NYE 2026 in Dubai: Phased road closures to start from 4pm; list of streets revealed

Dubai authorities have announced a comprehensive traffic management operational plan for the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Burj Khalifa, with all major roads leading to the iconic skyscraper closing progressively throughout the evening of December 31, 2025. 

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged residents and visitors to plan their journeys accordingly and arrive at their destinations early before closures commence.

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Phased road closures from 4pm

The traffic management plan will be implemented in stages, with the first phase commencing at 4pm on Wednesday, December 31. During this initial period, authorities will gradually close the following arterial roads:

• Al Asayel Street

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

• Burj Khalifa Street

• Lower Financial Centre Street

• Al Mustaqbal Street (between Financial Centre intersection and Commercial Centre Street)

These closures will be implemented gradually to facilitate the safe movement of traffic away from the celebration zone. 

Evening closures

As the evening progresses, additional road segments will be closed according to the following schedule:

• 8pm: Al Sukook Street will be closed to traffic.

• 9pm: Upper Financial Centre Street will be sealed off.

• 11pm: Sheikh Zayed Road will begin gradual closure between Al Maidaan intersection and Commercial Centre roundabout, marking a critical phase in the traffic management strategy.

Burj Khalifa celebrations

Visitors wanting to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks will have several locations to choose from. At Burj Park, a specially curated NYE show with immersive light and laser shows, and live performances will enthrall visitors. Tickets priced at Dh997.50 per person are almost completely sold out. Doors to the event open at 12pm and all ticket holders must collect their badges before December 30 to be allowed into Burj Park and specific areas.

Some residents have also purchased seats at restaurants in Dubai Mall to get front seat views of the famed fireworks. While some restaurants have prices going up to Dh12,000 per person for premium seats, others will grant access on a first-come, first serve basis.

Apart from these, there are options for residents to watch the fireworks free of cost from public viewing areas. These family-friendly spots across Downtown Dubai will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and will have LED screens for everyone to see the fireworks clearly. 

• Dubai
• New Year

Ruqayya Al Qaydi

• 

ralqaydi@khaleejtimes.com

Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.