Dubai will implement gradual road closures on New Year’s Eve, including major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road, starting from 4 PM on December 31, according to a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Residents and visitors planning to visit Downtown Dubai or other popular fireworks destinations are advised to begin their journeys early and rely on public transport, said Hussain Al Bana, Executive Director of Traffic at the RTA. He urged those not attending festivities in these areas to leave early and reminded guests with bookings near the celebrations to arrive before 4 PM.

The road closure schedule includes:

• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard: From 4 PM
• Financial Centre Street (Lower Deck): From 4 PM
• Al Mustaqbal Street: From 4 PM
• Burj Khalifa Street: From 4 PM
• Al Asayel Road (Oud Metha to Burj Khalifa): From 4 PM
• Al Sukuk Street: From 8 PM
• Upper Level of Financial Road: From 8 PM
• Sheikh Zayed Road: Gradual closure from 11 PM

To accommodate workers and ensure safety, authorities have designated viewing zones featuring large screens and meal services in collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs. Dedicated family-only viewing areas have also been arranged, with additional details forthcoming.

Enhanced Parking Facilities

The RTA has arranged approximately 20,000 additional parking spaces at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, and Emaar Boulevard to cater to visitors. Alternative parking options at Al Wasl and the GDRFA parking lots will also be available, with free shuttle buses provided for convenience.

Metro users can park at Centerpoint, Etisalat e&, and Jebel Ali stations for easier access to celebration venues. Note that the Dubai Water Canal Footbridge and elevators will close at 4 PM.

Citywide Celebrations

As Dubai rings in 2025, a total of 36 locations across the city will host spectacular celebrations. Highlights include fireworks displays at Burj Park, Global Village, Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach at JBR, and Hatta.

Authorities encourage the public to use public transport and plan their journeys in advance to enjoy a smooth and memorable New Year’s Eve.

A new 1km bridge opened on Sunday in Dubai, greatly easing traffic flow from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.

The two-lane bridge has reduced travel time from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road from 15 minutes to just three minutes, the RTA added. The bridge ensures a “seamless” traffic connection to Dubai’s city centre and Dubai International Airport.

RTA also announced that 54 per cent of the Dh689 million Hessa Street development project, which includes upgrades of four major intersections, has been completed. All intersections are expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the Hessa Street development project, spanning 4.5km from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Khail Road, represents a continuation of efforts to develop road infrastructure to keep pace with the emirate of Dubai’s continuous growth.

In a move to enhance Dubai’s crisis management capabilities, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree, establishing the Dubai Resilience Centre.

The new public entity will play a key role in reinforcing Dubai’s ability to swiftly respond to risks, emergencies, crises and disasters. Operating under the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, the Centre is granted the authority to implement essential actions for crisis prevention and rapid recovery.

It will also coordinate efforts to effectively address emergencies and support the Committee’s work.The Centre’s responsibilities include developing resilience plans, managing a central operations platform and establishing partnerships with local, regional and international entities.

It will also collect and analyze data to create strategies and raise awareness about crisis preparedness.The decree mandates full cooperation from all government and non-government entities in Dubai to support the Centre in achieving its mission.