Latest: UAE revellers welcome New Year in style at spectacular displays
Dubai Police has set out its New Year's Eve safety plan, with thousands of officers on duty and a series of road closures in place hours before the clock strikes midnight.
Police said key routes in Downtown Dubai, including Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and Burj Khalifa Street, will be sealed off from 4pm on Sunday as tens of thousands prepare to gather in the area for the annual Burj Khalifa fireworks display.
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is to close at 5pm, or earlier if capacity is exceeded, police said.
The rest of the Metro's Green and Red lines will operate continuously for 40 hours from 8am on Sunday to help commuters travel across the city on one of the busiest periods of the year.
Dubai Media Office said on Thursday that Metro services would operate from 8am on New Year's Eve until 11.59pm on New Year's Day.
The Dubai Tram will be in service from 9am on New Year's Eve until 1am on Tuesday.
Metro and tram lines will then return to their standard timetables.
Taxi fares
For Hala taxis, surge pricing will be in effect for rides near firework celebrations, doubling the price of fares between 6pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday morning. A Dh20 ($5.45) starting fare will also be in effect in those areas.
The new flag fall rates for regular metered taxis and Hala Taxi services will also apply around main events including exhibitions and international conventions, and during major events in areas such as World Trade Centre, Expo City and Global Village.
Free public buses and additional parking will be available to help ensure the celebrations run smoothly.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is encouraging motorists to make an early start if they plan to find parking space close to the Burj Khalifa, which will allow them to drive home following the festivities.
More than 20,000 parking spaces will be available at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, Fountain View expansions and Boulevard lower parking spots.
Alternative parking areas will be available at Al Wasl Club and Al Jafiliya, where shuttlebuses will transport the public to and from the New Year's Eve festivities.
The RTA said that parking on Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, in both directions, is prohibited.
Public buses will transport the public for free to Dubai Metro stations after the celebrations.
Maj Gen Abdullah Al Ghaithi, Dubai Police's assistant commander-in-chief of operations and chairman of the Events Security Committee, said comprehensive plans had been drawn up to bolster public safety.
“This year's logistic preparations have doubled, reflecting the increased number of tourists and local visitors,” Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said.
Polcie will have 10,000 officers at 32 firework display sites across Dubai, including Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Hatta.
About 950 civil defence personnel and 178 ambulances will be on standby throughout the evening.
“New to our preparations this year is installing 19 support tents across Dubai,” Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said.
The tents are equipped to handle lost and found reports and host civil defence, ambulance and police staff, as well as ushers to assist and direct crowds.
Tents have been set up in areas incudling Jumeirah, Al Mamzar, Al Seef Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Kite Beach, JBR, Ain Dubai and The Point, in Palm Jumeirah. Temporary toilets and food trucks have also been set up to cater to families.
“This is to help reduce the need to walk far from celebration spots for basic amenities,” Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said.
He urged revellers to avoid carrying large bags, as these require searches, which can lead to delays.
Maj Gen Al Ghaithi called on the public to abide by the law to ensure a happy end to 2023. “I urge them to abide by laws and safety rules, especially avoiding taking pictures and videos while driving,” he said.
“To prevent congestion, the public is advised to leave early and not to leave children unattended.”
Large screens will be set up for blue-collar workers to view firework displays in Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Al Qusais, Hor Al Anz, Al Satwa and Al Bidaa.
New Year's Eve road closures
*Al Asayel Street will be closed at 4pm
*Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard closure will close from 4pm
*Burj Khalifa Street will close from 4pm
*The Financial Centre Street lower deck will close from 4pm
*Al Mustaqbal Street will close from 4pm
*Al Sukook Street will be closed from 8pm
*Financial Centre Street upper deck will be closed from 9pm
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