Dubai: Avoid being stranded this New Year’s Eve. Get the definitive schedule for Dubai NYE 2026 road closures, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Istiqlal, and the Burj Khalifa district traffic plan.
If you are planning to welcome 2026 in Downtown Dubai, the golden rule is simple: Be in position by 4:00 PM or don’t drive at all. To manage the 2.7 million people expected to use public transport and the 800,000 heading to the Burj Khalifa, the RTA and Dubai Police have announced a massive, phased shutdown of the city’s central arteries.
Here is the essential timeline and map data for every major street closure on December 31, 2025.
The Official NYE 2026 Closure Schedule
| Time | Road / Area Affected | Impact |
| 4:00 PM | Al Istiqlal Street | Closed toward Downtown. |
| 4:00 PM | Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd | Full closure of the “Burj Loop.” |
| 4:00 PM | Burj Khalifa Street & Al Asayel St | Closed to all private vehicle traffic. |
| 4:00 PM | Lower Financial Centre Road | Access to Dubai Mall parking restricted. |
| 4:00 PM | Al Mustaqbal Street | Closed between Financial Centre & Business Bay. |
| 8:00 PM | Al Sukook Street / Al Multaqa St | Full closure near DIFC/Financial district. |
| 9:00 PM | Upper Financial Centre Road | Total closure of the bypass toward Downtown. |
| 11:00 PM | Sheikh Zayed Road (Partial) | Gradual closure between Al Maidaan & Trade Centre. |
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🚨 CRITICAL UPDATE: A full closure of Sheikh Zayed Road in both directions will be in effect from 6:00 AM on Dec 31 until 2:00 AM on Jan 2, 2026 for specific transit management.
Metro & Public Transport: The 43-Hour Lifeboat
Because driving will be nearly impossible, the RTA has converted the city’s transit into a non-stop engine:
- Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines): Running non-stop for 43 hours (From 5:00 AM Dec 31 to 12:00 AM Jan 2).
- Station Closure: The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station will close at 5:00 PM (or earlier if capacity is reached). Use Financial Centre, Business Bay, or Emirates Towers stations instead.
- Dubai Tram: Operating continuously from 6:00 AM Dec 31 until 1:00 AM Jan 2.
Alternative Routes & Parking Strategy
If you must move across the city, avoid the center entirely and use these corridors:
- Al Khail Road (E44)
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)
- Emirates Road (E611)
Park-and-Ride: 20,000 parking spaces are available at external lots like Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf, with free RTA shuttle buses running to the Downtown perimeter.
Survival Rules for NYE Drivers
- No Stopping on Highways: Dubai Police will strictly fine anyone stopping on Sheikh Zayed Road or Al Khail Road to watch the fireworks.
- Resident Access: If you live in Downtown, you must be home before 4:00 PM. After this, even residents may be blocked by security perimeters.
- The Reopening: Roads typically do not reopen until pedestrian crowds clear, usually between 1:30 AM and 2:30 AM on January 1st.
Call to Action: Don’t get stuck in the gridlock! Download the RTA Smart Drive app for real-time closure updates and ensure your nol card has a minimum balance of AED 15 (Silver) or AED 30 (Gold) for your return trip.
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