NYE 2026: How Dubai prepares to secure citywide new year celebrations
New Year’s Eve celebrations are just around the corner, with global attention turning to Dubai to see how the city is preparing to welcome 2026 in style. To reassure the public, authorities in the emirate held a press conference outlining the security measures in place to ensure that all planned festivities proceed smoothly and safely.The Dubai Event Security Committee (ESC) has detailed measures that will be taken by several entities in Dubai to contribute to the highly anticipated festivities. 37 support and assistance tents have been set up across celebration sites to provide police services, lost and found support, first aid, logistical assistance, guidance for visitors, and care for lost children.For the first time this year, Dubai is preparing to host 48 fireworks displays at 40 locations in what authorities called the most comprehensive New Year's Eve operation in Dubai's history.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Dubai Police will deploy 9,884 police officers and 1,625 patrol vehicles to secure the celebrations. The deployment also includes 53 marine security and rescue boats, 36 bicycles, and 34 mounted patrol units to ensure comprehensive coverage across land and sea. 13,502 private security personnel will also be present.More than 1,754 firefighters, including officers, non-commissioned officers, and personnel, will also be deployed across various locations. Over 306 vital facilities in Dubai have been inspected to ensure compliance with safety standards. A fleet of more than 156 specialised vehicles has been prepared, including 12 marine firefighting boats. Fire and rescue services will be delivered through 26 Civil Defence stations covering all approved celebration locations.Ambulance servicesA total of 236 ambulance points will be activated across the emirate, supported by a diverse fleet including specialised vehicles, rapid response units, electric and bicycle ambulances, golf carts, marine units, two ambulance buses, air ambulance support in coordination with Dubai Police, and a mobile medical warehouse.Twelve hospitals and field clinics have been made ready to provide medical care when needed.Fifty trained volunteers from the First Responder programme will support ambulance teams in the Boulevard area, assisting with minor cases to enhance response speed.A proactive healthcare plan has been put in place, including the deployment of 1,900 medical, nursing, administrative, and support staff, with six hospitals and four external clinics on full alert.A fully equipped field hospital has been established in the Burj Khalifa area, including a dedicated paediatric care section. Seven medical points will operate across various locations in coordination with Dubai Ambulance Services, supported by 20 patient transport vehicles.Volunteering with Dubai PoliceBrigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, announced that 1,800 individuals have signed up to volunteer for police-support activities during this year's New Year’s Eve celebrations. Applications remain open until Sunday December 28.Authorities have urged the public to adhere to safety measures. Emergency reports can also be made via 999, while enquiries and non-emergency requests can be directed to 901. Members of the public may also approach police officers stationed at event locations for assistance.Road closures, extended Metro operationsDubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has said that advanced technologies and artificial intelligence systems, including the iTraffic system and big data analytics, will be utilised to predict traffic volumes and support operational decision making. On December 31, road closures around event areas will begin at 4pm and gradually expand until 11pm, covering key roads including Al Asayel Street, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, the Lower and Upper Financial Centre Roads, Al Mustaqbal Street, Al Sukook Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road.Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines, along with Dubai Tram, will operate continuously for 43 hours. Metro services will run from 5am on Wednesday December 31, 2025 until 11.59pm on Thursday January 1, 2026. Dubai Tram services will operate from 6am on Wednesday December 31, 2025 until 1am on Friday January 2, 2026.More than 2.5 million passengers used public transport during New Year’s Eve 2025, compared to 2.29 million in 2024.Dubai: 48 fireworks displays across 40 locations to light up New Year's Eve 2026Countdown to 2026: Burj Khalifa, Palm, and more set for Dubai NYE fireworksNYE 2026 in Dubai: Phased road closures to start from 4pm; list of streets revealed
New Year’s Eve celebrations are just around the corner, with global attention turning to Dubai to see how the city is preparing to welcome 2026 in style. To reassure the public, authorities in the emirate held a press conference outlining the security measures in place to ensure that all planned festivities proceed smoothly and safely.
The Dubai Event Security Committee (ESC) has detailed measures that will be taken by several entities in Dubai to contribute to the highly anticipated festivities. 37 support and assistance tents have been set up across celebration sites to provide police services, lost and found support, first aid, logistical assistance, guidance for visitors, and care for lost children.
For the first time this year, Dubai is preparing to host 48 fireworks displays at 40 locations in what authorities called the most comprehensive New Year's Eve operation in Dubai's history.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Dubai Police will deploy 9,884 police officers and 1,625 patrol vehicles to secure the celebrations. The deployment also includes 53 marine security and rescue boats, 36 bicycles, and 34 mounted patrol units to ensure comprehensive coverage across land and sea. 13,502 private security personnel will also be present.
More than 1,754 firefighters, including officers, non-commissioned officers, and personnel, will also be deployed across various locations.
Over 306 vital facilities in Dubai have been inspected to ensure compliance with safety standards. A fleet of more than 156 specialised vehicles has been prepared, including 12 marine firefighting boats. Fire and rescue services will be delivered through 26 Civil Defence stations covering all approved celebration locations.
Ambulance services
A total of 236 ambulance points will be activated across the emirate, supported by a diverse fleet including specialised vehicles, rapid response units, electric and bicycle ambulances, golf carts, marine units, two ambulance buses, air ambulance support in coordination with Dubai Police, and a mobile medical warehouse.
Twelve hospitals and field clinics have been made ready to provide medical care when needed.
Fifty trained volunteers from the First Responder programme will support ambulance teams in the Boulevard area, assisting with minor cases to enhance response speed.
A proactive healthcare plan has been put in place, including the deployment of 1,900 medical, nursing, administrative, and support staff, with six hospitals and four external clinics on full alert.
A fully equipped field hospital has been established in the Burj Khalifa area, including a dedicated paediatric care section. Seven medical points will operate across various locations in coordination with Dubai Ambulance Services, supported by 20 patient transport vehicles.
Volunteering with Dubai Police
Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, announced that 1,800 individuals have signed up to volunteer for police-support activities during this year's New Year’s Eve celebrations. Applications remain open until Sunday December 28.
Authorities have urged the public to adhere to safety measures. Emergency reports can also be made via 999, while enquiries and non-emergency requests can be directed to 901. Members of the public may also approach police officers stationed at event locations for assistance.
Road closures, extended Metro operations
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has said that advanced technologies and artificial intelligence systems, including the iTraffic system and big data analytics, will be utilised to predict traffic volumes and support operational decision making.
On December 31, road closures around event areas will begin at 4pm and gradually expand until 11pm, covering key roads including Al Asayel Street, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, the Lower and Upper Financial Centre Roads, Al Mustaqbal Street, Al Sukook Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines, along with Dubai Tram, will operate continuously for 43 hours. Metro services will run from 5am on Wednesday December 31, 2025 until 11.59pm on Thursday January 1, 2026. Dubai Tram services will operate from 6am on Wednesday December 31, 2025 until 1am on Friday January 2, 2026.
More than 2.5 million passengers used public transport during New Year’s Eve 2025, compared to 2.29 million in 2024.
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