi.

Details: AED 550 per person (food only). Visit cle-dubai.com

UBK, Movenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers
New Year’s Eve is a celebration, and there’s no more raucous way to welcome in the new year than at the Movenpick JLT’s UBK - Urban, Bar and Kitchen.

Featuring gogo dancers, an LED pi show, UBK’s Trio Band, a saxophone player and unlimited drinks, there’s no danger of the night passing uneventfully.

Details: AED 7,000 per booth (up to 12 people), or AED 500 for single entry. Visit moevenpick-hotels.com

Stratos, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
Where better to spend New Year’s Eve than the capital’s only 360-degree revolving lounge and grill, located at the highest point of the iconic Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi?

With a wide range of food, including braised veal, Scottish langoustines and free-range chicken, an excellent cocktail selection and a superb view over Abu Dhabi, it’s tailor-made for a New Year’s celebration.

Details: AED 3,000 for a table of four, or AED 500 per person with canapés and drinks until midnight. AED 200 including a drink after midnight. Visit stratosabudhabi.com

Zuma Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Putting on identical nights in both of its UAE establishments, Zuma is offering a Japanese-inspired New Year’s celebration for its guests from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Reservations for families with children will be available from 7 to 7.30pm, but by 9.30pm the kids must leave and it’s time for the adults to enjoy Zuma’s exquisite food accompanied by live music until midnight.

Details: Tasting menus of AED 850 or AED 1,200 per guest available. Visit zumarestaurant.com

Sass Cafe
A truly decadent way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Sass Cafe is offering a stunning five-course menu featuring the most exclusive ingredients in the world: truffles and caviar.

Guests at the “All That Sass”-themed night will be treated to a roaring 1920′s-style party, and amazing views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks from the venue’s terrace.

Details: AED 1,990 per person, including a pearl caviar spoon and a truffle to take home. Visit sasscafe-dubai.ae

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa
Al Basha and Luciano’s restaurants will be combining to offer a New Year’s buffet to be enjoyed under the stars by the pool of the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa.

After the feast, guests are invited to view the fireworks at midnight from Habtoor Grand’s private beach.

Details: AED 1,300 per adult including unlimited beverages. Visit grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com