Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are unmatched, but they also come with heavy traffic, road closures, packed metro stations, and long walking routes. If you’re heading out on December 31, planning how you move around the city is just as important as choosing where to watch the fireworks.
This guide breaks down fireworks access, free viewing areas, road closures, metro timings, parking options, and exit strategies, so you can enjoy the night without unnecessary stress.
Dubai will host fireworks at more than 40 locations across the city. The most popular and busiest remains Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.
Ticketed venues like Burj Park and Downtown restaurants offer front-row views, but prices can range from Dh2,000 to Dh20,000 per table.
Downtown Dubai has official free public viewing areas, confirmed by Emaar. These zones show live fireworks and light shows on large LED screens and are open to the public.
Important to know:
Entry is free
Access is first-come, first-served
Gates close once capacity is reached
Arriving early is essential
Free public zones are spread across Downtown, including areas around Boulevard Heights, Burj Vista, Emaar Square, Fountain Views, Address Downtown, Vida Dubai Mall, Old Town, South Ridge, and designated bachelor-only zones.
Tip: If you don’t want Downtown crowds, fireworks will also be visible at locations such as Dubai Frame, Global Village, Expo City, JBR, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Festival City, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, and more.
Dubai implements phased road closures every New Year’s Eve to manage crowds safely.
From 4 pm on December 31, roads around Downtown begin closing
More streets shut down progressively through the evening
Sheikh Zayed Road will be partially closed from 11 pm
Full Sheikh Zayed Road closure is scheduled until 2 am on January 1
From 8 pm: Al Multaqa (Al Mulook) Street
From 9 pm: Upper Financial Centre Road
From 4 pm:
Al Istiqlal Street
Al Mustaqbal Street
Lower Financial Centre Road
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Burj Khalifa Street
Key takeaway:
Driving into Downtown after 4 pm is not recommended. If you must drive, arrive early and be prepared to leave the area using public transport later.
Public transport is the most reliable way to move around Dubai on New Year’s Eve.
Metro services will run non-stop for 43 hours
From 5 am on December 31
Until midnight on January 25
This means the metro will operate all night on New Year’s Eve, with increased frequency near major celebration areas.
Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station will close by 5 pm (or earlier if capacity is reached)
Use nearby stations instead:
Business Bay
Financial Centre
Emirates Towers
World Trade Centre
If you plan to drive part of the way:
Dubai Mall parking
Zabeel – Dubai Mall parking
Fountain Views extensions
Boulevard Lower parking
Alternative parking at Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf
Parking is not allowed on:
Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Khail Road
Dubai–Al Ain Road
Oud Metha Road
Surrounding main roads near event zones
Vehicles parked illegally may be fined or towed.
Leaving Downtown after midnight is usually the hardest part of the night, but there are official options in place.
After the fireworks, RTA shuttle buses will operate to move crowds to:
Al Kifaf
Al Wasl Club
Nearby metro stations and taxi hubs
Taxis will be available, but expect delays due to demand and road restrictions.
If you are not attending the celebrations, authorities may require you to exit the area using public transport only.
Here's a summary of what residents and tourists should take care of during New Year's Eve in Dubai.
Arrive early in the afternoon if heading to Downtown.
Choose metro stations outside the core closure zone.
Expect walking — comfortable shoes matter.
Avoid last-minute driving plans.
Decide your exit route before midnight.
We hope that your New Year's Eve is fun and happening. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year from the Lalamove team!