Dubai has named the star of its biggest private countdown party for 2027. Katy Perry will headline the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Atlantis, The Palm on 31 December, taking the stage outdoors before a midnight fireworks display that stretches across the skyline from Atlantis, The Palm to Atlantis The Royal.
The performance
The Grammy-nominated singer is expected to perform some of her biggest hits, including Firework, Roar, Dark Horse and Last Friday Night. It is a setlist well suited to a countdown, and Firework in particular will pair naturally with the midnight display.
Perry made her Capitol Records debut in 2008 with One of the Boys. According to the resort, her catalogue has accumulated 115 billion streams worldwide, with more than 70 million adjusted album sales and 143 million track sales. She is also the first artist in RIAA history to earn three Diamond-certified singles, for Firework, Dark Horse and Roar.
Kym Barter, Managing Director of Atlantis Dubai, said the resort was thrilled to welcome Perry as this year’s headline act. She described it as continuing the resort’s tradition of bringing major global talent to Dubai for one of the year’s most anticipated celebrations.
What the evening includes
The gala is black-tie and begins at 6pm. Guests arrive to canapés, welcome drinks and roaming entertainment before moving to the outdoor gala setting. A 30-piece live band performs through the evening. A buffet features lobster, caviar, sushi, live cooking stations, desserts and petit fours.
Families are catered for too. The Asateer Tent becomes a children’s party zone with a giant slide, a bouncy castle, an outdoor cinema, games, and arts and crafts.
Ticket prices
Prices vary widely by seating category. Children under three enter free in the Premium Seating and Rouge Circle categories.
| Category | Adults and guests 14+ | Children 4–13 |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Seating | From Dh8,500 | From Dh6,500 |
| Rouge Circle (close to the stage) | From Dh10,500 | From Dh7,500 |
| Golden Circle | From Dh14,500 | From Dh8,500 (ages 0–13) |
The Golden Circle adds private seating in front of the stage, unlimited premium Champagne, a caviar box with personalised truffle service and upgraded wines and spirits.
At the top end, the VIP Sky Suites include private butler service, catering from the resort’s restaurants, access to the gala buffet and premium Champagne:
- Aurora: from Dh250,000 for up to ten guests
- Celestial: from Dh400,000 for up to ten guests
Tickets are being sold through Platinumlist. The gala takes place on Thursday, 31 December 2026.
Dubai’s NYE tradition
Dubai has built a reputation for large New Year’s Eve productions. Last year the city welcomed 2026 with a Maroon 5 performance and a spectacular fireworks show. Announcing a headliner in September gives hotels, residents and visitors plenty of time to plan, and it signals that the tourism calendar for the end of the year is filling up.
The announcement will also be watched by anyone deciding whether to book a hotel stay or an experience for the holiday period. Premium New Year’s Eve events tend to draw early interest, and the range of price points here, from family-friendly seating to private suites, reflects how varied Dubai’s audience is.
Planning ahead
Anyone considering the gala should check the ticket category carefully. Age bands differ between tiers, and the Golden Circle child price applies to ages 0 to 13 while the other tiers price children from 4 to 13. Confirm inclusions and arrival timing when booking, since the evening starts at 6pm.
Whether or not you have a ticket, Dubai’s skyline will again be the backdrop for a midnight fireworks display as the city counts down to 2027.
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