Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented an elaborate traffic management strategy for New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations centered around Burj Khalifa, featuring phased road closures and enhanced public transportation options. The comprehensive plan aims to ensure safety and accessibility for the anticipated massive gatherings while maintaining urban mobility.
The operational blueprint initiates progressive road closures starting at 4:00 PM on December 31, 2025, with initial restrictions affecting key arteries including Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and Burj Khalifa Street. Subsequent phases will see Al Sukook Street closing at 8:00 PM, Upper Financial Centre Street at 9:00 PM, and critical segments of Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Maidaan intersection and Commercial Centre roundabout commencing at 11:00 PM.
Public transportation infrastructure will undergo significant adaptations, with the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station closing to entries from 5:00 PM or earlier if capacity is reached. In a remarkable service expansion, both Red and Green Metro lines will operate continuously for 43 hours from 5:00 AM on December 31 through midnight on January 2, 2026. Similarly, Dubai Tram services will maintain uninterrupted operations for 43 hours from 6:00 AM December 31 until 1:00 AM January 2.
The RTA has designated alternative parking facilities at Al Wasl Club and Al Alkifaf Parking with complimentary shuttle services to the celebration venue. Early arrivals can utilize over 20,000 parking spaces in Emaar zones including Dubai Mall Parking and Pointview Parking. Strict parking prohibitions will be enforced on major thoroughfares including Al Khail Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Oud Metha Street.
Post-fireworks transportation measures include dedicated shuttle buses to metro stations, taxi stands, and parking facilities. Two primary taxi collection points at Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking will be accessible via shuttle services. For early departures, complimentary shuttle buses will operate from Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
All pedestrian bridges and elevators spanning Dubai Creek will close from 4:00 PM onward to facilitate traffic flow and ensure public safety during the celebrations.