Representative image: Fireworks light up Dubai skyline on New Year’s Eve. Photo: X
Dubai: Dubai will welcome the New Year 2026 with its largest-ever fireworks programme, staging 48 displays across 40 locations on Wednesday night, December 31, under a citywide safety and transport operation led by the Events Security Committee.
Authorities said the expanded celebrations — exceeding last year’s scale — will be delivered through coordinated efforts involving 55 government, semi-government and private sector entities to ensure crowd safety, smooth mobility and emergency readiness.
Dubai Police will lead security operations with 9,884 officers deployed across celebration zones, supported by 1,625 patrol vehicles, 36 bicycle patrols, 34 mounted patrol units, 53 marine rescue boats and 37 support tents. An additional 13,502 private security personnel
Medical preparedness includes 236 ambulances, 635 paramedics and around 1,900 medical staff, with 12 hospitals and field clinics on standby. Dubai Civil Defence will deploy 1,754 personnel and 165 vehicles.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will implement an extensive mobility plan, deploying 14,000 taxis, 1,300 public buses and 107 metro trains, supported by 5,565 staff. Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram services will operate continuously for 43 hours.
Fireworks displays will take place at 40 locations across the emirate:
Authorities said the wide geographic spread of venues is intended to ease congestion while offering multiple safe viewing options across the city.
Residents and visitors in Dubai can contact 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency police assistance.
Global Village will host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration featuring its popular ‘Seven New Year Celebrations in One Night’ concept. The destination will remain open until 2am, offering seven countdowns aligned with different countries, each accompanied by fireworks and drone displays.
Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, cultural performances, shopping across dozens of international pavilions and a wide range of dining options, making Global Village one of the key New Year’s Eve destinations in Dubai.
Beyond Dubai, other emirates are also preparing large-scale celebrations to welcome 2026.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will also host New Year celebrations for workers at more than 30 locations nationwide, featuring entertainment, sports activities and gift distributions.
Authorities across the UAE have urged the public to follow safety instructions, plan travel in advance and use designated viewing areas.
This post was last modified on December 31, 2025 3:57 pm