Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to make the New Year celebrations more accessible, including extended transport hours and free bus services.
Beginning December 31 at 5AM, the Dubai Metro will run non-stop for over 43 hours, ensuring smooth travel until the end of January 1.
The Dubai Tram will operate from 6AM on December 31 through to 1AM on January 2, providing more options for commuters.
This continuous service is part of efforts to manage the expected surge in traffic due to the celebrations.
Free buses
To further support this, the RTA will deploy 1,400 additional buses, all of which will be free for public use. These buses are aimed at ensuring easy access to key venues, especially considering the large crowds expected around the city's hotspots.
Hussain Al Bana, Executive Director of Traffic at the RTA, explained that these measures, alongside increased parking spaces and free transport services, are designed to alleviate traffic congestion and offer convenient alternatives for revelers.
Closed stations
The Dubai Mall Metro Station will be closed from 5PM onwards or when crowd capacity is reached. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby metro stations, with special measures in place at major locations to manage crowd flow. "Stations like Burj Khalifa may be closed temporarily to avoid overcrowding," Al Bana added, stressing that Business Bay station will serve as a key alternative.
Road signage
Additionally, RTA is introducing advanced signage systems to assist commuters, directing them to available parking areas and bus pick-up points. Real-time updates on road closures, alternative routes, and open paths will be available through Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and variable message boards.
Dubai’s public parks will remain open until 1AM for visitors looking to enjoy the festivities. Multiple fireworks displays, along with a drone show, will light up Dubai’s skyline from 36 key locations, including Burj Park, Dubai Festival City Mall, and Bluewaters.