New Year's Eve 2026: Fireworks, traffic and weather updates across the UAE

The UAE is set to ring in 2026 in spectacular fashion, with a lineup of record-breaking fireworks, drone shows, and never-before-seen pyrotechnic feats. From some of the world’s longest fireworks displays to massive drone formations, the nation is preparing to light up the skies on New Year’s Eve.

With countdown approaching, anticipation is building as residents prepare to welcome 2026.

Scattered rainfall is expected to continue affecting several parts of the UAE as the country heads into New Year’s Eve, bringing cooler temperatures, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced its full readiness to manage the city’s traffic flow and transport networks for the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations, issuing an urgent recommendation for revellers to abandon private cars in favour of public transport.

With 48 firework displays planned across 40 locations, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a massive traffic and transport master plan to ensure smooth traffic flow and ample parking.

To manage the 800,000 revellers heading to Downtown Dubai alone, a series of phased road closures will begin as early as 4:00 pm on December 31. From a 43-hour non-stop Metro service to over 20,000 designated parking spaces and free shuttle buses, here is the essential RTA guide to navigating the emirate’s biggest night of the year.

RTA have issued a set of crowd management guidelines for commuters as the nation prepares for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is urging the public to follow directional signage and cooperate with operational teams stationed across the transport network to ensure safety during one of the busiest nights of the year.

Planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai? Check out the fireworks shows locations across Dubai, and choose the destination that suits you best. The map offers residents and visitors a clear guide to enjoy the celebrations safely while planning their movement across the city.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will implement phased road closures in the Burj Khalifa district on New Year’s Eve.

Residents and visitors in Dubai will be able to ring in the New Year from the water as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced its dedicated fireworks viewing cruises for December 31.

The Dubai Ferry will operate special routes to provide passengers with a vantage point for the city’s synchronised displays. According to the RTA, vessels are scheduled to depart at 10pm on New Year’s Eve, returning to dock at 1am on January 1, 2026.

The service will cover several of the city’s most popular coastal areas, with routes planned around Dubai Marina Mall, Al Ghubaiba, and Bluewaters Island.

Watching the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve fireworks up close does not have to mean spending Dh2,000 to Dh20,000 on a restaurant table in Downtown Dubai. While ticketed venues such as Burj Park offer premium views, there are also official free public viewing areas where visitors can enjoy the celebrations without paying an entry fee.

Here is everything you need to know about where to watch, how to get there, road closures, metro advice and alternative viewing spots.

Public bus routes from Al Quoz Industrial Area, Oud Al Muteena, and Jebel Ali Industrial Area to the Burj Khalifa district have been suspended today as part of the RTA’s New Year’s Eve traffic plan.

The authority has directed passengers from these hubs to use the Dubai Metro. The measure aims to reduce vehicular density in Downtown Dubai.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) will be closed to all private vehicles and designated an exclusive pedestrian zone from 4pm today to accommodate New Year’s Eve crowds.

Only official taxis will be permitted on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street throughout the celebrations. The restrictions will tighten further between 11pm and 1am, when e-hail services and limousines will also be barred from the main JBR thoroughfare. Meanwhile, access to Bluewaters Island will be monitored in real-time and blocked by roadblocks as soon as the area reaches full capacity.

Security personnel are being deployed to key areas in Downtown Dubai ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Crowds are beginning to gather along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard hours ahead of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, with visitors arriving early to secure viewing spots and soak in the New Year’s Eve atmosphere.

From six kilometres of coastline to thousands of drones lighting up the sky, this is how Ras Al Khaimah prepares for New Year’s Eve.

A behind-the-scenes look at the months of planning, precision and creativity leading up to the midnight countdown.

Dubai Police advise arriving early at celebration venues and planning routes in advance to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

The excitement is palpable as thousands of residents and tourists flood the area, eager to catch a glimpse of the iconic Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve fireworks. Families, friends and visitors are lining the walkways, phones and cameras ready, as the city gears up to welcome 2026 in spectacular style. The atmosphere is a vibrant mix of anticipation, laughter, and festive cheer, setting the perfect stage for one of the world’s most anticipated New Year celebrations.

