Dubai Readies for New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebrations
As preparations ramp up for New Year’s Eve 2026, the Dubai Event Security Committee has confirmed its full operational readiness. The emirate plans to deploy nearly 10,000 police officers alongside more than 1,700 firefighters to ensure a secure environment for the festivities.
Strategic Collaboration for Safety
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander in Chief of Dubai Police for Operations and Chairman of the Event Security Committee, shared these details during a recent press conference at the Dubai Civil Defence headquarters. He highlighted the collaborative effort involving 55 government, semi-government, and private sector entities working together under a unified security framework. This coordinated approach aims to optimize safety measures across the emirate during the celebrations.
Celebratory Highlights: Fireworks and Festivities
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are set to dazzle attendees with 48 fireworks displays at 40 different locations. Iconic sites such as the Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Atlantis The Royal, Expo City Dubai, and the Dubai Frame will each present fireworks and drone displays—a first for the city, adding a modern touch to traditional festivities.
The police force will utilize 9,884 officers and 1,625 patrol vehicles, complemented by 53 marine security and rescue boats, 36 bicycles, and 34 mounted patrol units. The emirate has been divided into four operational sectors to facilitate effective coordination and response.
Comprehensive Fire Safety Measures
The fire safety response will be robust, with Major General Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Commander in Chief for Fire and Rescue Affairs at Dubai Civil Defence, confirming the deployment of 1,754 firefighters across five main sectors. Preparations include inspections of more than 306 vital facilities and the readiness of a fleet of over 156 specialized vehicles, which features 12 marine firefighting boats. This proactive approach aims to address any emergency effectively as crowds gather for the celebrations.
Enhancing Public Mobility
With traffic anticipated to surge, Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency, reported that over 2.5 million passengers used public transportation during last year’s festivities. To accommodate growth, road closures around significant event areas will commence at 4 PM and expand until 11 PM, affecting major thoroughfares like Sheikh Zayed Road and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
To further support mobility, Dubai has ramped up its public transport services. The city will operate more than 14,000 taxis, over 18,000 limousine vehicles, and 1,300 buses to facilitate transportation during the celebrations. The Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines will run continuously for a remarkable 43 hours, starting from 5 AM on December 31 and concluding at 11:59 PM on January 1.
Medical Preparedness and Volunteer Support
In addition to the police and fire services, Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services will activate 236 ambulance points across the emirate, staffed by 635 personnel and 50 trained volunteers from the First Responder program. The medical community is also on high alert; Dubai Health will deploy 1,900 medical, nursing, and support staff, ensuring that six hospitals and four clinics are fully operational. A field hospital will also be set up in the Burj Khalifa area, ready to manage any medical emergencies.
Major General Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of public cooperation by urging attendees to adhere to safety instructions from police personnel. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, noted that 1,800 volunteers have signed up for the celebrations, underscoring the spirit of community involvement and support for the event.
Reporting Emergencies
Attendees enjoying the New Year’s celebrations can report emergencies by calling 999, while general inquiries can be directed to 901. The public can also request ambulance services via 998 or through the Dubai Ambulance app, ensuring accessible support during the festivities.
With meticulous planning and community cooperation, Dubai aims to deliver an unforgettable and secure New Year’s Eve celebration in 2026.
