Dubai will celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 with 48 fireworks displays across 40 locations, offering residents and visitors a citywide spectacle marking the start of the new year.
Dubai: 48 firework shows at 40 venues set to illuminate New Year’s Eve 2026
Dubai is preparing to welcome 2026 with an expansive New Year’s Eve celebration featuring 48 fireworks shows spread across 40 locations, an increase from last year’s 36 displays. The announcement was made by the Events Security Committee during a press briefing, highlighting the scale of festivities planned for December 31.
To manage what is expected to be the largest New Year’s Eve operation in the emirate’s history, authorities will deploy more than 23,000 security personnel and coordinate efforts among 55 government and private organisations. Officials said the extensive preparations aim to ensure public safety while accommodating the millions of residents and visitors expected to attend celebrations across the city.
Security operations will be spearheaded by 9,884 officers from Dubai Police, supported by 13,502 private security staff. The deployment will include 1,625 patrol vehicles, 36 bicycle patrols, 34 mounted units, and 53 marine rescue boats to provide full coverage across land and coastal areas.
Transport and medical preparedness
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will implement a comprehensive mobility plan to facilitate crowd movement, operating 14,000 taxis, 1,300 buses, and 107 metro trains with the support of 5,565 RTA staff members. Medical services will also be on heightened readiness, with 236 ambulances, 635 paramedics, and 1,900 healthcare professionals on standby. A total of 12 hospitals, along with several outdoor medical facilities, will be prepared to respond to emergencies.
Additionally, Dubai Civil Defence will play a key role in safety measures, deploying 1,754 personnel and 165 vehicles to ensure rapid response capabilities throughout the celebrations.
Authorities emphasised that advanced technology will play a central role in managing the celebrations, with surveillance systems, smart monitoring tools, and real-time communication platforms supporting on-ground teams. Command and control centres will operate around the clock to monitor crowd density, traffic flow, and emergency responses across all fireworks locations. Officials said this integrated approach allows rapid decision-making and coordination between agencies, helping to prevent incidents before they escalate. Public information systems will also be used to issue timely updates and safety advisories, ensuring residents and visitors remain informed throughout the night as festivities unfold across the emirate.
Residents and visitors have been encouraged to plan their movements in advance and make use of public transport to reduce congestion near major viewing areas. Authorities advised early arrival at designated zones and urged people to follow official guidance, signage, and instructions from security personnel. Families attending the celebrations were reminded to keep children under close supervision, while individuals with medical conditions were advised to remain cautious in crowded spaces. Officials also reiterated that safety barriers and restricted areas must be respected to ensure smooth crowd movement and an enjoyable experience for everyone.
The expanded fireworks programme reflects Dubai’s continued focus on hosting world-class events while maintaining high safety standards. Officials noted that increasing the number of display locations helps distribute crowds more evenly across the city, reducing pressure on traditionally busy areas. The New Year’s Eve celebrations are expected to provide a major boost to tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors, with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues preparing special offerings. Authorities concluded that the comprehensive planning underscores Dubai’s commitment to delivering memorable celebrations supported by robust security, efficient services, and seamless coordination.
