If you are travelling to UAE for New Year’s Eve, choosing public transport can be the best option. The UAE government has extended hours for the metro and tram by 40 hours, according to the news announced by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officials.

Dubai Metro and Tram services

  • From December 31 to January 1 – Dubai Metro will operate from Morning 8.
  • From December 31 to January 2 – Dubai Tram service will run from Morning 9 to early morning 1. 
  • Complimentary service to the public – 230 buses from the plan of RTA.

 

This helps to get the extensive transportation to travel conveniently during the New Year celebration, enhancing accessibility. 

To improve the public convenient transport options and to reduce traffic interruption, CEO Abdullah Yousif Al Ali of RTA plans to extend Metro and Tram services by providing extra timing, offering extra parking spaces, and offering free bus rides. These services by the RTA officials help the visitors and residents to get easy transport services during the New Year celebration. 

Taxi services also provide continuous operation during the New Year’s Eve period. To create a hassle-free experience in the New Year for all the residents and visitors. 

“Through these measures, the RTA continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing Dubai’s transportation infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of its citizens and guests,” Al Ali said.

Roads Closure Timing

 

  1. From Evening 4 – AI Asayel Street will be closed 
  2. From Evening 4 – Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard closed
  3. In the evening 4 – Burj Khalifa Street will be closed
  4. From evening 4 – Lower Deck Financial Center Street will be closed
  5. In the late Evening 8 – Sukuk ( DIFC ) Street will be open
  6. In the Night 9 – Upper Financial Center Street will be open
  7. From Night 9 – Sheikh Zayed Road will be closed

 

RTA Traffic Plan 

The executive director of Traffic and Roads at RTA and Chairman of the Traffic Management and Transport Committee, Abdullah Al Ali highlighted RTA’s control of traffic flow during the New Year’s celebration. Al Ali announced a perfect traffic plan mainly around the Burj Khalifa area which was developed in partnership with the Executive Committee for connecting International and Local Events and Emaar. This is considered one of the main concerns about the attendees during the festival time about the plan and coordination for major events in Dubai. 

Al Ali pointed out that teams from RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services will join at the United Control Centre – an expansive and state facility for the art. They have their full focus on monitoring the traffic and visitor movement around the city, especially in crowded places like the Burj Khalifa Zone. This effort and action was taken by the Dubai Police during the day to contribute to the seamless management of the New Year’s Eve celebration and concern about the safety and well-being of the visitors. 

He highlighted that RTA teams would be actively roaming around the city at various control centres, such as Emaar Control Room and Dubai’s Smart Traffic System Centre. They plan to cover all the important areas to manage traffic flow and prioritise public transport services. Joining hands with Dubai Police, Emaar, and other partners, RTA is deeply into the services that guarantee the success and safety of the New Year Celebration.  

 

Additional Parking

Al Ali ensured the provision of 900 extra parking spaces outside the event area to manage the parking challenges. All the public transport buses start the service at 3 pm. They will start operating from these areas, surrounding 500 slots at Al Wasl Club and 400 at Al Jafiliya, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. This strategic idea ensures convenient transportation for visitors and residents during New Year’s Eve Celebration in Dubai City.    

Signage and Traffic Management

Al Ali secured enhanced Pedestrian navigation around Burj Khalifa by installing directional signs and directing the visitors to event areas, bus stations, and Metro stations. The most important areas like Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will undergo full focus monitoring to offer better traffic management through traffic signals, coordinated with Emaar’s operations room. The smart signs in the areas direct and inform the road users about road closures and alternative routes to reach the destination. To maintain the safety of the public, the pedestrian bridges and elevators on the Dubai Water Canal will be temporarily closed. These safety measures and directional signs maintain uninterrupted traffic during the New Year’s Eve Celebration and lessen the unwanted confusion for the visitors about the routes and areas.