Dubai is set to ring in the 2025 New Year with spectacular celebrations and enhanced safety measures, with the Events Security Committee confirming its comprehensive preparations for the night. Building on the success of last year’s plans, the emirate will again be divided into four operational sectors – North, Central, West, and Maritime – to streamline safety efforts and optimize public services. The strategy ensures a coordinated approach, involving key partners across sectors.
In collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs, dedicated viewing zones will be available for workers to enjoy the festivities. These areas will include large screens and meal services, providing a comfortable and safe environment to watch the fireworks, while minimizing movement to crowded locations.
The city has planned fireworks around 36 locations and to ensure public safety, Dubai Police will deploy over 8,500 officers and 1,145 patrols, supported by 33 marine rescue boats, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulances. 6 mobile operations rooms will monitor activities across the emirate.
Specialized tents will be set up in Downtown Dubai to offer lost and found services, first aid, logistical support, and assistance for lost children, ensuring smooth operations for visitors throughout the evening.
The operational sectors will be organized as follows:
- North Sector: Covers four event locations.
- Central Sector: Includes nine locations.
- West Sector: Encompasses 23 locations.
- Maritime Sector: Focuses on safety for all water-based events.
Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, emphasized the importance of cooperation with Dubai Police, advising the public to follow traffic instructions and avoid congested areas. Emergency and non-emergency reports can be made via toll-free numbers 999 and 901, respectively.
Traffic management for key areas, especially near Burj Khalifa, will be crucial. Road closures are scheduled from 4.00 PM in various areas, with additional closures starting at 8.00 PM. Guests with bookings must arrive before 4.00 PM to avoid delays.
Metro and tram services will run continuously for 43 hours from 5.00 AM on 31 December 2024 until midnight on 1 January 2025. Shuttle services, including 260 buses, will be available to transport guests to and from event locations, with additional parking spaces at Al Wasl Club and Al Jaffiliya.
Dubai Municipality has also prepared 2,776 staff members to focus on public health, food safety, and cleanliness. Special teams will monitor parks, beaches, and recreational areas, with lifeguards on duty.
Dubai Civil Defence has deployed 1,097 firefighters and 123 advanced vehicles across the emirate. Inspections of critical facilities ensure safety standards are met, while over 500,000 safety messages will be sent to attendees.
Ambulance services will be robust, with 224 emergency points and 593 paramedics, as well as marine rescue boats and additional ambulances stationed at key locations. Volunteers will assist medical teams in handling minor cases.
Healthcare services have been fully prepared by Dubai Health, which has set up a field hospital in the Burj Khalifa area. Seven medical points in the celebration zone will be reinforced with emergency specialists, and six hospitals and four outpatient clinics will be on high alert. Additionally, 1,800 medical and administrative staff will be deployed across all facilities, with home care and telemedicine services available for those in need.
Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Chief of Dubai Police, emphasized the city’s accumulated expertise in managing large-scale events and urged the public to cooperate with authorities for a smooth, safe, and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration.-WAM