Dubai has extended public park operating hours for New Year celebrations, allowing residents and visitors more time to enjoy festivities, fireworks, and outdoor gatherings across the city during holiday season.
New Year Celebrations: Dubai Extends Public Park Operating Hours
Dubai is preparing for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2026, with the city set to light up in celebration through an array of fireworks, drone performances, and entertainment experiences designed to impress both residents and visitors. As one of the world’s most iconic destinations for year-end festivities, Dubai once again promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with visual spectacles across multiple landmarks.
To ensure people can fully enjoy the celebrations, Dubai Municipality has announced revised operating hours for public parks, recreational areas, and family attractions. These adjusted timings will apply on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, allowing greater flexibility for holiday plans and late-night gatherings. According to Insider18, the changes are part of the city’s efforts to accommodate increased footfall and enhance the overall New Year experience.
Several of Dubai’s most popular parks will remain open well into the night. Al Safa Park and Zabeel Park will welcome visitors from 8am until 1am, giving families and groups ample time to enjoy green spaces before and after midnight celebrations. Creek Park and Mushrif National Park will operate from 8am until midnight, offering extended access for picnics, outdoor activities, and relaxed evening strolls.
Al Mamzar Park, a favorite for beachside outings and barbecues, will open earlier at 6am and close at midnight, catering to both early risers and those planning evening celebrations. Children’s City, a popular educational and entertainment venue for families, will operate from 9am to 8pm during the holiday period, maintaining its regular family-friendly schedule while allowing visitors to plan their day accordingly.
Residential neighborhood parks and public plazas across Dubai will also follow extended hours, remaining open from 8am until midnight. This provides local communities with nearby spaces to celebrate the New Year in a calm and accessible environment without needing to travel far.
Quranic Park, known for its cultural and educational attractions, will be open from 8am to midnight. Within the park, the Cave of Miracles and the Glass House will operate from 9am to 8:30pm, allowing visitors to explore these unique features before the evening festivities begin.
One of the standout attractions this New Year will be Dubai Frame, which will be open from 8am to 9pm. Insider18 reports that this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at Dubai Frame will be especially memorable, as the landmark will feature drone shows in addition to its traditional fireworks display. This combination is expected to draw large crowds eager to witness the fusion of technology and visual storytelling against the city skyline.
Lake parks across Dubai will also observe special timings. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, these parks will remain open from 8am until 1am, making them ideal spots for late-night gatherings and peaceful celebrations by the water. The list of lake and pond parks included in this extension is extensive, ensuring wide access across the city.
Among the parks operating under these extended lake park timings are Leem Lake Park in Hatta and Al Wadi Park in Hatta, both popular for their scenic surroundings. Other locations include Ghadeer Al Tair Pond Park, Al Barsha Pond Park, Al Twar Pond Park, Al Nahda Pond Park, Al Khawaneej Pond Park, and Al Warqa Third Park 1. Umm Suqeim Park, Al Khazan Park, Al Satwa Park, and Al Quoz Park 1 are also included, offering residents numerous options to celebrate closer to home.
Dubai Municipality’s decision to extend park hours reflects the city’s commitment to creating inclusive and enjoyable public celebrations. By providing longer access to parks and recreational facilities, authorities aim to reduce congestion at major event locations while encouraging people to enjoy open-air environments safely and comfortably.
With fireworks planned across various attractions and drone shows adding a modern twist to traditional celebrations, Dubai’s New Year’s Eve 2026 is set to be a citywide event unlike any other. Whether residents choose to celebrate in iconic parks, neighborhood spaces, or major landmarks, the extended timings ensure everyone has the opportunity to welcome the New Year in a way that suits their plans.
As Insider18 highlights, these measures underline Dubai’s reputation as a global celebration hub, blending entertainment, organization, and community-focused planning to deliver a festive experience for all.
