Dubai is gearing up to host one of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a massive fireworks show at Burj Khalifa and more than 40 displays across the city.

If you’re heading out to celebrate, it’s important to plan. Public transport timings and road access will be different on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know to get around smoothly on the big night.

Dubai Metro New Year’s Eve timings

The Dubai Metro remains one of the easiest ways to reach Downtown Dubai and other celebration hotspots.

• The Metro will run non-stop for 43 hours
• Services begin at 5am on Wednesday, December 31
• Operations continue until midnight on Friday, January 2

The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station will close at 5pm on December 31 or earlier if the crowd capacity is reached.

Instead, use nearby stations:

• World Trade Centre
• Emirates Towers
• Financial Centre
• Business Bay

Metro stations with park-and-ride facilities include:

• Centrepoint
• Etisalat by e&
• National Paints
• Jumeirah Golf Estates

Dubai road closures on New Year’s Eve

To manage crowds and reduce congestion, several key roads will close in phases.

From 4pm, December 31:

• Al Asayel Street
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
• Burj Khalifa Street
• Lower Financial Centre Street
• Al Mustaqbal Street (Financial Centre to Commercial Centre)

Additional closures:

• 8pm: Al Sukook Street
• 9pm: Upper Financial Centre Street
• 11pm: Sheikh Zayed Road (between Al Maidaan intersection and Commercial Centre roundabout)

Authorities advise arriving before 4pm if you have reservations in these areas.

Dubai public bus services

More than 1,300 buses will be in operation on New Year’s Eve.

• Free shuttle buses will run from Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf parking areas to Burj Khalifa
• Shuttle services will also operate after the fireworks
• Free buses will transport people to metro stations, taxi ranks and alternative parking zones

Avoiding Downtown?
Buses from Swissotel Al Murooj Dubai will take passengers to Al Kifaf and Al Wasl Club parking.

Dubai Tram timings

The Dubai Tram will also operate extended hours:

• Starts at 6am on December 31
• Runs continuously until 1am on Friday, January 2

That’s six extra hours of service after the celebrations.

Marine transport on New Year’s Eve

For a scenic celebration, marine transport will also be available:

• Dubai Ferry departures between 10pm and 10.30pm
• Services end at 1.30am
• Ticket prices:
  • Dh350 (Silver)
  • Dh525 (Gold)
  • 50% off for children aged 2–10

Water taxis and abras will also operate from key marine stations, offering one of the most memorable ways to watch Dubai’s skies light up.

Residents and visitors should plan early, use public transport, and expect road restrictions. Preparing ahead will make the journey on New Year’s Eve smooth and stress-free.