Dubai unveils New Year's Eve plans: All you need to know

Dubai: The Events Security Committee in Dubai on Tuesday confirmed its preparations to ensure the safety and security of the 2025 New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Building on the success of last year’s plan, the emirate will once again be divided into four operational sectors—North, Central, West, and Maritime—to streamline safety measures and enhance public services in collaboration with strategic partners.

The committee, in coordination with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs, has also arranged dedicated viewing areas for workers.

These zones will feature large screens and meal services, allowing workers to enjoy the celebrations, including the fireworks, safely and conveniently while reducing the need for movement to crowded event locations.

Event overview and deployment

The 2025 celebrations will feature fireworks displays at 36 locations across Dubai. Key sites include Burj Khalifa; Global Village; Bab Al Shams Desert Resort; Atlantis The Royal; Al Marmoom Oasis; Expo City; Dubai Frame; and Dubai Design District, among others.

To ensure safety, Dubai Police will deploy 8,530 officers and 1,145 patrols, supported by 33 marine rescue boats, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulances. Six mobile operations rooms will monitor activities across the emirate.

Dedicated tents will be set up in Downtown Dubai, offering:

•     Lost and found services

•     First aid

•     Logistical support

•     Assistance for lost children

•     Guidance for visitors

During a press conference on Tuesday, Dubai officials announced the comprehensive security, organisational, and service plans for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The press conference was attended by Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs; and representatives from 55 government and private entities.

Maj Gen Al Mansouri noted the success of dividing the emirate into operational sectors in 2024 and confirmed this strategy will continue.

•     North Sector: includes four event locations

•     Central Sector: covers nine locations

•     West Sector: comprises 23 locations

•     Maritime Sector: ensures safety at all coastal and water-based events

He added that six mobile operation rooms will provide additional support, ensuring seamless communication between entities.

Maj Gen Al Mansouri urged the public to cooperate with Dubai Police, follow traffic instructions, and avoid congested areas. Emergency and non-emergency reports can be made via the toll-free numbers 999 and 901, respectively.

Hussain Al Banna, Executive Director, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), detailed the RTA’s traffic and transport plan, especially for the Burj Khalifa area:

•     Al Asayel Street from Oud Metha Road to Burj Khalifa: from 4pm

•     Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street: from 4pm, depending on parking availability

•     Lower Financial Centre Street: from 4pm

•     Upper Financial Centre Street and Al Sukook Street: from 8pm

•     Public Advisory: Guests with bookings in the area must arrive before 4pm

•     Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) will operate continuously for 43 hours from 5am on December 31, 2024 until midnight on January 1, 2025.

•     260 buses (20 double-deckers, 240 standard) will transport guests to key locations.

•     Additional parking (900 spaces) will be available at Al Wasl Club (500) and Al Jaffiliya (400), with shuttle buses running from 3pm.

Traffic lights near major areas will be monitored in real-time, and pedestrian routes to buses and metro stations will be clearly marked. Smart screens will alert drivers about road closures and alternative routes.

Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director, Dubai Municipality confirmed the Municipality’s preparedness, with the deployment of 2,776 staff, including 242 supervisors and 2,534 sanitation workers, supported by 246 vehicles. The plan focuses on public health, food safety, and the cleanliness of public spaces.

•     Food Safety: Inspections will be conducted at malls, hotels, restaurants, and public event sites.

•     Park and Beach Management: Special teams will secure public parks, recreational areas, and beaches, with lifeguards on duty, particularly at night.

•     Waste Management: Round-the-clock operations will ensure cleanliness at event sites.

Major General Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General for Fire and Rescue, Dubai Civil Defence, announced the deployment of 1,097 firefighters and 123 advanced vehicles across five sectors. Inspections of 257 critical facilities have ensured compliance with safety standards.

Dubai Civil Defence will send 500,000 safety messages to attendees via SMS and has urged the public to comply with safety guidelines.

Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, detailed Dubai Ambulance’s readiness, including 224 emergency points and 593 paramedics. Strategic deployment covers key areas like Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and Hatta. Resources deployed include:

•     Five marine rescue boats

•     Seven ambulances at Dubai Mall

•     19 ambulances and 38 paramedics near Burj Khalifa

As many as 42 trained volunteers will support medical teams in handling minor cases.

Public guidance includes carrying necessary medications and contacting 998 or the Dubai Ambulance app in case of emergencies.

In a statement, Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: “As Dubai prepares to welcome the new year, Dubai Police and our key partners have stepped up the measures to deliver unmatched security and services during this global event. Over the years, our accumulated expertise has set benchmarks in event management, aligning with Dubai’s position as a leader in hosting world-class celebrations.”

Al Marri called for public cooperation, adherence to guidelines, and the immediate reporting of suspicious behaviour to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve for all.

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Health, said: “Dubai Health has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure the provision of healthcare services during the New Year’s Eve 2025 celebrations, both on-site and at its medical facilities. A fully equipped field hospital has been established in the Burj Khalifa area, and seven medical points in the celebration zone have been reinforced with emergency medicine specialists."

Additionally, six hospitals and four outpatient clinics have been placed on high alert to handle emergency cases. Moreover, 1,800 medical and administrative staff have been deployed across all Dubai Health facilities to guarantee patients receive prompt and efficient medical services, he added.

Baqer said: “As part of its plan, Dubai Health also offers home care and telemedicine services to support patients in their homes. These services, along with others, can be accessed by contacting the call centre at 80060.”

He continued: “We commend the efforts of the Events Security Committee and all participating entities for their significant contributions to organising the event in the best possible manner. This reflects Dubai’s regional and global standing as a leading city for hosting major events.”