New Year's Eve in Dubai: Road closures, metro and parking for Burj Khalifa fireworks

Google Maps real-time traffic reports show minor accidents in Sharjah, contributing to heavy traffic in key areas including Industrial Area 7, Al Yash, and Ras Al Khor Industrial Third.

Traffic is also slow in Muhaisnah, Dubai, as authorities manage the flow. Dubai road closures are highlighted on Google Maps, and motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to reach their destinations and avoid delays.

Authorities urged drivers to follow traffic instructions and stay updated on road conditions to ensure smooth travel.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged motorists to take alternative routes to Sheikh Zayed Road on New Year’s Eve 2026 to ensure smooth travel. Recommended alternatives include Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

Dubai Police have reminded motorists that minor traffic accidents do not require waiting for a police patrol. Drivers involved in such incidents can visit the nearest ADNOC, ENOC, or Emarat fuel station, where trained staff will assist in issuing a minor accident report.

Authorities emphasised the importance of driving safely and following traffic rules to prevent accidents.

Dubai Police have reminded residents and visitors to plan their trips in advance to ensure smooth traffic flow across the city. Authorities advise using public transport wherever possible and staying updated on road conditions and closures to avoid delays and enjoy a safer, hassle-free journey.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that three Metro stations are within walking distance of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) New Year’s Eve 2026 event. Visitors are encouraged to use the Metro for convenient and smooth departures, helping reduce traffic congestion after the celebrations.

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.

Umm Al Quwain Police have implemented temporary road closures from 3 PM on December 31 to manage traffic heading towards Ras Al Khaimah for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The measures, coordinated with the Ministry of Interior, aim to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow amid heavy movement expected across the northern emirates.

Affected roads:

• Al Ittihad Road: Closed from Umm Al Thoub Roundabout towards Ras Al Khaimah

• Umm Al Thoub Industrial Area Road: Closed from Exit 103 towards Umm Al Thoub Roundabout

• Al Alia Road: Restricted access from Exit 110 towards Al Ittihad Road

Traffic advisory:
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, allow extra travel time, and follow instructions from traffic patrols to reach destinations safely during the celebrations.

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.

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.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is providing free shuttle bus services to ease travel for the public ahead of New Year’s Eve festivities.

• Service timings: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Departure point: Al Omlaat Street, behind Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai

• Destinations: Al Wasl Sports Club and Al Kifaf

The initiative, part of RTA’s Your Comfort Matters campaign, aims to ensure smooth and convenient mobility for residents and visitors attending the city’s celebrations.

RTA has announced staged road closures to ensure smooth traffic flow:

• From 4pm: Al Asayel Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, Lower Financial Centre Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street

• From 8pm: Al Multaqa (Al Mulook) Street

• From 9pm: Upper Financial Centre Road

• From 11pm: Partial closure of Sheikh Zayed Road

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes.

A visual guide shows key road closures, alternative routes, and public transport options around Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Residents and visitors are advised to plan their trips in advance and use public transport to enjoy a smooth and safe New Year’s Eve celebration.

48 fireworks displays, 40 locations

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a comprehensive traffic and transport plan to ensure smooth movement and ample parking during Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Phased road closures from 4:00 pm

To manage the 800,000 revellers heading to Downtown Dubai, a series of road closures will begin on December 31, starting as early as 4:00 pm.

Metro, parking and shuttle services

The plan includes 43 hours of continuous Metro service, over 20,000 designated parking spaces, and free shuttle buses, helping residents and visitors navigate the city safely on its biggest night of the year.

Free public parking

• Available citywide on January 1 (excluding multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate N-365); normal fees resume January 2.

Dubai Metro and Tram

• Metro runs non-stop for 43 hours over New Year’s period; extra services at key stations near celebration sites.

• Tram operates extended hours.

• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro may close from 5pm if capacity is exceeded—commuters advised to use nearby stations (Financial Centre or Business Bay stations) with parking facilities.

Alternative parking and closures

• Available at Al Wasl Club, Al Kifaf, Dubai Mall, Zabeel – Dubai Mall, Fountain View expansions, Boulevard Lower.

• Parking prohibited on main roads near celebration areas.

Free shuttles and taxis

• RTA to operate buses from event venues to metro stations and parking areas after celebrations; taxis available.

• Free buses from Swissôtel Al Murooj to Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf.

Public buses

• Check schedules via S’hail app.

• Route E100 suspended from Dec 31 afternoon, resumes Jan 4.

• Route E101 recommended for Abu Dhabi travel;

• Route E102 continues from 2 pm on Dec 31.

Marine transport

• Users advised to check RTA website for timings.

Public guidance

Authorities urge residents and visitors to plan trips ahead, use public transport, and follow official instructions for a safe and seamless New Year celebration.