As thousands of residents and visitors packed the Burj Khalifa area to witness Dubai’s legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks, Joel Reji John was already in place - having arrived nearly 15 hours earlier.

“I got here by 9 am to secure the best spot,” said Joel. “I’m relatively new to Dubai, having moved in 2024 in search of better career opportunities. Last New Year’s Eve, I spent the night indoors as a jobseeker. This year, I’m thrilled to be employed and excited to welcome a brighter, better 2026,” said Joel, who works as a Business Development Executive.

Dubai Police have issued a safety advisory for residents and visitors: if you spot any unattended bags or belongings, report them immediately. Staying alert and notifying authorities helps ensure a safe environment during busy events and celebrations across the city.

Umm Al Quwain Police have announced temporary road closures starting Wednesday afternoon to control traffic ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations in nearby Ras Al Khaimah.

Implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the closures began at 3pm on December 31 as authorities brace for increased traffic heading toward Ras Al Khaimah.

While thousands thronged Dubai Mall on New Year’s Eve, rushing between shops, eateries and viewing spots for the Burj Khalifa fireworks, Filipino expat Paul Katigbak quietly went about his duty behind the counter of Mint cafe.

A Dubai resident since 2017, Paul has been working as a barista at the Dubai Mall branch since 2023.

“In my first year here, I was on the closing shift, so I missed the celebrations. But this year, I am in an opening shift,” he said with a smile.

Despite the long hours and steady crowds, Paul’s enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed.

“It’s been a busy day with people coming in and rushing out. But working here feels like a second home.”

Once his shift ends, the celebration will begin. Paul plans to head to Rigga.

“It’s one of the happening places tonight,” where he’ll ring in the New Year with friends, home-cooked food, laughter and video calls to his family back home.

A number of people are using public transport to get to the scene of fireworks - and they are doing it hours before the show is slated to begin. Here's a look at the influx at Dubai Mall's metro exit:

Dubai Police remind drivers that road safety depends on everyone. Adhering to traffic rules and giving priority to pedestrians helps prevent accidents and keeps roads safer for all.

Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and respect crosswalks and pedestrian zones to protect lives and foster a culture of road safety across the city.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that Al Asayel Street is temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to use Al Khail Road as an alternative route to ensure smooth travel.

Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi will host one of the largest New Year celebrations in the UAE and the region. The Higher Organising Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival has finalised an exceptional programme featuring the longest and largest fireworks displays, the world’s biggest drone show, in addition to heritage and cultural events with the participation of international pavilions, sponsors and strategic partners.

The festival will present an unprecedented fireworks display lasting more than one hour, including an attempt to set five new Guinness World Records across five timed phases starting at 8:00 pm and culminating at midnight with a continuous 62-minute main show. The display will employ the latest launch and visual synchronisation technologies to cover Al Wathba’s skies with a truly extraordinary spectacle.

Visitors will also witness a massive drone show featuring 6,500 drones flying simultaneously for 20 minutes, forming nine giant artistic scenes to be unveiled for the first time worldwide, in visual harmony with the countdown and fireworks.

Dubai Police is assuring citizens, residents and visitors that their plans to celebrate the new year in the city will go off without a hitch. Among the many safeguards deployed tonight is the masterful use of AI.

Operating 24/7, these technologies allow officers to monitor details with precision, ensuring the security and well-being of all residents and visitors, explained the authority in a tweet.

Parking spots are filling up fast at Global Village soon after the major leisure destination opened at 4pm. A steady stream of families and individuals is already making its way in through multiple entry gates. What awaits them are seven fireworks and seven drones to ring the New Year at seven countries.

Motorists travelling from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah are facing heavy congestion, with both E611 and E311 experiencing bumper-to-bumper traffic and slow movement, particularly through Sharjah.

Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and aim to arrive well before 8pm, when key roads leading to the main New Year’s Eve venue in Ras Al Khaimah are set to close.

Ras Al Khaimah Police have designated four main parking areas for visitors: Yanis Parking with 7,000 spaces, Jais Parking with 2,800 spaces, and Dhaya Parking offering 4,500 spaces. Additionally, Exit 122 provides around 55,000 free public parking spaces, with complimentary shuttle buses running to and from the RAK New Year’s Eve Festival site.

