1.1644393-1224629160
Image Credit: Istock

Dubai: Each year, hundreds of thousands of spectators descend on Downtown Dubai, home of the world’s tallest tower and largest shopping mall, to enjoy the festivities. 

Updated: Road closures for NYE

Dubai Media Office released this video detailing road closures in place for tonight's New Year's Eve extravaganza.

All you need to know about traffic, parking and route closures

RTA, Dubai Police, Emaar, Dubai Civil Defense and other government departments have drawn up a comprehensive plan for managing movement of vehicles and public buses in the vicinity of Burj Khalifa on New Year’s Eve, which is thronged by millions every year to usher in the New Year. Dubai Police will have nine teams and six supporting teams for the events. 

Laser show replaces fireworks at Burj Khalifa

When should you get there?

Events start at 5pm and public advised to come to the area before 6pm so they can access all events.

No taxi pick-ups

No taxi pick ups will be allowed in the Downtown area. Only drop-offs will be allowed.

Taxis won't be allowed in the Downtown area after 8pm as the roads will be closed.

An app to find your parked cars

Event Security Committee App is a smart app highlighting all available services such as ATM machines, food outlets and will even show how to get back to your parked vehicles. 


Where to watch NYE fireworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah

In a statement issued recently, Emaar said it will be welcoming the New Year with an all-new theme, 'Light Up 2018', with festivities spanning Burj Khalifa and water-music performances at the Dubai Fountain. 

Watch a test video of the NYE light show planned at Burj Khalifa here.

Refreshments and special areas

23 tents will be set up for minor refreshments and a special area will be set up for people of determination.

Emergency services

There will be 190 ambulances available in Dubai, 23 around Burj Khalifa and an additional 8 inside Dubai Mall. Emergency response vehicles and mobile emergency services will be available onsite from 2pm until after the event.


Brigadier Rashid Khalifa Al Abu Falasi, Director, Office of the Director General for Rescue, Fire Fighting and Civil Defense said, "Civil defense is very important. We have three key pillars, sustainable approach review on an annual basis... before the event we make sure all preventive measures are in place with regards to all facilities. We are ready to face any emergency.

We ensure that we supervise the flow of public safe exits from the event after celebrations. We secure safety for all residents and visitors - humans, vehicles and buildings. We have declared a state of alert amongst our staff. We have used volunteers, who have received proper training."

Parking

An RTA source clarified that there would be four parking slots with 4,000 additional parking spaces within them; one would be at Al Wasl Club, another at Jafiliya metro station area, Dubai Water Canal area and Musallah Al Eid in Mankhool. 

Brigadier Abdulla Ali Al Gait, Director, General Department of Organisations, Protective Security and Emergency said, "There will be lots of parking near Burj Al Arab issue is parking in Boulevard [Downtown Dubai]. We witness 1.5 million people have come to the Boulevard area before [NYE] with residents of the area and people booking tables at restaurants, that is why it is a main focus".

Buses and metro

Buses and taxis will be deployed to take people to the venue and back. Dubai Metro and Tram will operate for almost two full days starting from early December 31 till and including January 2, except for Burj Khalifa station which will close at 10pm on December 31 and reopen on 5am on January 1.

New Year’s Eve revellers can access free bus shuttles from dozens of locations around the Downtown Dubai area. 177 shuttle buses will operate round-the-clock from nearby locations such as Zabeel Park, Al Wasl Club, Dubai World Trade Centre and others to Dubai Mall and back.

Burj Khalifa Metro station will be closed from 10pm on December 31. As of 5pm to 8pm. closures will be active at Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard and Financial Centre Street.

The RTA has called on the public to use the Metro and other public transport modes to reduce congestion in Downtown Dubai on New Year’s Eve.

Road closures 

RTA will also close down several roads around Downtown Dubai to vehicular traffic, except for public buses.

As of 5pm to 8pm. closures will be active at Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard and Financial Centre Street. There will also be rerouting of vehicles on Emaar Boulevard throughout the day.

Al Asayel road, will be closed to traffic from 4pm onwards throughout the day and will be dedicated for emergency services.

Pedestrian movement

Apart from traffic management, RTA has also put in place dedicated routes for pedestrian movement around Downtown Dubai, with three exits: Dubai Water Canal Walkway along with two other exits onto Shaikh Zayed Road. 

There will be additional areas through which pedestrians can cross Shaikh Zayed Road

Also read our guide to 68 New Year's Eve parties to go to

Compiled by Dona Cherian, Guides Writer; along with inputs from Sajila Saseendran