2025 New Year’s Eve: Dubai Announces Security and Safety Plans

As the countdown to 2025 New Year’s Eve approaches, the UAE government is implementing comprehensive plans to ensure a safe and joyful experience for all Dubai citizens. This article explores the detailed preparations for the celebration, focusing on safety, traffic management, and public healthcare.

By Vu Nguyen Hanh

The UAE is a country that embraces a blend of modern lifestyles and traditional values. Like many countries worldwide, it celebrates New Year’s Eve on January 1 every year.

As the holiday approaches, the UAE government has accelerated its preparations to ensure a pleasant and joyful New Year celebration for the citizens of Dubai, one of its major municipalities, known for its large expatriate population and extravagant holiday festivities.

Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, praised the collaboration among 55 government and private entities, highlighting the effectiveness of their sector-based operational strategy.

Details of the 2025 New Year’s Eve plan

During the holiday, Dubai will be divided into four zones – North, Central, West, and Maritime – each with explicit safety measures. This strategy has proven its effectiveness in 2024, helping to streamline operations and improve coordination among various authorities.

Dubai officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the celebrations occur smoothly and securely, with a primary focus on the safety of both attendees and the wider public.

Security deployment

To safeguard the city, Dubai Police will deploy 8,530 officers and 1,145 patrol units. Additional support will include 33 marine rescue boats, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulances. Six mobile operations rooms will monitor activities throughout the emirate.

Fireworks displays

The celebrations will include fireworks at 36 locations throughout Dubai, with major displays at landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Atlantis The Royal, and Expo City.

Special areas for workers

Local authorities will arrange designated viewing zones for workers, equipped with large screens and meal services, allowing them to enjoy the celebrations safely without needing to travel to overcrowded areas.

Traffic management and road closures

Traffic is a significant concern during the holiday. Key road closures will begin at 4 PM on December 31, 2024, to ensure traffic order. The affected roads include Al Asayel Street, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and Lower Financial Centre Street.

Visitors with reservations in the Burj Khalifa area must plan to arrive before 4 PM to avoid any disruptions. Local officials also urge the public to cooperate with authorities, follow traffic instructions, and avoid congested areas.

Public transport and parking

The Dubai Metro will operate continuously from 5 AM on December 31, 2024, until midnight on January 1, 2025, ensuring easy access for everyone during the celebrations. To further facilitate transportation to key locations, 260 shuttle buses will be available, with additional parking offered at Al Wasl Club and Al Jaffiliya.

Moreover, smart screens will assist drivers by providing information on road closures and alternative routes, enhancing the overall travel experience during this busy time.

Public health and safety

Dubai Municipality will deploy 2,776 staff members for sanitation and food safety inspections, as well as public health measures at event locations.

The Dubai Civil Defence will assign 1,097 firefighters and 123 vehicles to conduct safety inspections at 257 critical facilities.

Simultaneously, the Dubai Ambulance Service will have 224 emergency response points and 593 paramedics available. There will be a special focus on the Burj Khalifa area, supported by 42 trained volunteers.

Healthcare readiness

Dubai Health will operate a fully equipped field hospital near Burj Khalifa and will reinforce seven medical points across the celebration zone with emergency specialists.

Additionally, six hospitals and four outpatient clinics will be on high alert, supported by a workforce of 1,800 medical and administrative staff.

Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, confirmed that 42 volunteer paramedics will be deployed alongside the professional teams.

Dealing with working on public holidays in the UAE

In the UAE, all employees are entitled to paid leave during public holidays. Businesses should plan ahead for these holidays to ensure that employees can enjoy their time off without unnecessary disruptions to operations.

Read more: UAE Public Holidays 2025: Official Schedule and How Businesses Can Prepare

However, there may be times when urgent project deadlines or tasks require employees to work during a holiday. In such cases, employees who work on holidays are entitled to compensation, which can be provided in one of two ways:

• A substitute rest day, plus 50 percent of their regular daily salary for each holiday worked; or
• Their regular wage for one normal working day, along with at least 50 percent of their basic daily salary for each holiday worked.

Conclusion

The UAE’s preparations for New Year’s Eve in Dubai reflect a strong commitment to blending festive celebrations with safety and community well-being. With detailed plans for security, traffic management, public health, and support for workers, the city aims to provide a joyful and safe experience for all participants.

As the event approaches, collaboration among authorities and efficient operational strategies will ensure a smooth transition into the new year.

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