For new Dubai resident Sreelekshmy Kunnambath, this New Year carries special meaning. “This New Year is very special to me because it is my first as a UAE resident. I received my Emirates ID just two days ago, so it truly feels like a fresh beginning. We have always admired the New Year celebrations in the UAE, where people from so many cultures come together with the same excitement and hope. I wanted to experience both calm and celebration this year, so we spent time in the mountains of Khor Fakkan and Ras Al Khaimah before heading to Dubai for New Year’s Eve to watch the fireworks. I’m really happy to start this new chapter here, and I hope the coming year in the UAE will be meaningful and memorable in every way.”

Dubai’s favourite New Year’s Eve destination, which is celebrating its 30th season, will be open till 2am for the Night of Seven Midnights.

Visitors can be amazed by a spectacular fusion of seven breathtaking fireworks displays and seven synchronized drone shows, lighting up the sky with every countdown. Each moment will come alive with mesmerising cultural performances, a live DJ, and continuous entertainment throughout the night.

New Year’s Eve is celebrated in sync with seven countries: China at 8pm Thailand at 9pm, Bangladesh at 10pm, India at 10.30pm, Pakistan at 11pm, Dubai at midnight, and Turkey at 1am.

People are finding their spots with friends and family and settling in for an evening of fun and fireworks near the Burj Khalifa.

As the evening comes on, there's a nip in the air and cheer everywhere you look. Friends and family get-togethers are already in session. Here's a look at some hot spots around the city.

For Mahmoud Morgan, who has lived in Dubai for nearly a decade, New Year’s Eve is a moment for reflection as much as celebration.

“I’m from Egypt, and I’ll be welcoming the New Year with my wife and our three children – two daughters and a son – by spending time at Zabeel Park. It’s a chance not only to reflect on 2025 but also to look ahead to 2026 with hope and optimism,” said Morgan.

“Even though every year may seem similar, there are always new positives to look forward to. My family and I are eagerly waiting to see what 2026 brings for us.”

Dubai Police explained that minor accidents do not require waiting for a police patrol this evening. Simply head to the nearest fuel station (ADNOC, ENOC, Emirates) and the staff, who have received the necessary training, will assist you in issuing a minor accident report, it said.

Emergency responders are on standby at Global Village, with Dubai Civil Defence fire trucks posted on site as part of safety and preparedness measures for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Authorities say teams will remain deployed throughout the evening as crowds build up.

For Dubai resident Ajay Chaturvedi, who has called the city home for more than 20 years, celebrating New Year’s Eve in the city is an experience unlike any other.

“There’s a phrase often used in the hospitality industry: ‘home away from home.’ For me, that doesn’t describe a hotel – it describes Dubai itself. Over the years, this city has become far more than a destination; it’s a place of roots, relationships, and responsibility,” said Chaturvedi, highlighting the variety of celebrations across the city – from fireworks and concerts to events and gala dinners.

“Dubai is not just where I work or live; it’s where my dreams found direction, where effort met opportunity, and where a once-distant aspiration became a lasting reality. For many like me, Dubai is not merely a city – it truly is a home away from home,” he added, celebrating with his family at Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel.

Long queues at toilets are the one thing visitors probably don’t love at Global Village, with especially huge queues seen at women’s facilities as crowds build up. If you’re trying to save time, here are some nearby toilet locations to keep in mind: Toilet 1 at the Funfair, Toilet 2 near the main Cultural Stage, Toilet 3 behind the Egypt pavilion, Toilet 4 near the Gate of the World, Toilet 5 near the India pavilion, and Toilet 6 behind the Sri Lanka pavilion.

Meanwhile, near Burj Khalifa, cleaners are available around the clock.

Dubai’s Global Village will light up the skies with a fireworks display and drone show, the first of seven scheduled for the night. The 8pm show is timed with the New Year in China, with the Chinese pavilion hosting a performance at 7.45pm on the main stage. Fireworks and drone shows will be visible above the Gate of the World and can be viewed from various spots across the park. Visitors can check the Global Village mobile app, website, or main stage screens for the full entertainment schedule.

Meanwhile, the sky shows have begun at Sheikh Zayed Festival. Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi is playing host to one of the UAE’s largest New Year celebrations, with the Sheikh Zayed Festival featuring extensive fireworks displays, a record-scale drone show, and a wide range of heritage and cultural events involving international pavilions and partners.

