Dubai readies for New Year’s Eve spectacle as millions expected

Dubai Police have finalised extensive security and operational preparations for the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations, as the emirate braces to welcome millions of residents and international visitors for one of the world’s most closely watched countdowns.

Major General Hareb Al Shamsi, Acting Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, chaired a high-level coordination meeting bringing together directors of general departments, police stations and specialised field teams to ensure the highest standards of safety, comfort and crowd management across the city.

The meeting focused on strategic planning for major celebration hubs, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai Festival City, Global Village, and Burj Al Arab. Authorities reviewed detailed operational scenarios to manage high visitor volumes while maintaining smooth movement across the city.

Dubai Police ready for NYE 2026

Dubai Police confirmed that the comprehensive plan prioritises traffic flow, crowd safety and rapid emergency response. Security and field teams will be strategically deployed across all major celebration zones and vital locations, supported by close coordination with government, semi-government and private-sector partners.

Advanced traffic management measures have been put in place to integrate road networks with public transport systems, helping to minimise congestion during peak hours. Emergency and crisis-response protocols were also reviewed to ensure swift, coordinated action should any situation arise.

Addressing the meeting, Maj. Gen. Al Shamsi said Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations have grown into a global landmark event, requiring exceptional planning and coordination. “New Year’s Eve in Dubai is no longer just a local celebration; it is followed by millions around the world,” he said.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. By working as a unified team with our partners, we are deploying our full human and technological capabilities to ensure Dubai continues to set global benchmarks in event safety and organisation.”

Dubai Police reiterated that the measures form part of their proactive approach to reinforcing community confidence and ensuring a seamless start to 2026 for residents and visitors alike.