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Abu Dhabi New Year celebrations too expensive for many expats
| Published: | 26 Dec at 6 PM |
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Whilst everyone loves to ring in the New Year, 2014’s popular Abu Dhabi offerings are pricing many expat workers out of the party -going market.
As with any major world city, restaurants, entertainment venues, upscale hotels and shopping malls pull out all the stops to provide exciting and exclusive events to welcome in the New Year. This year, however, prices are so high that many families and groups are unable to afford the asking prices for a single night’s fun and food.
Belts are having to be tightened due to soaring rents and cost of living increases such as fees for international schools and health care, with many now deciding to host parties at home or celebrate in a local park as a matter of financial necessity. Expats report that a New Year’s Eve dinner in a good restaurant is priced at three of four times the total charged for a regular evening meal.
Coming right after the expenses of Christmas, it’s impossible to factor it in to the average family budget. Given the fine weather in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche is expected to be full of families barbecuing their New Year suppers whilst waiting for the traditional midnight fireworks display.
High prices aren’t the only problems, with many foreign nationals planning to celebrate at home to avoid the traffic and crowds in the centre and around the most popular venues. The lucky ones are those who have friends with high-floor condos and apartments giving great views of the festivities and fireworks.
As with any major world city, restaurants, entertainment venues, upscale hotels and shopping malls pull out all the stops to provide exciting and exclusive events to welcome in the New Year. This year, however, prices are so high that many families and groups are unable to afford the asking prices for a single night’s fun and food.
Belts are having to be tightened due to soaring rents and cost of living increases such as fees for international schools and health care, with many now deciding to host parties at home or celebrate in a local park as a matter of financial necessity. Expats report that a New Year’s Eve dinner in a good restaurant is priced at three of four times the total charged for a regular evening meal.
Coming right after the expenses of Christmas, it’s impossible to factor it in to the average family budget. Given the fine weather in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche is expected to be full of families barbecuing their New Year suppers whilst waiting for the traditional midnight fireworks display.
High prices aren’t the only problems, with many foreign nationals planning to celebrate at home to avoid the traffic and crowds in the centre and around the most popular venues. The lucky ones are those who have friends with high-floor condos and apartments giving great views of the festivities and fireworks.
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