Your best bet would be to reach the venue well before 4pm on NYE after registering on the U By Emaar app.
Downtown Dubai is all set to host the Burj Khalifa fireworks and laser show on New Year’s Eve. If you are planning to be part of the celebrations, we suggest you get there well before 4pm. And remember to register on the U By Emaar app because that’s the only way to get access.
Here is all the information you need about Metro timings, road closures, etc.
Metro or tram
The Dubai Metro will be in operation from 5am on December 31 to 1am on January 2. The red line will start at 5am and the green line at 5.30am on December 31.
All Metro stations will be open, except the Burj Khalifa station, which will be closed from 5pm on December 31 to 6am on January 1.
The Dubai Tram will be operational from 6am on December 31 to 1am on January 2.
Marine transport
The Roads and Transport Authority is running special marine transport services on abras and ferries for the NYE, starting at 9.30pm on December 31. You could use these to beat road traffic.
Road closures
Like previous years, all roads leading to the world’s tallest tower will be closed to ease the flow of traffic and give pedestrians more mobility on roads. Here is the list of road network that will be affected on December 31:
Al Asayel Road, which runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed road, will be closed from Oud street to Al Meydan street from 4pm. It will be open for use only for public transportation and emergency vehicles.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, the road circling around Burj Khalifa, will be closed and used as public viewing area for the fireworks.
The Financial Centre Road will be closed from 4pm.
Al Sukook Street, which surrounds the Dubai International Financial Centre, will be blocked at 8pm.
The Future Street will be closed at the crossing between Business Bay street and Financial Centre Street in phases between 6pm and 8pm.
Park and walk
Who would mind walking a few extra steps in this lovely weather? You could drive to a place near Downtown, park and walk. While you do that, we suggest keeping the map of parking spots shared by Emaar handy. Finding a parking spot could be easier that way.
Apps to download and keep
U by Emaar. Don’t just download this one, register on it, too, if you have any plans of watching the fireworks at the Burj Khalifa. This is a must for all Downtown residents and visitors, even if you have a reservation at one of the many restaurants in the area.
RTA mobile app and S’hail. These apps offer a hassle-free way to book a taxi, find the nearest metro station, check your nol balance, pay for parking, check and top up salik, live traffic information, and more. Remember to download these apps and register before heading out on the NYE.
Make your journey smooth
Ensure enough credit in your Nol card, if you plan to use the Metro on December 31 to avoid top-up queues at the stations.
Carry extra masks and sanitisers with you and adhere to the Covid safety precautions.
