Dubai's massive overnight clean-up after New Year's Eve restores streets, beaches
More than 3,000 workers were deployed by Dubai Municipality to ensure public areas were cleaned up swiftly
As fireworks lit up the skyline and crowds welcomed 2026 across the emirate, another operation was already getting underway behind the scenes where a massive overnight clean-up led by Dubai Municipality to restore streets, beaches and public spaces during and within hours of the celebrations ending.
By early morning on January 1, waste left behind after New Year’s Eve festivities had been cleared, with teams of municipal workers, inspectors spreading out across key locations.
Videos shared by residents on social media showed cleaners in uniforms sweeping streets and collecting litter even while the celebrations were on. Photos posted by Dubai Municipality story highlighted the scale of the operation.
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According to Dubai Municipality, the clean-up was the final phase of a comprehensive plan prepared well in advance for the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Cleanliness formed one of the five main pillars of Dubai Municipality's New Year's Eve plan. More than 3,000 workers, supported by 200 supervisors and inspectors and around 400 vehicles, were deployed before, during and after the celebrations to ensure public areas were returned to normal swiftly.
The teams focused on major roads, public squares, beaches, parks and event zones, coordinating closely with developers and strategic partners to ensure waste was removed efficiently and safely.
The clean-up effort was part of a broader, integrated strategy developed under the umbrella of the Events Security Committee, in coordination with government entities.
Speaking about preparations ahead of New Year's Eve, a Dubai Municipality official said the plan was built around five key focus areas, including the health and safety, food, beaches, parks, and the last and most important one — cleanliness.
Health and safety checks was made to ensure all fireworks and recreational facilities were certified and safe for use before the celebration.
Strict food safety inspections were carried out at restaurants and food outlets, with inspectors present throughout the event. The Dubai Municipality took measures related to beaches which were designated for family use only and for public parks with extended operating hours till 1am to allow visitors to watch the fireworks and exit safely.
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