NYE 2026 in Dubai: Parking, free shuttle buses; what you need to know

Planning to get a glimpse of the famous Burj Khalifa fireworks up front? Here is a detailed breakdown on how residents can get to and from the Downtown area on New Year’s Eve. 

Dubai authorities have announced a comprehensive traffic management operational plan for the NYE celebrations at Burj Khalifa, with all major roads progressively closing throughout the evening of December 31, 2025, starting from 4pm. 

The Dubai Mall metro station is expected to close at 5pm or when capacity is reached. Metro and tram services will run for extended hours to serve residents between various parts of the city.

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Alternative parking solutions

For those preferring to drive with their own vehicle, authorities have designated alternative parking facilities with complimentary shuttle bus services operated by the RTA:

Primary alternative parking locations

• Al Wasl Club Parking

• Al Kifaf Parking

Free shuttle buses will operate continuously between these parking facilities and the celebration venue.

Early arrival parking in Emaar zones

Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and park their vehicles in the Emaar area, which offers more than 20 thousand parking spaces distributed across:

• Dubai Mall Parking

• Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking

• Pointview Parking

• Parking beneath the Boulevard

Public parking across Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Restrictions in surrounding areas 

Parking and stopping is prohibited on the following streets in both directions:

• Al Khail Street

• Sheikh Zayed Road

• Dubai Eye Street

• Oud Metha Street

Additionally, parking is forbidden on all major arterial roads surrounding the celebration venue.

Post-event transport services 

To ensure smooth evacuation of the celebration zone immediately following the fireworks display, the RTA will deploy dedicated shuttle bus services. These complimentary buses will transport attendees to:

• Metro Stations

• Taxi Stands

• Private Vehicle Parking Facilities

Designated Taxi Stands: Two primary taxi collection points have been established at Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking, accessible via complimentary shuttle bus services.

Complimentary shuttle buses

For those who prefer not to remain in the Burj Khalifa celebration zone during peak hours, complimentary shuttle buses will operate from 4pm to 8pm from the Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai, transporting passengers to Al Wasl Club Parking and Al Kifaf Parking for onward travel.