The New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Burj Khalifa is one of the most exciting events in Dubai. Thousands of people gather in Downtown Dubai to enjoy the breathtaking show. To ensure everything goes smoothly and the large crowds are managed efficiently, the Dubai Events Security Committee (ESC) and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have prepared a detailed traffic and transport plan.
If you are planning to visit Downtown Dubai for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, it is recommended to arrive before 4:00 pm. It is also essential to be aware of road closures and transportation options during this busy event.
Road Closures for New Year’s Eve
To manage the heavy traffic during New Year’s Eve celebrations, certain roads will be closed at specific times. Below is a list of the roads that will be closed:
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard: This road will close at 4:00 pm once the parking spaces in the area are full. If you have a reservation at Dubai Mall or any venue in this area, plan to arrive before 4:00 pm.
- Burj Khalifa Street: This street will also be closed from 4:00 pm.
- Al Asayel Street: This road will be closed at 4:00 pm.
- Lower Financial Centre Road: Closure starts at 4:00 pm, while the upper deck of the Financial Centre Street will close later at 9:00 pm.
- Al Mustaqbal Street: This street will close at 4:00 pm.
- Al Sukook Street: Closure begins at 8:00 pm.
- Sheikh Zayed Road: This major road will gradually close starting from 11:00 pm.
Make sure to plan your journey and avoid these roads during their closure times.
You can also read: Dubai Police Introduces New Electric Vehicles to Its Traffic Fleet
Dubai Metro Timings and Closures
The Dubai Metro is a convenient way to travel to and from Downtown Dubai during New Year’s Eve. But the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station will stay shut until 5:00 pm or until too many people fill it up.
Here are the recommended Metro stations to use for the Burj Khalifa fireworks:
- World Trade Centre Station
- Emirates Towers Station
- Business Bay Station
- Financial Centre Station
The Metro will run non-stop for 43 hours and will serve all 53 stations. The service will run from 5:00 am on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, until midnight on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Dubai Tram Timings
The Dubai Tram will operate for 24 hours during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The service will begin at 6:00 am on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and run until 1:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Parking Options for Visitors
For those driving to the event, parking at Metro stations with dedicated parking spaces is a great option. The following Metro stations have parking facilities:
- Jebel Ali Station
- Etisalat by e& Station
- Centrepoint Station
- Jumeirah Golf Estates Station
Alternatively, you can park at these locations:
- Al Wasl Club
- Al Kifaf
- GDRFA
Free buses will carry people from these parking spots to the New Year’s Eve event area.
Free Buses and Taxi Rides
To help visitors leave the Burj Khalifa area after the event, free shuttle buses will be available. These buses will transport people to Metro stations, taxi parking zones, and other alternative parking areas.
Dubai taxis will also be available, and attendees can use RTA buses to reach the three main taxi parking areas:
- Al Wasl Club
- Al Kifaf
- GDRFA
Public Viewing Areas for Fireworks
To watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks without paying, you can go to free viewing spots in Downtown Dubai. These safe areas for families are open to everyone, but the first ones to arrive get the best places.
Key details about the viewing areas:
- The public viewing areas will open from 5:00 pm on December 31, 2024.
- Big screens on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will display live videos of the fireworks and fun activities.
- To avoid missing out, it’s best to arrive early, as road closures start between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Plan Ahead for a Celebration
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are an unforgettable experience, but with so many people attending, planning ahead is crucial. Be sure to arrive before 4:00 pm, check the road closure timings, and make use of public transportation or shuttle buses. Enjoy the stunning fireworks and celebrate the New Year in style!