CHAIN restaurants are charging as much as £1,000 for dinner in Dubai – simply because of the views.
Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and New Year’s Eve is no exception.
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Diners are paying hundreds of pounds to secure prime views of the city’s fireworks display.
Restaurants with direct views of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, have been accused of cashing in by charging exorbitant sums for tables on December 31.
At Jamie’s Italian – owned by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver – seats with a full view are AED2,499 (£500) or to save pennies diners can plump for a worse view at AED1,800 – nearly £400.
Nando’s is charging 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 ‘gold’ seat at US burger chain Five Guys with unlimited 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 comes in slightly cheaper at AED1,100 (£240), with one of the main benefits of the deal being unlimited fries and burgers from 8pm to 1am.
Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffee and doughnut chain, is charging AED3,000 (£645) – while at Pizza Hut it’s AED1,800 (£380) with unlimited food.
Even Starbucks is getting in on the action, with a whopping AED1,600 (£340) price tag for unlimited coffee and food throughout the final evening of the year.
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Claudia De Brito, a freelance journalist and hospitality based in Dubai, hit out at the “marketing ploy” by restaurants.
She added: “Dubai has so much more to offer in terms of experiences and, given the current climate, I think feels completely tone deaf.
“The fact is, there are lots of places where you can watch the fireworks for free or without having to spend a fortune.”
Even industry insiders are cynical of the high prices.
Simon Ritchie of Yolk Brands behind a number of restaurants across Dubai said: “I’m not against eating thousands of pounds worth of burgers, but I like to spread it over the course of a year instead of an evening.
“The best view you can have while enjoying an amazing burger is of your friends and family enjoying it with you.”
Each year, Dubai hosts a spectacular fireworks sensation in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa.
A countdown to the New Year is beamed on giant screens, with the fireworks display synchronised to music and lights.
According to Josh Ashley-Collins, co-founder of Dubai deal app Playbook, a staggering 3,000 venues are rolling out New Year’s Eve promotions this December – but there are some which are much cheaper.
He said: “Some of the most sought after are in and around Dubai Mall, providing front-row seats to the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
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“Prices start as low as AED800 (£170) which usually includes either 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.
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