Access to the Palm Jumeirah will be restricted in the days leading up to this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Due to the planned World Record Firework display on New Year’s Eve, we have been informed that there will be significant access restrictions to the Palm Jumeirah,” Novus Community Management said in a message to Golden Mile residents.
According to instructions from Novus, all residents of the Golden Mile, Shoreline and North and South Residences will need to display a pass on their vehicles from December 28 to gain access to the Palm during the lead up to the rehearsal as well as the actual event.
Each apartment will be issued a number of passes according to their parking bays. The passes, which can be collected from building concierges, will be handed out only after residents sign for them and show proof of residency. The passes are not transferable.
“The public car park between Golden Mile buildings six and seven will be closed off for use as of this date. Any vehicles, boats, trailers not removed will be impounded by the authorities,” the notice states.
“We strongly suggest that all residents who are expecting visitors to encourage them to use public transport. There will be no visitor parking allowed. No pass means no access to the Palm.”
The restrictions will affect resident Saber Nias’ daily schedule. “This is unbelievable. I have to go to work on all those days. How will I be able to get in and out of the Palm?” asked the 30-year-old Dutch national, who lives in building seven in Golden Mile.
“I always park there, where else can we park if you have more than one car?”
The expatriate said his only option was to park outside the Palm and have his wife drop him off at his car every morning.
Mr Nias and his wife, Palm residents for four years, said although the restrictions would not affect their New Year’s plans, they wondered how their friends would join them at a planned event. “Luckily this year we decided not to have a party and go to Sandance instead, but we still have a friend joining us. I don’t know how she will be able to get here, especially since the tickets are in my name.”
Mohammed Sharif, whose family always gather at their villa on Frond A for New Year’s Eve, said: “I have to talk to the management and see what we can do, we have a lot of family coming to the villa that day.”
His parents, seven siblings, their spouses and children had planned to come together to enjoy a great view of the fireworks.
“The rules that have been implemented are insane,” said the 28-year-old Emirati businessman. “Our New Year’s plans will have to be based on these ridiculous rules. My personal plans have certainly gone down the drain, as I had intended to spend time with friends in Jumeirah, before heading to the Palm at 11.30pm to see the fireworks.”
Mr Sharif said he must now decide either to spend time with friends or see the fireworks with his family.
On December 29, Trunk Road will be closed between 9 and 10pm. No parking on the Crescent will be permitted and there will be heavy restrictions on entering the Palm.
On December 31 from 8am onwards, a pass will be required to gain access to the Palm. For visitors arriving by taxi, these passes will need to be provided at the check point, Al Sufouh’s Monorail station. There are a limited number of passes available.
All roads to the Palm will be closed to traffic from 10.30pm and are most likely to reopen at 12.45am on January 1.
“Everyone will be dressed up and not meant to travel a great distance on foot,” said Mr Nias. “I might have to take two pairs of shoes, one for the suit and one for the walk. I don’t know how we’ll get off the beach either.”
malkhan@thenational.ae