At Jumeirah Beach Dubai, meanwhile, you'll find police and volunteers on bikes, smiling and patrolling in an effort to keep the peace.

The Roads and Transport Authority has begun implementing a comprehensive traffic and operational plan for New Year’s Eve 2026 to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.

RTA teams are managing traffic movement and transport systems on the ground, working in direct coordination with relevant authorities and strategic partners to support safe and efficient travel during the celebrations.

The main free public viewing area is buzzing with energy as Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve festivities get into full swing. This central hub of the celebrations features live DJ performances, plenty of parking options and open spaces perfect for families and groups to settle in and enjoy a picnic atmosphere as the countdown to midnight begins.

For Abu Dhabi residents Cristel Joy Cayaban and Robert Evert Castro, this New Year’s Eve is unlike any other. The couple is celebrating the arrival of their Christmas-born baby girl, Robyn Eliana Castro, making the festive season even more meaningful. Instead of fireworks, events or road trips, they are spending this evening at home, offering prayers and embracing the start of their journey into parenthood.

“We are ecstatic to be able to celebrate the New Year as new parents. Our mini Santa, a baby girl, arrived on Christmas Day. We are soaking in the moment, relaxing at home, and offering prayers with our baby in our arms,” Cristel said.

Global Village sets off a series of fireworks with the first one timed to usher in the Chinese New Year 2026 at 8pm in Dubai. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered to watch the fireworks display.

As we wait for the glow up that will usher in 2026 in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Police is doing its part in keeping people engaged and hyped up. The authority conducted an impressive parade, lighting up the heart of Downtown Dubai this evening.

Deepak Kumar, a Sharjah resident from RAK is at the RAK celebration zone with his family and chose to come to RAK for a special reason.

“I never gone to see the RAK fireworks and drone show, so I’m excited because it’s my first time and I missed it last time and for NYE RAK always does something unique and recording breaking, so excited to see what’s in store.”

Meanwhile, Faizal and Sadia, architects from Dubai who have been living in the UAE for two years, decided to swap the usual Dubai New Year’s Eve scene for something different this year.

“It’s our first time here, and we chose Ras Al Khaimah because we heard so much about the New Year’s Eve fireworks last year,” they said. “It’s less crowded, there’s ample parking, and the whole atmosphere feels more relaxed but still exciting.”

Faizal, an amateur photographer, added that the visuals were a big draw. “I’m really excited to capture photos and videos of the 15-minute drone show. It’s a great chance to experience something new and creative to welcome the New Year.”

Is it really a New Year’s Eve celebration without great food? At Ras Al Khaimah’s buzzing celebration zone, the aroma from food stalls is drawing in crowds, with plenty of wallet-friendly options priced between Dh5 and Dh10. Visitors can tuck into freshly made luqaimat, sizzling shawarma, roasted corn and popcorn, turning the area into a lively street-food hub as families and friends snack their way through the countdown to midnight.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ras Al Khaimah City Centre are in full swing!

Omar Khandaqji, a Jordanian expat who has called Abu Dhabi home for nearly two decades, is welcoming the New Year surrounded by friends.

“I am an Abu Dhabi resident, and I’ll be celebrating with my friends in Dubai,” said Omar. “We plan to enjoy the fireworks and spend time reflecting on the past year, the present, and the opportunities ahead. The year has been kind to us, and we hope 2026 brings even more good news.”

Global Village lights up again to mark the New Year in Thailand, with fireworks and a drone show illuminating the sky above the Gate of the World. The display is part of the destination’s multiple countdown celebrations, as visitors continue to ring in 2026 across different time zones.

The third burst of pyrotechnics this evening at Global Village was a nod to New Year in Bangladesh.  

As the celebration zone buzzes with music, food and fireworks fever, a quieter force is working tirelessly behind the scenes. Volunteers from the Falcons Volunteer Team - one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most prominent community groups can be seen across the venue, guiding crowds, assisting families and ensuring the night runs smoothly.

Many of the volunteers have swapped celebrating midnight with their own loved ones to be on duty.

