NYE 2018: Your ultimate guide to the Burj Khalifa fireworks

From road closures to parking areas and restricted zones: this is your full guide to the New Year's Eve celebrations at Dubai's Burj Khalifa

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Dubai's fireworks are going to be bigger, better and brighter than previous years, according to this teaser video.

Last year saw Downtown Dubai's famous New Year's Eve firework display replaced with a laser show due to safety concerns, but in 2019 organiser Emaar Properties has promised yet another spectacular display of pyrotechnics that will be safely controlled.

In fact, 4,000 police officers – 2,000 patrols and 2,000 security guards – are being deployed to keep the area safe as an estimated two million people descend on Downtown Dubai to witness the event.

So here's everything you need to know about the night.

The event

The Burj Khalifa #EmaarNYE2019 show will incorporate lights, laser and fireworks on and around the tallest building in the world, starting from 11.57pm on December 31.

Also get the opportunity to witness a special tailor-made performance by the Dubai Fountain, discover food and beverage outlets on the South Ridge Lawn and a live DJ set at Burj Park, where there will also be more food and beverage outlets.

Both of the latter areas are restricted to families only.

Getting there – driving

If you're driving, we strongly advise you to carpool. There will be designated parking zones around the area, with a total of 3,000 spaces available at Al Wasl Club (1,000), Mankhool Mosque (1,500) and at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in Al Jafiliya (500). Inside Downtown Dubai, parking zones are available as per the below map until 4pm or until the spaces are full (which is highly likely to happen pretty quickly).

Map of parking in Downtown Dubai for New Year's Eve 2019 celebrations.
Map of parking in Downtown Dubai for New Year's Eve 2019 celebrations.

Once you're ready to get back to your car, there will be shuttle buses from the Burj Khalifa metro station, lower and upper levels of Dubai International Financial Centre, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, to take you to the designated parking zones.

Getting there – public transport

The RTA has posted its working hours for New Year's Eve here. The Dubai Metro Red Line Stations will be open from 5am to midnight, while Green Line Stations are open from 5.30am to midnight. Take the red metro line to any of the Dubai Mall, Business Bay or DIFC stations and from there you'll be guided by signs and security guards towards the viewing areas.

Note: the Burj Khalifa Metro Station will be closed from 10pm to 6am, so people are advised to use the DIFC, Business Bay or World Trade Centre stations during those hours instead. To plan your journey properly, use this handy website or download the S'hail app to know more about bus schedules and stops.

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Watching the fireworks? Tweet us your New Year’s Eve pictures and videos @TheNationalUAE & #UAENewYear

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Taxis will, of course, be available – a grand total of 18,918, to be exact. But expect a wait if you're heading out later in the evening. Make sure you take note of road closures and get there early to avoid very lengthy delays. Uber and Careem cars will also be available through the apps, but expect higher-than-normal prices.

When you're ready to go home again, you can take one of the 170 shuttle buses that will be operational to where taxis will be available. The buses will take you to Al Jafiliya, DCC and Noor Islamic Bank metro stations, as well as the aforementioned designated parking spots. In total, 40,000 people are expected to use the public buses after the celebrations, from 12.30am to 4am. There are 41 per cent additional spaces available this year.

Getting there – road closures

All roads leading to the Burj Khalifa will be closed on December 31. Al Asayel road will close at 4pm and only be open for buses and emergency vehicles. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will close from 5pm (or once the Dubai Mall parking is full). The Happiness Road will close from the Roda Al Murooj intersection by 6pm; from the Zabeel intersection at 8pm; from the Emirates Towers roundabout at 10pm; and from the Financial Center Road at 8pm. Al Sokouk Street will close at 8pm.

Dining there

If you've got a reservation at any of the hotels or restaurants in the area, make sure you get there before 5pm. There will be designated access routes to get there, but your journey will be affected by the road closures. Make sure you contact the venue to clarify any specific parking, valet or public transport details ahead of time.

Viewing the fireworks

There are prime public viewing platforms and these are separated for families and bachelors, as per the below map.

Map of viewing platforms for New Year's Eve 2019 celebrations in Downtown Dubai.
Map of viewing platforms for New Year's Eve 2019 celebrations in Downtown Dubai.

Once the Burj Plaza and South Ridge viewing areas are filled to capacity, they will be closed to new entrants and you'll be directed to further designated viewing areas around the boulevard. Note, according to an informational video released by Emaar Properties, no animals, strollers and bicycles will be allowed in the areas.

Another option for those wanting to take in the view for free is to head to Satwa or one of the suburbs that look over at the Burj Khalifa from across the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road, or somewhere like Ras Al Khor (you can, after all, see the Burj Khalifa from most of Dubai).

The RTA is also offering the option to watch the fireworks on board an abra (water taxi) or ferry. Trips on the former start from Dh300 and you'll set sail at 9pm, while a ticket for the latter costs Dh125 and begins at 10.30pm. On the ferry, there's 50 per cent off for children aged 2-10, and for both modes of transport it's free for children under age 2.

Alternatively, it will all be broadcast live on television and online, so you can enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of your own, not-crowded home.

Good to know – safety and facilities

A mobile hospital and field hospital tents will be stationed around the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa area and staff are on-hand to help in case of an emergency.

Prayer rooms and toilets will be dotted around the area, as well as 17 support tents where you can go for more information and for lost and found.

For more details, visit mydubainewyear.emaar.com.

New Year's Eve - how the numbers stack up

25 celebration locations
16 firework displays
2 million expected visitors
12,000 surveillance cameras around Burj Khalifa, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard and surrounding residential areas
2 police operation rooms in Downtown and Dubai
18 First Aid tents around Downtown Boulevard
200 service tents across Dubai (first aid and lost/found items)
4,000 police officers
2,000 police patrols
1,200 firefighters across Dubai
259 ambulances
60 civil defence points
170 shuttle buses
18,918 taxis

Watch the fireworks at:

Dubai Parks and Resorts
Jebel Ali Gold Resort
JBR Beach
Royal Mirage Hotel
Palm Jumeirah
Burj Al Arab
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
City Walk
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
La Mer Beach
Al Seef Road
Dubai World Trade Center
Dubai Design District
Dubai Festival City
Global Village
Arabian Ranches Golf Club

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Read more:

Flipping 'eck: Dubai Mall Five Guys charging Dh1,500 for New Year's Eve burger dinner

10 exciting New Year’s Eve parties in the UAE to attend this year

Where to ring in 2019 in the UAE