New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Your guide to Burj Khalifa fireworks and Downtown Dubai access

Dubai: Planning to welcome the New Year with the Burj Khalifa fireworks in Downtown Dubai? Here is what you need to know - access to Downtown Dubai is carefully organised into specific zones and gates. Entry depends on whether you are heading to a public viewing area or a reserved zone for visitors with tickets or reservations.

To ensure a seamless experience for everyone, Emaar Dubai recently released a detailed plan covering access gates, zones, transport options, parking, and public viewing areas to make your experience smooth and hassle-free.

Downtown Dubai is divided into five colour-coded zones to simplify navigation: Light Blue, Lime, Teal, Pink, and Purple. Each zone will be clearly marked with flags and signage, and Emaar representatives will be available on-site to guide visitors.

There are seven access gates leading into Downtown Dubai, each designated for specific zones:

1. Gate 1: Behind Boulevard Heights

2. Gate 2: Behind Burj Vista

3. Gate 3: Near Emaar Square

4. Gate 4: Near Boulevard Plaza

5. Gate 5: Adjacent to Fountain Views

6. Gate 6: In front of Address Downtown

7. Gate 7: In the Light Blue Zone

Note: Only families and couples are allowed to enter Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard through all gates.

Guests with paid reservations or accommodations in Downtown Dubai will receive access badges. The colour of the badge corresponds to the designated zone.

Important: Keep your badge safe and accessible at all times. Entry to reserved zones will only be allowed with a valid badge.

For a premium experience, Burj Park in the Pink Zone offers live performances and food and beverage options. Access the zone through Gate 1, located opposite Boulevard Heights. The closest metro station is Business Bay. A valid badge is required.

You can enjoy the fireworks for free at designated public viewing areas, which are separated for families and bachelors:

For families:

For bachelors:

If you plan to drive, it is recommend departing early to arrive in Downtown Dubai before the road closures. You can park in one of the 16,000 parking spaces available at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, Fountain Views, or Boulevard Lower Underground parking areas.

Most roads leading to Downtown Dubai will close by 4pm. Click here for a detailed guide on all road closures and parking options for the Burj Khalifa celebrations, as outlined in the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) traffic plan.

After the road closures, badge holders can park at Al Wasl Club in Al Wasl or Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre in Meydan. Complimentary shuttle buses will transport badge holders to and from these parking locations. You must present your access badge to use the shuttle buses. The drop-off points for the shuttles are as follows:

Salik charges will apply for parking at Dubai Mall. However, parking at Zabeel and Fountain Views will remain free of charge.

All public parking areas (excluding multi-storey parking) will be free on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, for the New Year’s holiday. Paid parking will resume on Thursday, 2 January 2025.

If you arrive before the road closures, you can park at Dubai Mall parking areas, Dubai Opera Parking 3, Boulevard Upper Ground 2, or Emaar Sales Centre.

After the road closures, you may park at Al Wasl Club in Al Wasl or Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre in Meydan. From there, take the free shuttle bus to Downtown Dubai, alighting at Dubai Opera. Proceed to Burj Park Gate 2 and present your badge for access.

Dubai Metro

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station: This station will remain closed until 5pm or until it reaches full capacity.

Business Bay and Financial Centre Metro Stations: These stations will remain operational and will close only after reaching full capacity following the celebrations.

Taxis

Taxis will operate as usual before the road closures but will not have access to Downtown Dubai once the closures are in effect.