Dubai’s New Year Eve 2025: Key road closures and free parking tips
Your complete guide for safe NYE celebrations in the emirate
Dubai is ready to usher in 2025 with a bang as it prepares for one of the most anticipated New Year's Eve celebrations globally.
From dazzling fireworks lighting up the skies to incredible performances across the city, residents and tourists alike are expected to converge on the emirate for a night of celebration.
However, with great events come great planning, and it’s crucial to know what to expect in terms of road closures, transport schedules, safety measures, and more.
Key road closures
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued important road closure details ahead of New Year’s Eve. To ensure the safety of large crowds, roads leading to some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, will begin closing as early as 4PM on December 31.
Starting at 4PM, major roads, including Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, and parts of Financial Centre Road, will be off-limits to vehicles. By 8PM, more roads will be shut, including Sukuk Street, followed by the gradual closure of Sheikh Zayed Road from 11 pm.
Dubai Metro services
Public transport in Dubai is prepared for the influx of visitors. The Dubai Metro will run continuously for 43 hours from 5AM on December 31 until midnight on January 2, 2025. However, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station will be closed from 5PM on December 31, with nearby stations like Business Bay offering an alternative.
The RTA advises using the metro to avoid congestion and ensure timely arrivals at event venues.
Additionally, the Dubai Tram will operate from 6AM until 1 am on January 2, giving residents a reliable means of transport around key areas. The S’hail app will provide live updates on public transport schedules for the convenience of commuters.
Free parking tips
Good news for Dubai’s motorists: parking fees will be waived on New Year’s Day, allowing visitors to park for free at most public spaces. However, the standard charges will apply in multi-storey car parks.
A total of 20,000 parking spaces will be available around major event areas, ensuring that visitors have a convenient place to leave their cars.
While Dubai’s roadways may be congested, the additional public transport services and free parking options offer a viable solution for those attending the celebrations.
Safety measures
Safety is a top priority for Dubai authorities as they prepare for massive crowds. More than 8,500 police officers, 1,100 firefighters, and 593 paramedics will be deployed across the city, with 44 locations set to host firework displays and other live shows. These emergency service personnel will ensure that everything runs smoothly and that any issues are promptly dealt with.
Your safety is our priority.
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 30, 2024
If you have any inquiries or need assistance, feel free to visit the nearest Smart Police Station (SPS) or call us at 901 for non-emergencies. For emergencies, please dial 999. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable celebration!#MyDubaiNewYear pic.twitter.com/R6rUhDitmP
For added safety, Dubai Police will be setting up 33 "lost and found" tents across event venues to help with lost property, missing persons, or general assistance. Visitors can also report lost items via the Dubai Police app or website.
In addition to first responders, Dubai’s smart policing system will keep a vigilant eye on all public spaces, ensuring that security remains tight throughout the night. Anyone in need of non-emergency assistance can contact the Smart Police Stations (SPS) or dial 901, while emergency situations should be reported by calling 999.
Sail safely this NYE
Dubai's waterfront is another prime location for New Year's Eve festivities, and boat owners planning to celebrate on the water are encouraged to make use of the ‘Sail Safely’ service by Dubai Police. This service tracks marine journeys, providing alerts for delays or hazards and ensuring that safety procedures are followed.
It’s important for boaters to register their vessel on the Dubai Police app before setting out, ensuring that emergency responses can be coordinated quickly should any incident occur.
A night of fireworks and drones
The heart of Dubai’s New Year celebrations will be the incredible fireworks display at Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s tallest buildings, attracting global attention. In addition to Burj Khalifa, other areas like JBR, Atlantis The Palm, and Global Village will host spectacular light shows, with drone performances elevating the celebration to a new level. Be sure to arrive early, as these areas will fill up quickly with people eager to witness the magic.
Emergency services
Dubai’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Services are going above and beyond this year, with 257 safety inspections and additional personnel stationed across the emirate. A total of 1,097 firefighters will be on hand, along with 224 ambulance points to ensure that help is readily available.
The Dubai Events Security Committee urges the public to adhere to the safety measures during #MyDubaiNewYear's celebration to ensure the comfort, happiness, and safety of all attendees. pic.twitter.com/EWkhUFLPsD
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 30, 2024
Dubai has even taken extra steps by providing five ambulance boats to patrol the waterways. With over 42 trained volunteers assisting the emergency services, every possible measure is being taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable night for all.
Real-time updates
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the best way to stay informed about any changes in traffic conditions, event timings, and safety measures is to follow Dubai Police and the RTA on social media. Official channels like Instagram and X (@rta_dubai and @dubaipolicehq) will offer the latest updates, ensuring that visitors can adjust their plans as needed.