All about road closures for New Year’s Eve in Dubai 2025-2026
Dubai is gearing up for the big finale of 2025! Hundreds and thousands of people are expected to arrive in Downtown Dubai for NYE celebrations. Many of the city’s malls, leisure venues and eateries are going all out to ensure that 2025 gets off to a fantastic start. Like every year, road closures for New Year’s Eve in have been planned in Downtown Dubai as part of Emaar NYE 2025 celebration, featuring the highly anticipated fireworks at Burj Khalifa as the centrepiece. Here is what you need to know about road closures for New Year’s in Dubai 2025-2026.
Note: Please check RTA website for the latest updates for the new year road closure Dubai 2025
ROAD CLOSURE DUBAI NEW YEAR 2025-26
Dubai New Year’s Eve celebrations are held at multiple destinations in the emirate, with the most spectacular show hosted at the Burj Khalifa.
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA) announces road closures to manage the crowds during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the emirate.
These are the details of the Dubai road closures on New Year’s Eve 2025 in and around Downtown Dubai:
Road closures begin at 04:00 pm. Guests holding park tickets or confirmed hotel/restaurant reservations (including parking) must arrive before this time.
The first phase will begin at 04:00 pm on December 31st:
- Burj Khalifa Street
- Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
- Al Mustaqbal Street (between commercial Centre Street and Financial Centre intersection)
- Al Asayel Street
Road closures are expected to be lifted between 01:00 am and 02:00 am on 1st January 2026, subject to approval by Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES DURING NEW YEAR’S EVE
Shuttle buses will operate from these parking areas to Burj Park. Guests must show their badge and disembark at the Dubai Opera bus stop.
As per the RTA, the Dubai Metro will run for 43 hours until midnight. Ride hailing services like Uber and Careem will not be allowed on Kingh Salman bin Abdul Saud Street between the hours of 11:00pm and 01:00 am.
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Services will operate as scheduled but may be suspended at the authorities’ discretion. Keep checking the RTA website for the latest updates!
Taxis will run as usual before road closures begin, but access to Downtown Dubai will not be permitted once closures are in effect. Meanwhile, the Dubai Tram will operate until 01:00 am on 2nd January 2026 which is a Friday.
PARKING
Public parking before 04:00 pm will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at:
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
- Zabeel Parking
- Fountain Views Parking
Burj Park ticket holders may park at:
- Al Meydan Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre
- Wasl Club Parking
Vehicles parked at hotels, residences, food and beverage venues in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall parking may exit once restrictions are lifted.
Like every year, it’s expected that all vehicles parked at restaurants, hotels and residences in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall will only be allowed to leave once the closure is lifted.
Palm Jumeirah parking
While no road closures have been announced in this busy area, using public transport is recommended. Options include the metro, tram or marine transport such as ferries, water taxis and even abra rides in Dubai. Dedicated New Year’s Eve stops and schedules apply.
Those who plan on visiting Palm Juemirah for Newcall 800-9090 for details. Heavy crowds are expected around Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR, for the fireworks.
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER
The timing of all Metro Link Bus Services at Centrepoint, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, Abu Hail and Etisalat Metro Station will be synchronised with the metro timetables.
The Dubai government has advised people to plan their visits well in advance to avoid delays or other inconveniences due to road closures for New Year’s Eve in Dubai.
Access to Burj Park will be ticketed, with paid entry offering exclusive viewing areas. This year’s celebrations feature a Bollywood-inspired theme, including live performances by Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house of superstar Shah Rukh Khan. A wide selection of food trucks will also be available on site.
The Burj Park NYE show is an excellent opportunity for those who want to enjoy the night from an exclusive spot. The tickets are priced at AED 997.5 for adults and AED 577.5 for kids.
If you want to enjoy the spectacular fireworks in Dubai for free, you can head to Downtown Dubai. But please note that the entry is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you want to watch the dazzling show on Palm Jumeirah, free shuttle bus services from Nakheel Mall may also be available.
FAQS ABOUT FOR NEW YEAR’S IN DUBAI
IS Dubai busy at the New Year?
The emirate is usually crowded during the colder months. The crowds generally peak in December due to upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, for good reason. The fireworks at the countdown are some of the most televised in the world and people from all over the world come to see them live.
Is Dubai expensive during the New YEAR?
Yes, December is considered peak tourist season in the emirate, which may reflect on what you may need to pay for a trip.
WHAT DOES A BURJ PARK NYE TICKET GET ME?
A ticket will get you:
- An access badge
- Unhindered views of the show
- F&B vouchers, workshop for kids and live entertainment
WILL TAXIS BE AVAILABLE DURING ROAD CLOSURE?
Unfortunately, taxis will not be able to access Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard after the road closure is implemented.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EVENTS I CAN ATTEND ON 31ST DECEMBER 2025 IN DUBAI?
There are various events and activities to celebrate the New Year in Dubai. From spellbinding fireworks to thrilling concerts, luxurious yacht cruises, amazing parties and even family-friendly outdoor cinema marathons, there’s plenty to ring in the New Year with style in Dubai. Please look at our round-up of New Year events in Dubai to select an option that suits your needs.
That’s all for our guide to road closures for New Year’s in Dubai. Knowing when and where roads will be closed during these NYE celebrations can help you get around the city with ease during this time, and you can reach your New Year’s Eve parties in Dubai on time.
