Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a comprehensive traffic and transportation plan to manage the massive crowds expected during New Year’s Eve celebrations around Burj Khalifa, aiming to ensure public safety, smooth traffic flow, and efficient mobility throughout the event.

Hussain Al Banna, Executive Director of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA Dubai, stated that road closures around the celebration area will begin at 4:00 PM, and will be implemented gradually until 11:00 PM. The closures will affect several key roads, including Al Asayel Street, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, Financial Centre Road (upper and lower), Al Mustaqbal Street, Al Sukook Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Al Banna explained that the measures are designed to prevent severe congestion, maintain traffic fluidity, and ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians during peak hours.

Parking Availability and Alternative Options

Speaking at a press conference held by the Event Security Committee at Dubai Civil Defence Headquarters, Al Banna confirmed that approximately 20,000 parking spaces will be available within the Burj Khalifa area, in addition to 8,000 parking spaces at metro station park-and-ride facilities.

Additional supporting parking areas outside the main event zone include Al Wasl Club parking and Al Kifaf parking, affiliated with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Public Transport at Maximum Capacity

Al Banna emphasized that RTA has raised the readiness of all public transport services to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers. The plan includes the operation of more than 14,000 taxis, over 18,000 limousine and luxury transport vehicles, and more than 1,300 buses, supported by 10 traffic control centers and 26 traffic diversion vehicles deployed across strategic locations.

Dubai Metro to Operate for 43 Consecutive Hours

In an exceptional move, Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines, along with Dubai Tram, will operate continuously for 43 hours. Metro services will commence at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and continue until 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Dubai Tram services will run from 6:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, until 1:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026, ensuring seamless access to and from celebration venues.

Smart Traffic Management and On-Ground Support

Al Banna added that traffic signals will be remotely monitored and controlled via traffic management centers, while smart variable message signs and warning boards will be activated to guide road users toward alternative routes and parking locations.

More than 5,500 RTA staff members will be deployed on the ground, coordinating closely with partner entities to implement operational plans and manage crowd movement efficiently, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation for world-class event management and transportation excellence.