Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended public transport services and phased road closures across Downtown Dubai and surrounding areas as part of its comprehensive traffic and mobility plan for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
To accommodate the large crowds expected to gather for fireworks and festivities, the Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines, along with the Dubai Tram, will operate continuously for 43 hours. Metro services will begin at 5 am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and run nonstop until 11.59 pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026, RTA said.
The Dubai Tram will also operate extended hours, running from 6 am on Wednesday, December 31, until 1 am on Friday, January 2, ensuring connectivity across key residential and leisure districts during the holiday period.
RTA said the extended services aim to encourage residents and visitors to rely on public transport rather than private vehicles, easing congestion and improving safety around major celebration zones. Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and surrounding roads are expected to see heavy traffic as crowds gather near iconic landmarks.
In addition to transport extensions, phased road closures will be implemented in areas close to event sites, depending on crowd density and safety requirements. Motorists have been advised to plan journeys, follow official signage, and use alternative routes where possible.
Authorities also urged the public to arrive early, particularly those attending celebrations near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and to follow instructions from police and traffic officials on the ground. Parking restrictions will be enforced in selected zones to support pedestrian movement and emergency access.
RTA said its operations teams will be deployed across metro stations, tram stops, and bus terminals to manage passenger flow, assist, and ensure smooth services throughout the celebrations.
Dubai has consistently relied on extended public transport operations during major events, with previous New Year’s Eve celebrations recording millions of metro journeys in a single night.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check RTA’s official channels for real-time updates on service timings, station access, and road closures as the countdown to 2026 approaches.
