Dubai Police announce New Year’s Eve safety measures

Dubai Police have set out their New Year’s Eve safety plan, with thousands of officers to be stationed across the emirate and a series of road closures put in place hours before the clock strikes midnight.

Key routes in Downtown Dubai, including Al Asayel Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and Burj Khalifa Street, will be closed from 4pm on Sunday as tens of thousands prepare to gather in the area to attend the annual Burj Khalifa fireworks display.

The Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station will close at 5pm, or earlier if capacity is exceeded, police said.

The rest of the Metro’s Green and Red lines will operate continuously for 40 hours from 8am on Sunday to help commuters travel in the city at one of the busiest times of the year.

The Dubai Tram will also be in service for 40 hours, starting at 9am on New Year’s Eve.

Free public buses and additional parking will be available to help ensure the celebrations run smoothly.

Maj Gen Abdullah Al Ghaithi, Dubai Police’s assistant commander-in-chief of operations and chairman of the Events Security Committee, said comprehensive plans had been drawn up to bolster public safety.

“This year’s logistic preparations have doubled, reflecting the increased number of tourists and local visitors,” he said.

The force will have 10,000 officers in place at 32 firework display sites across Dubai, including Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Hatta.

About 950 civil defence staff and 178 ambulances will be on standby throughout the evening.

“New to our preparations this year is installing 19 support tents across Dubai,” Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said.

The tents are equipped to handle lost and found reports and host civil defence, ambulance and police staff, as well as ushers to assist and direct crowds.

Tents have been set up in Jumeirah, Al Mamzar, Al Seef Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Kite Beach, JBR, Ain Dubai and The Point in Palm Jumeirah.

Dubai authorities have also set up temporary toilets and food trucks to cater to families and improve the visitor experience.

“This is to help reduce the need to walk far from celebration spots for basic amenities,” Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said.

He urged revellers to avoid carrying large bags, because these require searches that can cause delays in gaining access to events.

Maj Gen Al Ghaithi called on the public to abide by the laws to ensure a happy end to the year.