As we count down to the biggest night of the year, Dubai Police has unveiled its plan for the general security and traffic management for the surroundings of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Residences, which includes separate pathways for bachelors and families.
Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief, Major General Khamis Mattar, has highlighted the necessity of such a plan to ensure the happiness of nearly two million that are expected to attend the three areas on December 31.
Viewing areas
Several areas have been identified as key spots to watch the fireworks displays in the Burj Khalifa area, which include the waterfront of Dubai Mall, Al Jazeera Park, Souk Al Bahar area, Tower Plaza Building, South Bridge, Boulevard Road, Business Bay Crossing area.
Similar viewing areas have been marked to witness the fireworks displays near the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Residence and The Palm Jumeirah.
Public paths
To ensure the safety of all those involved, private pedestrian paths will be set up for the transition of members of the public from the metro stations, including the Burj Khalifa station for a distance of 850 meters, the Financial Center station to a distance of 1,550 meters, and the from the Business Bay metro station across 1,500 meters.
The commission has identified private paths for families and invitees only at the Burj Khalifa and Business Bay station.
16 service sites
To avoid congestion, there will be an increased presence of police officers in 16 locations to provide various services to members of the public and to facilitate emergencies.
Dubai Police will handle communications and complaints on 999, 901, or members of the public is advised to head to the nearest ambulance.
Police officers will be on hand to report the possibility of missing people, and to provide logistical support for stranded children.
Street closures
Dubai Police has reinforced that streets adjacent to the events will close on December 31:
Al Saada Road will be closed from 6pm.
Vehicles will be barred access on the road from the Murooj Rotana hotel leading to the Burj Khalifa area.
The Zabeel intersection will close at 8pm, as will the roundabout in front of Jumeirah Emirates Towers street leading to Al Saada Road from 10pm.
Al Asayel Road will be closed from 4pm and will be open only for public transport vehicles and VIPs.
There will also be no traffic movement from the Burj Khalifa Metro station from 10pm to 6am.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will be closed from 6pm to 8pm, while the Burj Khalifa Metro station will be closed from 10pm on New Year’s Eve to 6am the next day.
The Major General also requested members of the public attempting to see the celebrations to ensure there is smooth flowing traffic movement on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road to facilitate traffic flow from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard area.
Hotel/restaurant bookings
Dubai Police has confirmed that the holders of bookings in hotels and restaurants near the Burj Khalifa area will have access to the area by showing copies of their bookings to Dubai Police members stationed in the area.
Social media
Members of the public will be continuously informed on social media with the hashtag #MyDubaiNewYear, and through others channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube), with the Information Office of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing account, and RTA , Dubai Police, and Emaar Properties.
Secure parking and public buses
Parking for 8,000 cars in the ‘field’ area, in addition to other positions in the Commercial Bank of Dubai slots, Zabeel Parkl, and Eidga in Jafiliya will be open, while providing all the facilities for people with special needs, and provided as well as private buses around the clock.
Smart applications
An update to the smart application has been launched in Arabic and English on the iPhone system iOs phones, and Android to guide the audience to places of events and celebrations of New Year's Day.
It includes a road map to road closures and other details essential for a safe NYE celebration.