Navigating Dubai's New Year Traffic Chaos

New Year's Eve 2026 in Dubai: Traffic Restrictions, Metro Closures, and Travel Advice

Dubai is preparing once again for the biggest celebration of the year, New Year's Eve, with all eyes on the Burj Khalifa area on December 31, 2025. The iconic fireworks and festive atmosphere not only attract locals but also thousands of tourists to the heart of downtown. However, to ensure the smooth conduct of this spectacular event, significant restrictions and modifications in transportation and public transport are expected.

Staggered Road Closures from the Afternoon

According to the statement issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the reorganization of transportation will start at 4 PM on December 31. The closures will be staggered rather than simultaneous to safely guide traffic out of the festive zone.

Major routes affected by the closures:

Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, Lower Financial Centre Street, Al Mustaqbal Street (section between Financial Centre and Commercial Centre)

This is just the beginning: at 8 PM, Al Sukook Street, at 9 PM, the Upper Financial Centre Street, and from 11 PM onwards, Sheikh Zayed Road will gradually be closed between the Al Maidaan junction and the Commercial Centre roundabout. This is one of the most important traffic restrictions as Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the main arteries in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa Metro Station Closure: From 5 PM or Even Earlier

The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station will not accept passengers from 5 PM on December 31—or even earlier, if it reaches maximum capacity. Authorities are asking travelers to start their journeys early and use the nearest alternative metro stations to avoid congestion and delays.

Continuous Metro and Tram Services – 43-Hour Operation

To mitigate traffic difficulties, the RTA will strengthen the public transport network. The Red and Green metro lines will operate continuously from 5 AM on December 31 to midnight on January 2—a total of 43 hours of uninterrupted service.

The Dubai tram will also run continuously from 6 AM on December 31 to 1 AM on January 2.

Metro Stations with Parking

For those wishing to access the festive zone via metro, the following stations provide parking facilities:

Centrepoint Station, e& Station, National Paints Station (Jebel Ali), Jumeirah Golf Estates Station

The RTA urges passengers to check their Nol card balances before departure to avoid inconveniences during travel.

Pedestrian Crossings and Elevators Closure around Dubai Creek

For safe crowd management, all pedestrian bridges and elevators along Dubai Creek will be closed from 4 PM. This measure helps facilitate the smooth flow of traffic and reduces the risk of accidents.

Alternative Parking Options and Free Shuttle Buses

For those arriving by private car, the RTA has designated alternative parking areas from which free shuttle buses will depart to the festive venues. The designated parking areas are:

Al Wasl Club Parking, Al Kifaf Parking

Shuttle buses will continuously operate between these points and the festive zone, ensuring visitors can reach their destination comfortably and safely.

Early Arrival at Emaar Parking Zones

Parking zones operated by Emaar offer more than 20,000 parking spaces for those who wish to park early and avoid the late-night crowd. Such parking areas include:

Dubai Mall parking, Zabeel Dubai Mall parking, Pointview parking, Underground parking beneath The Boulevard

Complete Ban on Parking and Stopping on Main Surrounding Roads

Parking and stopping will be prohibited in both directions on the following roads:

Al Khail Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Eye Street, Oud Metha Street

Additionally, all major roads surrounding the festive zone will also be subject to a parking ban.

Post-Fireworks Departure – Organized Evacuation

After the Burj Khalifa fireworks, the RTA will operate organized bus services to transport the celebrating crowd. These buses will travel to:

Metro stations, Taxi stations, Designated parking areas

Two dedicated taxi pick-up points have also been designated at the Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf parking areas, where shuttle buses will also transport passengers.

Early Departure Option: Special Services Between 4 PM and 8 PM

For those who wish to avoid the midnight crowd, the RTA offers the option to leave the Burj Khalifa area using special services from 4 PM to 8 PM. These buses depart from the Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai hotel and take passengers to Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf parking areas, from where they can easily continue their journey.

Summary: Depart Early, Use Public Transport

Celebrating New Year's 2025/2026 in Dubai is not only spectacular but also a significant logistical task for the city. Authorities provide all possibilities to ensure revelers can enjoy the last evening of the year safely and comfortably, but preparedness and foresight are essential. Those who start early, take advantage of public transport, and follow instructions are guaranteed to bid farewell to the year with an unforgettable experience under Dubai's dazzling lights.

(Source: Based on a statement from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)