Welcome New Year 2026 in Dubai: Complete guide to firework locations, traffic curbs and transport updates

New Delhi: Dubai is preparing for another high-energy New Year’s Eve as the city readies itself to welcome 2026 with large-scale celebrations. With thousands of residents and tourists expected to step out on December 31, authorities have announced an extensive plan covering fireworks shows, traffic management and public transport operations. From iconic landmarks to waterfront destinations, the city is set to light up the skyline while ensuring crowd movement and safety remain a priority across major celebration zones.

To help residents and visitors plan better, officials have released detailed updates on approved fireworks venues, phased road closures, extended metro and tram services, parking availability and taxi deployment. Here is a complete guide to Dubai’s New Year 2026 celebrations and key travel advisories to keep in mind before heading out.

Guide to Dubai’s New Year 2026 celebrations

1. Fireworks across Dubai

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai will be larger than last year, with 48 fireworks displays planned across 40 approved locations, compared to 36 shows previously. Popular landmarks and entertainment districts hosting fireworks include

• Burj Khalifa
• Downtown Dubai
• Palm Jumeirah
• Dubai Festival City
• Dubai Creek Harbour
• Bluewaters
• Burj Al Arab
• Expo City Dubai
• Global Village
• Atlantis The Palm
• Palm Jebel Ali

2. Road closures and traffic rules

To manage congestion near major venues, authorities will introduce phased road closures starting in the afternoon.

• From 4 pm, roads including Al Istiqlal Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, Lower Financial Centre Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and Burj Khalifa Street will be closed.
• From 8 pm, Al Multaqa (Al Mulook) Street will shut, followed by the closure of Upper Financial Centre Road from 9 pm.
• A partial closure of Sheikh Zayed Road will begin at 11 pm, with a full closure from 6 am on December 31 until 2 am on January 2, 2026. Motorists are advised to avoid Downtown Dubai and use alternative routes.

3. Metro, tram and public transport timings

To ease pressure on roads, the Roads and Transport Authority has announced extended public transport operations.

• The Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines) and Dubai Tram will operate continuously for 43 hours.
• Metro services will run from 5 am on December 31 until 11.59 pm on January 1, while tram services will operate from 6 am on December 31 until 1 am on January 2.
• Additional services will be added at high-traffic stations, including Emirates Towers, Financial Centre, Business Bay and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

4. Taxis, buses and crowd management

To meet rising demand, authorities will deploy more than 14,000 taxis, 18,000 limousines and luxury vehicles, and over 1,300 buses across the city. Transport teams will work alongside security agencies to manage crowd flow, traffic control and safety throughout the night.

5. Parking arrangements

Parking facilities have also been expanded for the celebrations. Around 20,000 parking spaces will be available near the Burj Khalifa area, along with 8,000 spaces at metro stations. Additional overflow parking will be provided at locations such as Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf.

Dubai’s New Year 2026 celebrations promise spectacular fireworks and seamless citywide coordination. With detailed transport plans and travel advisories in place, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan and rely on public transport for a smooth and safe start to the new year.