Dubai's police chief toured a command centre set up to ensure the emirate's New Year's Eve celebrations are held in line with Covid-19 safety measures.
Lt Gen Abdullah Al Marri was told how a sophisticated crowd management system will monitor thousands expected to gather at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai as the New Year is ushered in with a spectacular fireworks, laser and lights show at the Burj Khalifa.
The senior officer was briefed on the comprehensive New Year's Eve strategy, which includes the construction of three field hospitals in the area as well as medical support and isolation tents.
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Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa for the New Year 2020 celebration at Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks illuminate the sky around Burj Khalifa. EPA -
Burj Khalifa is prepared for the fireworks of New Year 2020 celebrations. EPA -
People have their photos taken at the Tim Hortons café outside the Dubai Mall. Pawan Singh / The National -
People gather near to Burj Khalifa prior to the fireworks of New Year's eve. EPA -
Sky divers with special lights flies over Burj Khalifa. EPA -
Light decoration around Dubai Mall. Pawan Singh / The National -
Bruno Mars kept it fun and slick at the du Arena in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Flash Entertainment -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
DJ Aboud Rogeh rocks the house down at the NYE celebrations at Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display on New Year's Eve in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display on New Year's Eve. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People at the beach. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Street entertainers at the beach in Ras Al Khaimah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People arrive at the beach in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Burj Khalifa's New Year's eve fireworks taken from Shangri-La Hotel's roof top. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Burj Khalifa's New Year's eve fireworks taken from Shangri-La Hotel's roof top. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Burj Khalifa's New Year's eve fireworks taken from Shangri-La Hotel's roof top. Ruel Pableo for The National -
New Year's fireworks celebrations are seen above the Dubai skyline. AFP -
New Year's fireworks celebrations are seen above the Dubai skyline. AFP -
New Year's fireworks celebrations are seen above the Dubai skyline. AFP
About 4,000 Dubai Police officers will ensure the safety of New Year's Eve revellers across the emirate on Thursday.
Officers will be stationed at 23 main locations where celebrations are being held.
At least 2,000 patrol cars will roam the streets and 200 security points will be set up across the city.
Police said they would use artificial intelligence to monitor the body temperatures of people attending the celebrations.
On Sunday, Dubai Civil Defence and the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority shared a comprehensive plan to manage traffic and ensure compliance with safety measures.
Roads near Burj Khalifa will close from 4pm on Thursday to prevent congestion and public transport schedules will be expanded to cater for crowds.
Lt Gen Al Marri said this year's celebrations would be exceptional due to the challenges posed by the pandemic - prompting the need for authorities to come together to make for a safe and successful event.
The inspection was carried out in the presence of Brig Saif Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic and acting chairman of the Events Security Committee, Brig Abdullah bin Sorour, chairman of the Board of Directors of Police Stations, Brig Rashid bin Darwish Al Falasi, acting director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, and a number of senior officers and security officials.
