Dubai announces New Year’s Eve maritime traffic plan as yachts gather for fireworks

Dubai will enforce a mandatory marine traffic management plan during the peak hours of New Year’s Eve celebrations as part of efforts to ensure safety, organisation and smooth movement across the emirate’s waterways.

The measures will apply from 10pm on December 31 2025 until 2am on January 1, 2026, as large numbers of vessels head out to sea to view fireworks displays.

The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation announced that the plan forms part of an integrated approach to managing marine traffic during periods of heightened activity, particularly at the end and beginning of the calendar year.

Dubai New Year 2026 maritime plan

The objective is to safeguard sea-goers and ensure a secure environment for those enjoying celebrations across Dubai’s waters.

The Authority has called on vessel owners, agents, marinas and yacht clubs to begin briefing crews and passengers early, stressing the importance of following designated routes and maintaining safe distances while navigating.

A comprehensive guide has been issued alongside the navigational warning, detailing maps, timings and organisational instructions related to marine movements on New Year’s Eve.

With marine activity expected to increase significantly, the DMA has developed a comprehensive plan based on a one-way traffic system, scheduled departure and return times according to vessel size, and tailored arrangements for each marina.

These measures aim to reduce congestion, prevent collision risks and ensure smooth movement in key areas, including:

• Dubai Marina
• Dubai Harbour Marina
• East and west marinas of Palm Jumeirah
• Entrances to the Dubai Water Canal

The Authority stressed that all marine vessels must fully comply with issued guidance and marina instructions, and carefully plan trips in line with designated routes, expected weather conditions and each vessel’s operational capabilities.

Navigational safety and adherence to collision-prevention regulations remain top priorities during this period.

Monitoring teams from the Authority, working in coordination with strategic partners, will be stationed at key locations to ensure compliance.

Vessel movements will also be tracked using AIS systems, cameras and maritime patrols.

Any violations will be subject to penalties under Dubai’s executive regulations governing vessel licensing, which may include suspension of vessel licences, captains or crew members.

The Dubai Maritime Authority noted that no accidents have been recorded during previous New Year’s Eve celebrations, maintaining a 0 per cent incident rate.

Together with its strategic partners, the Authority aims to preserve this record, reflecting Dubai’s leadership in organising large-scale celebrations while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors on land and at sea.