A gate for New Year's Eve revelers is ready in Downtown Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Authorities in Dubai have announced plans for New Year’s Eve festivities in the city, including firework displays that will take place in 32 locations. According to Dubai’s Events Security Committee, the fireworks displays will be spread out in Dubai and Hatta, including popular sites such as Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Palm Jumeirah, Kite Beach and The Beach. Fireworks are also expected in Hatta, Festival City, Global Village and Al Seef.

Road closures

According to Dubai Police, Sheikh Zayed Road will be closed from 9pm onwards, while roads around Downtown Dubai and popular locations will start closing at 4pm.

Dubai Metro, transport

The Dubai Metro service will run for a total of 40 hours, and 230 public buses will be deployed, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Dubai Metro services will start from 8am on December 31 and will continue non-stop for a full 24 hours on January 1, while the Dubai Tram will run from 9am on December 31 until 1am on January 2. Bus rides will be free of charge, according to Abdullah Yousif Al Ali, CEO of RTA.

Security deployment

Dubai authorities will deploy a total of 11,972 personnel and 1,525 patrols and civil defence and ambulance vehicles to ensure the safety and security of revelers. The Dubai Civil Defence is deploying 947 firefighters and 106 multi-purpose vehicles at celebration sites. The authority will also deploy 178 ambulances, four boats, 556 paramedics, and 35 supervisors will be on standby for 46 events across Dubai. Ambulances will be stationed in 34 areas in Dubai and Hatta. The Dubai Municipality will deploy 2,700 executive and field teams across celebration sites, including Downtown Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hills, Festival City, City Walk, Burj Al Arab, Burj Al Khor, Souk Al Bahar, Jumeirah Beach Residences, and Palm Jumeirah. The teams will also oversee festivities at the Global Village, Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame, and public beaches, including Jumeirah 1, 2, 3, Umm Suqeim 1 and 2, Al Sufouh, Jebel Ali, Al Shurooq, Al Mamzar Beach and Corniche.

Viewing screens

As a convenient alternative to watch the New Year fireworks,  six viewing screens and food services at areas will be put up where workers' accommodations are located in Dubai, according to the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs.

Cleaners

To maintain cleanliness around celebration sites, the Dubai Municipality is deploying 242 supervisors, 2,281 sanitation workers and 630 private sector sanitation workers. They will be supported by over 500 volunteers.

Health and safety

The Dubai Municipality is sending out 63 health and safety inspectors to carry out site visits and oversee crowd management, while 27 food safety inspectors will check malls, hotels, restaurants and food establishments. A team of 75 inspectors will manage parks and firework sites. Public beaches will also be inspected and monitored by lifeguards as well as 8 inspectors in coordination with Dubai Police. ICA/Expat Media
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