Source : WAM
The Dubai Event Security Committee (ESC) has announced the full preparedness of its integrated security, organisational, and service plans for the New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, ensuring the global event reflects Dubai’s standing as a premier destination for world-class festivities and major international occasions.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Dubai Civil Defence Headquarters, attended by senior officials from key government bodies and partner organisations involved in managing and securing the celebrations.
This year, fireworks will take place at 40 locations across the emirate, featuring a total of 48 displays. Major sites include Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Atlantis The Royal, Al Marmoom Oasis, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Frame, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Hatta, and several other locations.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police for Operations and Chairman of the Event Security Committee, confirmed that 55 government, semi-government, and private entities are collaborating under a unified security framework. He explained that Dubai has been divided into four operational sectors North, Central, West, and the Marine Sector to ensure effective coordination and seamless service delivery.
To support visitors, 37 assistance and support tents have been established across celebration areas, offering police services, lost-and-found assistance, first aid, logistical support, visitor guidance, and care for lost children.
Major General Al Mazrouei urged the public to comply with safety instructions before, during, and after the fireworks displays, cooperate with police personnel, and adhere to traffic regulations to reduce congestion. He reminded residents and visitors that emergencies can be reported by calling 999, while non-emergency enquiries can be made via 901. Assistance is also available from officers stationed at all event locations.
In coordination with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai, designated viewing areas have been allocated for workers. These areas are equipped with large screens and meals, allowing workers to enjoy the celebrations in a safe and well-organised setting.
Dubai Police have deployed 9,884 officers and 1,625 patrol vehicles to secure New Year’s Eve celebrations across the emirate. The deployment also includes 53 marine security and rescue boats, 36 bicycles, and 34 mounted patrol units, ensuring comprehensive coverage on land and sea.
Major General Al Mazrouei praised the dedication and teamwork of all ESC members and wished everyone a safe and joyful New Year.
Major General Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Fire and Rescue Affairs at Dubai Civil Defence, confirmed that all preparations for New Year’s Eve 2026 have been completed. More than 1,754 firefighters, including officers and personnel, will be deployed to ensure rapid and effective emergency response.
All operational plans have been approved and implemented, with celebration sites divided into five sectors: Deira, Bur Dubai, Central Dubai, Jebel Ali, and the Waterfront Sector. Dubai Civil Defence has inspected over 306 critical facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations. More than 156 specialised vehicles, including 12 marine firefighting boats, have been prepared, with services delivered through 26 Civil Defence stations covering all approved locations. The public was advised to call 997 in case of emergencies.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA, confirmed full readiness to manage traffic flow and public transport during the celebrations, particularly around Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. This will be carried out in close coordination with the Events Security Committee and strategic partners.
Joint teams from the RTA, Dubai Police, Civil Defence, and Dubai Ambulance Services will operate from the Unified Control Centre to oversee traffic and transport operations throughout the night.
Al Banna noted that more than 2.5 million passengers used public transport on New Year’s Eve 2025, compared to 2.29 million in 2024, demonstrating steady growth and the success of Dubai’s integrated traffic strategy.
Advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, the iTraffic system, and big data analytics, are being used to predict traffic volumes and support decision-making. The Transport Data Analysis Laboratory within the Unified Control Centre plays a vital role in real-time monitoring and analysis.
The traffic plan is based on three key pillars: traffic management, public transport operations, and public awareness and services.
Road closures around major event areas will begin at 4pm and expand gradually until 11pm, affecting key roads such as 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.
Approximately 20,000 parking spaces will be available in the Burj Khalifa area, along with around 8,000 spaces at metro stations and additional parking at locations such as Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf.
Public transport capacity has been significantly increased, with over 14,000 taxis, more than 18,000 limousine and luxury vehicles, and over 1,300 buses in operation. Ten control centres and 26 traffic diversion vehicles will support operations across key areas.
Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines, along with the Dubai Tram, will operate continuously for 43 hours. Metro services will run from 5am on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, until 11:59pm on Thursday, 1 January 2026. Dubai Tram services will operate from 6am on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, until 1am on Friday, 2 January 2026.
Traffic signals will be centrally controlled, smart variable message signs will provide real-time updates on closures and alternative routes, and enhanced pedestrian safety measures will be implemented. More than 5,500 RTA employees will be deployed to support operations.
Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Director of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, confirmed full operational readiness across Dubai and Hatta. Ambulance teams will be stationed in high-density areas, tourist zones, fireworks locations, coastal and desert areas, providing pre-hospital emergency care in line with international standards.
A total of 236 ambulance points will be activated, 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. These services will be managed by 635 qualified staff members.
Fifty trained volunteers from the First Responder programme will support ambulance teams in the Boulevard area, assisting with minor cases to enhance response times. Ambulance services can be requested via 998 or the Dubai Ambulance app.
Khalifa Baqer, COO of Dubai Health, confirmed the implementation of a proactive healthcare plan to ensure uninterrupted medical services during the celebrations. The plan includes 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.
Home healthcare and telemedicine services will continue to be available around the clock.
Engineer Adel Al Marzooqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipalitys, stated that Dubai Municipality has activated a comprehensive readiness plan focused on public safety and comfort. The plan includes full coordination with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Dubai Resilience Centre, covering beaches, public parks, recreational facilities, waste management, public health, safety, and food safety.
For the first time, fireworks and drone shows will be launched from Dubai Frame, offering a unique visual experience showcasing Dubai’s landmarks and technological innovation. Public beaches will be reserved for families only on New Year’s Eve, while 14 public parks will extend operating hours until 1am.
Dr Maitha Buhumaid, CEO of Marketing and Communication at Dubai Media, confirmed that Dubai Media has completed all preparations to deliver comprehensive coverage of the New Year 2026 celebrations, broadcasting them to audiences around the world. Coverage will include a special evening programme titled “Fihobi Dubai” (In Love with Dubai), celebrating the visions and poetry of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and poems by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
The coverage will feature live broadcasts, reports, interviews, and audience interactions from Burj Park studios, alongside special programmes reviewing the UAE’s achievements in 2025.
Ahmad Juma Al Falasi, Executive Director of Group Operations at Emaar Properties, confirmed Emaar’s full preparedness to welcome crowds in the Burj Khalifa area and oversee related celebrations.
Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, announced that 1,800 volunteers have registered to support police operations during this year’s celebrations. “This initiative highlights the deep-rooted community partnership and reinforces the culture of volunteering as a fundamental driver for security and organisational efforts during major annual events in Dubai,” he said.
Al Mansouri explained that volunteers have signed up for seven different roles, including positions within the bicycle and mounted police teams, the “Positive Spirit” units, activities based in Hatta, photography, remote support tasks, and general volunteering. “These efforts aim to strengthen community ties and establish a sense of shared responsibility between the public and security institutions,” he confirmed.
He highlighted that the strong interest in these roles demonstrates growing public awareness of the crucial role volunteering plays in supporting safety and logistics. Al Mansouri noted that Dubai Police consider volunteers true partners in ensuring the success of both local and international events hosted by the city.
He also mentioned that applications will remain open until Sunday, 28 December. Importantly, volunteers come from over 30 different nationalities, showcasing Dubai’s cultural diversity and its ability to bring together various segments of society for the common goal of community safety and security.
Regarding deployment, Al Mansouri confirmed that volunteers will be positioned across eight key areas, including the Burj Khalifa district, Dubai Festival City, the city’s beaches, Naif, Expo City, Al Muhaisnah, Dubai Investment Park, and Al Quoz, ensuring full coverage of all major celebration sites.
ESC officials praised the commitment of all field teams and reaffirmed Dubai’s dedication to delivering a safe, well-organised, and memorable New Year’s Eve celebration for everyone.
