Dubai’s Event Security Committee (ESC) announced the full implementation of comprehensive security, organizational, and logistical strategies to manage the emirate’s expansive New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for residents and tourists attending the globally recognized event. The preparations, finalized during a late December press conference at the Dubai Civil Defence Headquarters, involve the coordinated efforts of 55 government, semi-government, and private sector entities, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to maintaining its reputation for hosting world-class international events.
Unprecedented Coordination and Coverage
The 2026 celebrations are set to feature 48 distinct fireworks shows across 40 locations, including landmark sites such as Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Atlantis The Royal, and Expo City Dubai. To manage the scale of the event, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander in Chief of Dubai Police for Operations and ESC Chairman, confirmed the establishment of a unified security framework that divides the emirate into four operational sectors: North, Central, West, and the Marine Sector.
The security deployment is robust, featuring 9,884 police officers, 1,625 patrol vehicles, 53 marine security and rescue boats, and specialized units including bicycles and mounted patrols. For public assistance, 37 support and assistance tents are strategically placed across celebration areas, offering services ranging from lost and found to first aid and visitor guidance.
Maj. Gen. Al Mazrouei urged the public to strictly adhere to safety instructions, cooperate with law enforcement, and follow traffic regulations. Emergency reports should be directed to the 999 hotline, while 901 handles non-emergency inquiries. In a demonstration of inclusive planning, dedicated viewing areas equipped with large screens and meals have been arranged for workers, ensuring they can enjoy the festivities safely.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) has also confirmed its operational readiness, with Major General Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Commander in Chief for Fire and Rescue Affairs, overseeing the deployment of over 1,754 firefighters. DCD has divided celebration sites into five main sectors—Deira, Bur Dubai, Central Dubai, Jebel Ali, and the Waterfront Sector—to optimize preventive and emergency services.
The DCD fleet includes more than 156 specialized vehicles, 12 marine firefighting boats, and 26 operational stations covering all approved locations. Prior to the event, DCD inspected over 306 vital facilities to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards. For fire or rescue emergencies, the public must use the 997 contact number.
Furthermore, the Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services (DCAS) has activated 236 ambulance points in high-density, coastal, and tourist zones. A team of 635 specialized personnel will utilize a diverse fleet, including rapid response units, marine units, air ambulance support, and specialty electric and bicycle ambulances, ensuring rapid pre-hospital care across Dubai and Hatta.
Managing Massive Traffic and Transport Flow
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has activated a comprehensive traffic and public transport plan, specifically targeting high-demand zones like Downtown Dubai. Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, highlighted the use of advanced technology, including the iTraffic system and big data analytics, to predict traffic volumes in real-time.
Building on the success of previous years—where public transport ridership hit 2.5 million passengers for NYE 2025—the RTA has significantly increased capacity:
- Fleet: Over 14,000 taxis, 18,000 limousines, and 1,300 buses are deployed.
- Metro Operation: The Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines, along with the Dubai Tram, will operate continuously for 43 hours, starting from the morning of Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
- Traffic Management: Road closures around key event areas will begin at 4 p.m. and progressively expand until 11 p.m., affecting major arteries like Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Roads.
- Parking: Approximately 20,000 parking spaces are available near the Burj Khalifa area, supplemented by 8,000 spaces at metro stations and other support locations.
The success of Dubai’s global celebrations relies heavily on this centralized management approach, with joint teams from RTA, Dubai Police, Civil Defence, and Ambulance Services operating from a Unified Control Centre to ensure effective coordination and public safety throughout the night.