Dubai’s transportation authorities have unveiled an extensive, multi-location traffic management blueprint for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) joining Downtown as a primary focus area. The comprehensive strategy involves phased road closures, enhanced public transport deployment, and strict pedestrian management to accommodate massive crowds while ensuring public safety.
According to Salahaldeen Al Marzooqi, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), JBR has emerged as the city’s second most popular NYE destination, necessitating specialized traffic coordination with event organizers, security teams, and property developers. The area will undergo gradual access restrictions beginning at 4pm with pedestrian walkway closures along the beachfront, progressing to full road closures by 11pm that will transform the vicinity into an extensive pedestrian zone.
Simultaneously, Downtown Dubai will experience phased arterial road closures starting at 4pm, affecting key thoroughfares including Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and Burj Khalifa Street. Additional segments will close incrementally throughout the evening, with Sheikh Zayed Road undergoing gradual closure between Al Meydaan intersection and Commercial Centre roundabout from 11pm onward.
The RTA has implemented exceptional public transport measures to support the strategy, deploying 700-1,000 dedicated taxis specifically for JBR alongside 360 buses for crowd movement and park-and-ride operations across the emirate. Metro and tram services will operate continuously for approximately 43 hours to facilitate movement. Taxi ranks will operate throughout the night with enhanced signage directing visitors to transport hubs.
Authorities have issued strict warnings against illegal parking, particularly on high-speed roads surrounding event areas, emphasizing that roads within JBR will prohibit stopping or parking entirely. Residents, hotel guests, and restaurant patrons received advance notification of closures through developers to enable early movement planning.
Al Marzooqi emphasized that public transport represents the safest and most efficient option for high-density celebrations, stating: ‘Our priority is people’s safety and comfort. With proper planning and cooperation from the public, JBR celebrations will be enjoyable and well managed.’ The coordinated approach aims to balance accessibility with safety as Dubai prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of revelers.