Dubai’s transportation infrastructure is undergoing massive enhancements to accommodate the anticipated millions of revelers during New Year’s Eve 2025-2026 celebrations. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled an unprecedented operational plan featuring continuous 43-hour metro services alongside extensive road closure measures.
The Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines will maintain non-stop operations from 5:00 AM on December 31, 2025, through 11:59 PM on January 1, 2026. Complementing this extended service, the Dubai Tram will operate continuously from 6:00 AM on December 31 until 1:00 AM on January 2, 2026, creating a comprehensive public transportation network throughout the celebration period.
Strategic road closures will be implemented through a phased approach, commencing at 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve and progressively expanding until 11:00 PM. The comprehensive closure strategy affects key arteries including Al Asayel Street, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, Financial Centre Roads, Al Mustaqbal Street, Al Sukook Street, and sections of Sheikh Zayed Road.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasized the authority’s comprehensive preparedness through coordination with the Events Security Committee and strategic partners. Advanced technological systems including centralized traffic signal control and smart variable message signs will provide real-time updates on road conditions and alternative routes throughout the celebration areas.
The Unified Control Center will host joint operational teams from RTA, Dubai Police, Civil Defence, and Dubai Ambulance Services, utilizing sophisticated technologies like the iTraffic system and big data analytics to monitor conditions and predict traffic volumes for informed decision-making.
Enhanced parking infrastructure includes approximately 20,000 spaces in the Burj Khalifa area supplemented by an additional 8,000 spaces at metro stations. Overflow parking facilities at Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf will provide supplementary capacity.
Transportation resources have been substantially augmented with over 14,000 taxis, more than 18,000 limousine and luxury vehicles, and exceeding 1,300 buses deployed across the metropolitan area. More than 5,500 RTA personnel will be stationed throughout the city alongside ten control centers and 26 traffic diversion vehicles.
This extensive preparation reflects growing public transport utilization during New Year’s celebrations, with passenger numbers increasing from 2.29 million in 2024 to over 2.5 million in 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of Dubai’s integrated traffic management strategy.