Hassan Al Balooshi, Vice President of the Emirates Falcons Volunteer Team, told Gulf News that preparations for the night begin months in advance.

“We have been here since 10am, with our volunteering team overseeing the organisation and care of visitors at the celebration zone,” he said. “New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest events on Ras Al Khaimah’s calendar, so preparation is key. All our volunteers sign up through the UAE’s official volunteering platform, volunteers.ae. That’s how we consolidate our team and train them specifically for an event of this scale.”

Despite heavy rain and strong winds affecting Ras Al Khaimah in recent days, Al Balooshi said the team was well prepared to adapt.

“Rain is something we expect during this time of year, so we already know how to mitigate its impact and continue with our plans,” he explained. “Most of our volunteers are highly experienced and have clocked between 500 and 600 hours of volunteering. They understand how to manage an event of this magnitude, no matter the conditions.”

Adeel and Faryaal, Pakistani expatriates from Sharjah who were born and raised in the UAE, decided to change up their family’s New Year’s Eve tradition this year.

“It’s our first time here and we arrived around 8pm. Of course, there was traffic, but there’s plenty of parking,” they said. “There’s live music, lots of open space for the kids to run around, and the food is quite affordable. We’ve seen the Burj Khalifa fireworks so many times for New Year’s Eve, so we wanted to give Ras Al Khaimah a chance and so far, we’re really enjoying the vibe.”

It felt like the sky was on fire at Al Wathba Festival. The festival will present an unprecedented fireworks display lasting more than one hour. The display will employ the latest launch and visual synchronisation technologies to cover Al Wathba’s skies with a truly extraordinary spectacle.

Dubai Frame is turning out to be a popular spot to watch fireworks and a drone show today. However, the route is currently quite busy - stay patient, you will get there.

The fourth New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone show at Global Village marked India welcoming 2025 at 10.30pm Dubai time. The crowd erupted in cheers as fireworks lit up the sky, followed by a drone display wishing “Happy New Year, India,” capped off with a striking peacock formation.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street towards JBR is temporarily closed. Commuters are advised to use public transport for a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Engineer Nouralddin and Sufyin , an expatriate resident of Sharjah, chose to celebrate New Year’s Eve with their  family at Al Heera Corniche this year.

 “It’s our first time here. We arrived around 9 pm., and there was no traffic at all. Everything was smooth and very well organised,” they  said.

 They  praised the family-friendly atmosphere, noting the live music and the open spaces where children could run and play freely.

 “Last year, we celebrated New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah, and we ’ve also attended the New Year’s fireworks in Dubai many times. This year, we’re really enjoying the vibe here,” they  added.

Al Heera Corniche offered a variety of activities for children, making it an ideal destination for families welcoming the New Year.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued an advisory urging residents not to stop or stand on roads to watch New Year fireworks. Such behaviour is unsafe and disrupts traffic. Commuters are advised to enjoy the celebrations from designated areas only.

Global Village lit up the sky for the fifth time at 11pm Dubai time with fireworks and a drone show alongside a “Happy New Year, Pakistan” message, marking Pakistan welcoming 2026. The crowd watched in awe as drones formed a spectacular image of Minar-e-Pakistan, the iconic national monument.

“This is our second New Year’s Eve in a row at Global Village, and it never disappoints. It’s the perfect place for families - trying out different foods and catching fireworks throughout the night,” said Dubai resident Joudat Waleed who came with his wife Abar Farooq, and daughter Irha Joudat Waleed.

Authorities have announced that Sheikh Zayed Road is temporarily closed. Commuters are advised to use Al Khail Road and Al Meydan Street as alternative routes for a smoother journey and to avoid delays.

We have finally arrived at 2026. The fireworks have been launched and are colouring the skies across the UAE.

Watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks live here.

The excitement was electric at Al Hamra Beach as Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 2026 with a spectacular 15-minute drone and fireworks display. Hundreds of drones lit up the sky in shape of a phoenix in perfect formation while fireworks exploded along the coastline, creating a breathtaking spectacle that kept the crowd mesmerized. With this concept, RAK delivered a New Year’s Eve experience full of surprises, thrills, and unforgettable moments for everyone watching. For the RAK show, click here.

Burj Al Arab is a hot spot for family and friends admiring the night sky.