Dubai
Dubai Aleksandar Pasaric/Pexels.com

Dubai is gearing up for one of the world's largest New Year's Eve celebrations, with authorities implementing measures to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.

To accommodate the influx of spectators eager to witness the fireworks, the RTA has arranged approximately 20,000 additional parking spaces at locations such as Dubai Mall, Zabeel, and Emaar Boulevard, Khaleej Times reported.

For those who prefer to drive rather than use public transport, alternative parking options will also be available at Al Wasl Club (500 spaces) and Al Jaffiliya (400 spaces), as well as at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Shuttle buses will operate from 3:00 p.m. to transport visitors to the main celebration areas. Fireworks will light up the first moments of the New Year 2025 from 36 locations across Dubai. Key celebration venues include:

  • Burj Park: A grand fireworks display at Burj Khalifa, lighting up the sky over Downtown Dubai.
  • Global Village: A seven-celebration countdown from 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 1.
  • Dubai Festival City Mall: Fireworks with a special performance by Egyptian singer Mahmoud El Esseily.

Here's a list of other locations where visitors can enjoy stunning fireworks displays:

  • Burj Khalifa
  • Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
  • Jumeirah Golf Estates
  • Sofitel Dubai The Palm
  • Arabian Ranches Golf Club
  • Expo City
  • One and Only Royal Mirage Hotel
  • Summer - Dubai Festival
  • Dubai Festival City Mall
  • Atlantis The Royal Hotel
  • Emirates Golf Club
  • Dubai Frame
  • Palazzo Versace Dubai
  • Jumeirah Beach Hotel
  • The Beach and Bluewaters JBR
  • Hatta
  • Dubai Parks and Resorts
  • Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach
  • Al Saif Street
  • Address Montgomerie Dubai
  • Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort
  • JA Beach Hotel Jebel Ali
  • J1 Beach (La Mer)
  • Terra Solis
  • Bulgari Hotels and Resorts
  • Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel
  • Nshama Town Square
  • One and Only Hotel The Palm
  • Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel
  • Al Marmoom Oasis Camp
  • Voco Monaco Dubai
  • Nikki Beach Resort Dubai
  • Blu Oasis Resort
  • Global Village
  • Dubai Design District
  • Top Golf Dubai

Over 10,000 security personnel will be deployed to manage the event, which will feature several fireworks shows lighting up the sky as 2025 begins.

To handle emergencies, more than 200 ambulances and 1,800 medical staff will be on standby, supported by 10 hospitals ready to provide urgent care.

Furthermore, the committee has set up special viewing areas for workers, which will include large screens and meal services for a safe and enjoyable celebration. Separate areas have also been designated for families and bachelors.

Road closures will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Dec. 31, affecting major routes like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and Burj Khalifa Street. Guests are encouraged to arrive before 4:00 p.m. to avoid delays.

The following roads will be closed:

  • Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard: Closed from 4:00 p.m.
  • Financial Centre St's Lower Deck: Closed from 4:00 p.m.
  • Al Mustaqbal St: Closed from 4:00 p.m.
  • Burj Khalifa St: Closed from 4:00 p.m.
  • Al Asayel Road (from Oud Metha Road to Burj Khalifa): Closed from 4:00 p.m.
  • Al Sukuk St: Closed from 8:00 p.m.
  • The upper level of the Financial Road: Closed from 8:00 p.m.
  • Sheikh Zayed Road: Gradual closures starting from 11:00 p.m.

Visitors are advised to use Metro stations with parking, such as Centrepoint, Etisalat e&, and Jebel Ali stations. The Dubai Water Canal Footbridge and elevators will close at 4:00 p.m.

The Metro and Tram in Dubai will run for over 43 hours during the New Year's Eve celebrations. The Dubai Metro will operate from 5:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 until the end of Jan. 1, while the Dubai Tram will run from 6:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 until 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 2.

Read more