Authorities have announced temporary closures of Sheikh Zayed Road and Burj Khalifa Metro Station on New Year’s Eve 2026, with specific timings revealed to manage crowds and ensure public safety.
Dubai New Year’s Eve 2026: Sheikh Zayed Road and Burj Khalifa Metro Station to shut; schedules announced
Dubai authorities have unveiled an extensive traffic and transport operations plan for the New Year’s Eve celebrations around Burj Khalifa, with a series of phased road closures scheduled throughout the evening of December 31, 2025.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has advised residents and visitors to carefully plan their travel and reach their destinations well in advance of the restrictions. The traffic strategy will roll out gradually, beginning at 4pm on December 31, when several key roads in the Downtown area will start closing in stages.
During the initial phase, authorities will progressively shut Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, Lower Financial Centre Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street between the Financial Centre junction and Commercial Centre Street. These measures are intended to redirect traffic safely away from the main celebration zone.
Additional closures in the evening
As crowds increase later in the evening, further road closures will be implemented. Al Sukook Street will close at 8pm, followed by Upper Financial Centre Street at 9pm. From 11pm, Sheikh Zayed Road will begin a gradual shutdown between the Al Maidaan intersection and the Commercial Centre roundabout, representing a key stage in the overall traffic control plan.
Metro station access and operating hours
Entry to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station will be suspended from 5pm, or earlier if passenger capacity is reached. Commuters are encouraged to use nearby metro stations instead. To meet heightened demand, the Red and Green Metro lines will run continuously for 43 hours, starting at 5am on Wednesday, December 31, and continuing until midnight on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Dubai Tram service
Dubai Tram services will also operate non-stop for 43 hours, beginning at 6am on Wednesday, December 31, and running until 1am on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Metro stations with park-and-ride facilities
Passengers seeking parking options can use metro stations equipped with parking, including Centrepoint Station, e& Station, National Paints Station in Jebel Ali, and Jumeirah Golf Estates Station. Travelers are reminded to ensure their Nol cards are adequately topped up before departure.
Pedestrian bridge and elevator restrictions
All pedestrian bridges and elevators crossing Dubai Creek will be closed from 4pm onward to support traffic flow and enhance safety during the festivities.
Alternative parking and shuttle services
Drivers are encouraged to use designated remote parking areas, where free shuttle buses operated by the RTA will run continuously to and from the celebration zone. Main alternative parking locations include Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking.
Parking in Emaar areas
Visitors who arrive early may park within the Emaar district, which provides more than 20,000 parking spaces across Dubai Mall Parking, Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking, Point View Parking, and underground parking along the Boulevard.
Parking restrictions nearby
Stopping and parking will be prohibited in both directions on Al Khail Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Eye Street, and Oud Metha Street, as well as on all major roads surrounding the event area.
Post-fireworks transport arrangements
Following the fireworks, dedicated shuttle buses will operate to ease crowd dispersal, transporting attendees free of charge to metro stations, taxi ranks, and designated parking locations. Taxi collection points will be available at Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking, accessible via shuttle services.
Option for early departure
For those wishing to leave the area before peak congestion, complimentary shuttle buses will run between 4pm and 8pm from Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai to Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking, allowing smoother onward travel.
Authorities have stressed that these measures are designed to prioritise public safety, minimise congestion, and ensure a smooth experience for everyone attending the celebrations. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay updated through official RTA and Dubai Police channels for real-time traffic updates and guidance. Pedestrians are advised to follow designated walking routes and signage, while motorists are urged to strictly comply with road closures and instructions from traffic personnel. By planning ahead and using public transport or shuttle services where possible, authorities believe attendees can enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities comfortably while avoiding unnecessary delays or disruptions.
