Dubai announces security plan for New Year's Eve celebrations

The Events Security Committee in Dubai has confirmed its comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety and security of the 2025 New Year's Eve celebrations.

Building on the success of last year's plan, the emirate will once again be divided into four operational sectors — North, Central, West, and Maritime — to streamline safety measures and enhance public services in collaboration with strategic partners.

The committee, in coordination with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs, has also arranged dedicated viewing areas for workers. 

These zones will feature large screens and meal services, allowing workers to enjoy the celebrations, including the fireworks, safely and conveniently while reducing the need for movement to crowded event locations.

The 2025 celebrations will feature fireworks displays at 36 locations across Dubai. Key sites include Burj Khalifa; Global Village; Bab Al Shams Desert Resort; Atlantis The Royal; Al Marmoom Oasis; Expo City; Dubai Frame; and Dubai Design District, among others.

To ensure safety, Dubai Police will deploy 8,530 officers and 1,145 patrols, supported by 33 marine rescue boats, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulances. Six mobile operations rooms will monitor activities across the emirate.

Dedicated tents will be set up in Downtown Dubai, offering: During a press conference held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai officials announced the comprehensive security, organisational, and service plans for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

The press conference was attended by Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs; Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations and Chair of the Events Security Committee; Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; Expert Major General Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General for Fire and Rescue, Dubai Civil Defence; Hussain Al Banna, Executive Director, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director, Dubai Municipality; Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Health; and representatives from 55 government and private entities.

Top officials during the press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. WAM

Major General Khalil Ibrahim commended the 55 entities' collaborative efforts, highlighting their unified and coordinated approach to delivering the highest levels of safety. He emphasised that preparatory measures included coordination meetings, tabletop exercises, and on-site inspections at the 36 event locations.

He further noted the success of dividing the emirate into operational sectors in 2024 and confirmed this strategy will continue.

Major General Al Mansouri added that six mobile operation rooms will provide additional support, ensuring seamless communication between entities.

Major General Al Mansouri urged the public to cooperate with Dubai Police, follow traffic instructions, and avoid congested areas. Emergency and non-emergency reports can be made via the toll-free numbers 999 and 901, respectively. 

Hussain Al Banna detailed the RTA's traffic and transport plan, especially for the Burj Khalifa area:

Traffic Management

Road Closures:

Metro and tram services

Shuttle Services and Parking

Traffic lights near major areas will be monitored in real-time, and pedestrian routes to buses and metro stations will be clearly marked. Smart screens will alert drivers about road closures and alternative routes.

Adel Al Marzouqi confirmed Dubai Municipality's preparedness, with the deployment of 2,776 staff, including 242 supervisors and 2,534 sanitation workers, supported by 246 vehicles. The plan focuses on public health, food safety, and the cleanliness of public spaces.

Major General Ali Hassan Al Mutawa announced the deployment of 1,097 firefighters and 123 advanced vehicles across five sectors. Inspections of 257 critical facilities have ensured compliance with safety standards.

Safety messages

Dubai Civil Defence will send 500,000 safety messages to attendees via SMS and has urged the public to comply with safety guidelines.

Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar detailed Dubai Ambulance's exceptional readiness, including 224 emergency points and 593 paramedics. Strategic deployment covers key areas like Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and Hatta. Resources deployed include:

Volunteer Programme: 42 trained volunteers will support medical teams in handling minor cases.

Public guidance includes carrying necessary medications and contacting 998 or the Dubai Ambulance app in case of emergencies.

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, stated, "As Dubai prepares to welcome the new year, Dubai Police and our key partners have stepped up the measures to deliver unmatched security and services during this global event. Over the years, our accumulated expertise has set benchmarks in event management, aligning with Dubai's position as a leader in hosting world-class celebrations."

Al Marri called for public cooperation, adherence to guidelines, and the immediate reporting of suspicious behaviour to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve for all.

Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Health, stated, "Dubai Health has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure the provision of healthcare services during the New Year's Eve 2025 celebrations, both on-site and at its medical facilities. A fully equipped field hospital has been established in the Burj Khalifa area, and seven medical points in the celebration zone have been reinforced with emergency medicine specialists. Additionally, six hospitals and four outpatient clinics have been placed on high alert to handle emergency cases. Moreover, 1,800 medical and administrative staff have been deployed across all Dubai Health facilities to guarantee patients receive prompt and efficient medical services."

He added, "As part of its plan, Dubai Health also offers home care and telemedicine services to support patients in their homes. These services, along with others, can be accessed by contacting the call centre at 80060."

Baqer continued, "We commend the efforts of the Events Security Committee and all participating entities for their significant contributions to organising the event in the best possible manner. This reflects Dubai's regional and global standing as a leading city for hosting major events."

WAM