With the excitement building for the spectacular fireworks at Burj Khalifa on New Year's Eve, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made a wealth of information available for locals and tourists who intend to enjoy the celebrations around this famous monument.
Preparation for the Burj Khalifa Fireworks Spectacle
The RTA is coordinating efforts to make sure the event goes off without a hitch, including temporarily suspending bus lines, providing other parking alternatives, and closing the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
Alternative parking solutions
To enhance the celebratory experience, the RTA recommends leaving early and utilizing the expansive parking facilities at Emaar District. With over 20,000 parking spaces distributed across Dubai Mall, Zabeel, Fountain View, and Boulevard's lower parking areas, attendees have convenient options to park their vehicles hassle-free.
For a seamless experience, residents are encouraged to investigate alternative parking locations. Al Jafiliya Parking and Al Wasl Club provide supplementary parking spaces, which are administered by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. Beginning at 3:00 pm, a total of 900 positions will serve as bus centers for public transportation, guaranteeing effortless movement to the event area.
Metro Closure and Shuttle Bus Services
On December 31, 2023, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station will close at 5 p.m., or earlier if capacity limits are reached, to manage crowd control during the festivities. Passengers are advised to use alternative stations such as the Financial Center, Business Bay, World Trade Center, and Emirates Tower.
There will be 230 shuttle buses, 20 of which are double-deckers, that will run between taxi stands and Metro stations to make mobility easier. The Al Wasl Club will have taxi stations strategically placed, and these buses will connect the main venues.
Temporary Bus Line Suspension
The RTA has announced the temporary suspension of specific bus lines during New Year's events, effective from December 31, 3:30 pm, until January 1, 2024, 6 am. Affected bus lines include:
1. Road Closures
To manage the flow of visitors, several key roads leading to Burj Khalifa will be closed, starting at 4 p.m. on December 31. The closures include Al Asayel St., Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa St., Financial Centre St. (lower deck), Al Mustaqbal St., and Al Sukook St.
2. Free Parking for New Year Celebrations
Adding to the festivities, the RTA announced free public parking on Monday, January 1, 2024. This includes complimentary access to paid parking areas on Sundays. However, multi-level terminals are excluded from the free parking privilege, and regular parking fees will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
As Dubai gears up for a memorable New Year's Eve, these detailed arrangements by the RTA aim to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized celebration for all.