Dubai Metro Goes All-Out for New Year 2026 with 43 Hours of Service
As Dubai prepares for one of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, the city’s public transport network is stepping up in a big way. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the Dubai Metro will operate continuously for 43 hours to support New Year’s 2026 festivities, making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to move around the city.
At Drive UAE, we know how important smooth mobility is during major events, especially on a night when the entire city comes alive.
Dubai Metro NYE 2026: Extended Operating Hours
For New Year’s Eve 2026, both the Red Line and Green Line of the Dubai Metro will run without interruption, starting from 5:00 am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and continuing until 11:59 pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
This 43-hour non-stop service is designed to:
- Reduce traffic congestion across key areas
- Encourage residents and tourists to use public transport
- Provide safe, reliable travel during peak celebration hours
With road closures expected across major routes, the Metro remains one of the most efficient ways to reach Dubai’s top New Year’s destinations.
Dubai Tram Schedule for New Year’s 2026
In addition to the Metro, the Dubai Tram will also operate on extended hours. Tram services will run from 6:00 am on New Year’s Eve until 1:00 am on Friday, January 2, 2026, ensuring smooth connectivity along key waterfront and leisure districts.
Together, the Metro and Tram offer easy access to celebration hotspots across the city.
Metro Access Near Burj Khalifa
Due to expected high crowd volumes, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station may close temporarily from 5:00 pm on December 31 if capacity limits are reached.
RTA recommends using nearby stations instead, including:
- World Trade Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Business Bay
These alternative stations help distribute crowds more evenly and reduce waiting times.
What to Expect from Dubai’s NYE 2026 Celebrations
Dubai is set to host 48 fireworks displays across 40 locations, making it one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world. Iconic venues include:
- Burj Khalifa
- Global Village
- Hatta
- Expo City Dubai
The Burj Khalifa show will once again combine fireworks, laser projections, lighting effects, and the Dubai Fountain, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world.
Additional Transport Measures
To support the massive influx of visitors, the RTA has also announced:
- 1,300 buses operating across the city
- Up to 20,000 parking spaces made available
- Partial closures on Sheikh Zayed Road in selected areas
Hussain Al Bana, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, confirmed these measures on December 26, highlighting the importance of public transport during peak celebration hours.
Tips for a Smooth NYE Travel Experience
- Arrive early to avoid peak crowd times
- Follow RTA’s official channels for real-time updates
- Use alternative Metro stations if your nearest one is full
- Combine Metro, Tram, and bus services for easier travel
- Plan your return journey in advance
Drive UAE Take
With extended Metro and Tram services, additional buses, and structured traffic management, Dubai has once again prioritised safety, convenience, and mobility for New Year’s Eve 2026. Whether you’re heading to the Burj Khalifa, Global Village, or celebrating closer to home, public transport remains the smartest way to move around the city.
Stay tuned to Drive UAE for more updates on mobility, transport news, and everything that keeps Dubai moving into 2026.