Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and New Year's Eve is no exception – with diners paying hundreds of pounds for a stunning view of the city's fireworks.
Restaurants with direct views of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, have been accused of charging exorbitant amounts for tables on December 31.
At Jamie's Italian – owned by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver – full view seats cost AED 2,499 (£500), or to save pennies, diners can opt for a worse view for AED 1,800 – almost £400.
Nando's charges even more, at DHS5,000 (£1,000) per person for an all-you-can-eat dining experience with a selection of desserts and unlimited tea and coffee.
A 'golden' seat at US burger chain Five Guys with all-you-can-eat food for the evening will cost you AED1,850 (£400) – and that doesn't even include alcoholic drinks.
Sitting further back in the silver section is slightly cheaper at AED 1,100 (£240), with one of the main benefits of the deal being that you can eat unlimited fries and burgers from 8pm to 1am.
Fireworks explode from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, during New Year's Eve celebrations in Dubai on January 1, 2023
Nando's charges even more at DHS5,000 (£1,000) per person for an all-you-can-eat dining experience with a selection of desserts and unlimited tea and coffee (file image)
Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffee and donut chain, charges AED3,000 (£645) – while at Pizza Hut it's AED1,800 (£380) with all-you-can-eat.
Even Starbucks is getting in on the action, with a whopping AED 1,600 (£340) price tag for unlimited coffee and food during the last night of the year.
Claudia De Brito, a freelance journalist and hospitality industry based in Dubai, responded to the restaurants 'marketing ploy', adding: 'Dubai has so much more to offer in terms of experiences and, given the current climate, I think it's completely right feels deaf.
'The fact is that there are many places where you can watch the fireworks for free or without paying a lot of money. Still, it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.'
Every year in Dubai there is a spectacular fireworks sensation in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.
Giant screens show the countdown to the new year, with fireworks synchronized with music and lights.
As many as 3,000 venues are launching New Year's Eve promotions in December, according to Josh Ashley-Collins, co-founder of Dubai deal app Playbook.
He said: 'Some of the most sought after are in and around the Dubai Mall, which offers front row seats to the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
'Prices start as low as AED800 (£170), which usually includes a set menu or unlimited food and drinks, depending on how much you pay.'
Among the top picks we recommend exploring are Reef & Beef, Karma Kafe, Roka and Privilege – it's a New Year celebration not to be missed.”
Even industry insiders are cynical about the high prices. Simon Ritchie of Yolk Brands, behind restaurants in the city including Pickl, BonBird and 1762, said: 'I'm not against eating thousands of pounds worth of burgers, but I'm happy to spread it out over a year rather than one evening.
'The best view you can have while enjoying a great burger is your friends and family enjoying it with you.
'There are plenty of places in the city to see the fireworks. You can actually see the top of the Burj Khalifa from our City Walk location if that's important to you – and we've never charged a cover or minimum fee.”