Dubai Allocates Four Beaches for Family-Only Access During New Year Events

As Dubai prepares to welcome the New Year 2026 with one of its most anticipated celebrations, authorities are putting extensive measures in place to ensure the festivities on December 31 are safe, well-organised, and enjoyable for everyone. With millions of residents and tourists expected to take part in the celebrations, the emirate is focusing strongly on public safety, crowd management, and family-friendly environments.

According to Insider18, Dubai Municipality has announced a special arrangement for public beaches as part of its New Year readiness strategy. In a move designed to promote a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere, several popular beachfront locations will be reserved exclusively for families during the New Year holiday period. This initiative reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to balance large-scale celebrations with the needs of families seeking a relaxed and secure environment.

The family-only beach designation will be in effect from December 31, 2025, through January 1, 2026, covering the peak hours of New Year’s Eve and the early hours of New Year’s Day. During this time, access to selected beaches will be restricted to families to help manage crowds and enhance safety, particularly for children and elderly visitors.

Dubai Municipality has confirmed that four public beaches have been included in this initiative. These are:

• Jumeirah Beach 2

• Jumeirah Beach 3

• Umm Suqeim Beach 1

• Umm Suqeim Beach

These beaches are among the city’s most visited waterfront destinations, especially during major celebrations. By reserving them for families only, authorities aim to create a calmer and more organised setting amid the excitement of New Year’s Eve festivities across the city.

This decision is part of a broader operational and preparedness plan developed by Dubai Municipality in close coordination with key government entities. The plan is being implemented in full collaboration with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Dubai Resilience Centre, ensuring seamless coordination across multiple sectors.

Public safety remains a top priority during the New Year celebrations. Dubai Police will increase patrols around beaches, public parks, and major event areas to manage crowds and respond quickly to any emergencies. Traffic management strategies will also be deployed by the RTA to ease congestion, particularly in areas close to fireworks displays, beaches, and popular tourist attractions.

In addition to beach management, the comprehensive readiness plan extends to public parks, recreational facilities, and entertainment zones across the emirate. Authorities are working to ensure these spaces remain clean, accessible, and safe throughout the holiday period. Extra teams will be deployed for maintenance and supervision to handle the surge in visitors.

Waste management is another major focus area during the celebrations. Dubai Municipality has prepared enhanced cleaning schedules, additional waste collection points, and rapid-response teams to maintain cleanliness across beaches, parks, and public spaces. These efforts are intended to ensure that popular locations remain pleasant both during and after the festivities.

Public health and food safety measures are also being strengthened as part of the New Year strategy. Inspectors will conduct regular checks at food outlets, temporary stalls, and restaurants, particularly those operating near celebration hotspots. This is to ensure compliance with hygiene standards and to protect public health during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Emergency preparedness has also been factored into the plan. Medical teams and first responders will be strategically positioned near high-traffic areas, including beaches and fireworks viewing zones. Clear communication channels between agencies will allow for quick coordination in case of emergencies, ensuring that help is available when needed.

Dubai’s approach to New Year celebrations reflects its broader commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences for people of all ages. By introducing family-only beach zones and strengthening inter-agency coordination, the emirate aims to offer residents and visitors a festive atmosphere without compromising comfort or safety.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Dubai continues to set high standards for large-scale event management. With thoughtful planning, clear regulations, and strong cooperation among authorities, the city is once again preparing to ring in the New Year with celebrations that are not only spectacular but also well-organised and family-friendly.