Wed, Dec 25, 2024 | Jumada al-Aakhirah 24, 1446 | DXB ktweather icon0°C

Dubai Metro to operate nonstop for 43 hours for New Year celebrations; timings announced

The RTA is also planning to add a fleet of 1,400 buses that will be available to the public free of charge

Published: Tue 24 Dec 2024, 1:21 PM

Updated: Tue 24 Dec 2024, 8:56 PM

Top Stories

Dubai Metro and Tram will operate nonstop for over 43 hours starting December 31, a senior official from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said on Tuesday.

The step, which aims at helping avoid congestion during New Year celebrations, comes as authorities urge the public to use public transport to ensure a smooth journey for celebrators.

For Dubai Metro, operating hours will be from 5am on December 31 until the end of January 1. Meanwhile, Dubai Tram will operate from 6am on December 31 until 1am on January 2.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

The RTA is also planning to add a fleet of 1,400 buses that will be available to the public free of charge.

Hussain Al Bana, Executive Director of Traffic at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that the extended Metro and Tram services, additional parking spaces, and free bus rides will provide the public with convenient transport options and minimise traffic congestion.

Dubai Mall Metro Station will be closed from 5pm, or if crowd capacity is exceeded. Public transportation users are advised to use the closest metro station to reach the festivities.

"We are urging people to use Dubai Metro to avoid the traffic. All the metro stations will be operational, and there will be special planning at some stations to avoid congestion. At certain times, we will close some stations like Burj Khalifa to prevent overcrowding. We will rely on the Business Bay station," Al Bana added.

"We have approximately 1,400 buses covering the entire emirate, all of which are operational. When there is pressure in certain areas, we will deploy more buses to accommodate the increase in the number of visitors and residents. We will monitor these areas during various events in the emirate."

Road signs

Authorities have also noted that signage systems have been rolled out to guide commuters during the festivities, Al Bana said. Road signage has been strategically placed to direct traffic, indicating parking locations and bus pick-up points.

In addition, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) signage and variable message boards will be put up to provide real-time information about road closures, alternative routes, and open pathways.

Al Bana urged the public to watch these signs for easy access to the event area.

Dubai public parks will operate until 1am for those who wish to visit and spend the day there, Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Head of the Emergency and Crisis Team, Dubai Municipality, said.

Fireworks and a drone show will light up the first few minutes of the new year 2025 from a total of 36 locations across Dubai. Among the primary celebration venues are Burj Park, Global Village, Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Bluewaters, The Beach at JBR, and Hatta.

ALSO READ:



Next Story