Watching the Burj Khalifa light up the sky on New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. While Downtown Dubai is known for sky-high restaurant packages, there are several official, free public viewing areas where you can enjoy the fireworks without spending a dirham.

If you’re planning to head Downtown for NYE 2026, here’s everything you need to know — from free viewing spots and entry rules to road closures and metro tips.

Free Burj Khalifa fireworks viewing areas

Emaar has confirmed multiple free public zones across Downtown Dubai, complete with LED screens showing the fireworks, light shows and live entertainment. Entry is first-come, first-served, and gates will close once capacity is reached, so arrive early.

Free public viewing gates

• Boulevard Heights
• Burj Vista
• Emaar Square
• Former Address Boulevard
• Fountain Views
• Address Downtown
• Vida Dubai Mall

Family-friendly viewing areas (Free)

• South Ridge
• ACT One / ACT Two
• Outer Boulevard
• Old Town
• Cascade Garden

Bachelor viewing areas (Free)

• Zabeel Bachelor
• Views Bachelor
• Vida Bachelor
• Vista Bachelor
• Rove Bachelor

Road closures to know before you go

Driving in? Try to arrive before 4pm on December 31, as several roads will close throughout the evening.

From 4pm

• Al Istiqlal Street
• Al Mustaqbal Street
• Lower Financial Centre Road
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
• Burj Khalifa Street

Later closures

• From 8pm: Al Multaqa Street
• From 9pm: Upper Financial Centre Road
• From 11pm: Partial closure of Sheikh Zayed Road

Full Sheikh Zayed Road closure

• From 11pm on Dec 31 until 2am on Jan 2, 2026

Metro advice for New Year’s Eve

• Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station will close from 5pm or earlier if capacity is reached
• Use nearby stations: Business Bay, Financial Centre, Emirates Towers, World Trade Centre
• Dubai Metro will run non-stop for 43 hours with increased frequency

Minimum nol balance

• Silver: Dh15
• Gold: Dh30

Don’t want Downtown crowds? Try these spots

You can still catch the fireworks from a distance at:

• Dubai Canal Waterfall
• Dubai Creek Harbour Viewing Point
• Lulu Bridge near Dubai Frame
• Al Safa Water Canal Bridge

Whether you’re going all-in Downtown or watching from afar, Dubai’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are very much a free, citywide spectacle.