Dubai unveils security, safety plans

Dubai is preparing for a secure and organized New Year’s Eve celebration, with the Events Security Committee confirming comprehensive measures to ensure public safety.

The city will again implement a sector-based approach to manage the safety of the 2025 festivities, which will include fireworks displays at key locations across the emirate.

In a press conference held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, key officials outlined the operational, security, and service plans for the event, including traffic management, emergency services, and worker welfare.

Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, commended the coordination between 55 government and private entities, emphasising the effectiveness of the sector-based operational strategy.

Key details of the NYE 2025 plan:

Operational sectors: The city will be divided into four zones — North, Central, West, and Maritime — each with specific safety measures.

This sector-based strategy, successful in 2024, aims to streamline operations and improve coordination among various authorities.

Security deployment:

• Dubai Police will deploy 8,530 officers and 1,145 patrols.
• Additional support includes 33 marine rescue boats, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulances.
• Six mobile operations rooms will monitor activities across the emirate

Fireworks displays:

The celebrations will feature fireworks at 36 locations across Dubai, with major displays at landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Atlantis The Royal, and Expo City.

Special areas for workers:

Dedicated viewing zones will be set up for workers, featuring large screens and meal services to allow them to enjoy the celebrations safely without needing to travel to crowded areas.

Traffic management and road closures:

• Key road closures will include Al Asayel Street, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and Lower Financial Centre Street, starting at 4pm on December 31.
• Visitors with bookings in the Burj Khalifa area must arrive before 4pm to avoid disruptions.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, acting assistant commander-in-chief for Operations and chair of the Events Security Committee, urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow traffic instructions, and avoid congested areas.

Public transport and parking:

• Dubai Metro will operate continuously from 5am on December 31 until midnight on January 1, 2025.
• 260 shuttle buses will provide transportation to key locations, with additional parking available at Al Wasl Club and Al Jaffiliya
• Smart screens will guide drivers on road closures and alternative routes.

Public health and safety:

• Dubai Municipality will deploy 2,776 staff for sanitation, food safety inspections, and public health measures at event sites.
• Dubai Civil Defence will deploy 1,097 firefighters and 123 vehicles, with safety inspections at 257 critical facilities.
• The Dubai Ambulance service will have 224 emergency points and 593 paramedics available, including a special focus on the Burj Khalifa area, with support from 42 trained volunteers.

Healthcare readiness:

• Dubai Health will operate a fully equipped field hospital near Burj Khalifa and reinforce seven medical points across the celebration zone with emergency specialists.
• Six hospitals and four outpatient clinics will be on high alert, supported by a workforce of 1,800 medical and administrative staff.

Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, confirmed that 42 volunteer paramedics would be deployed alongside the professional teams.

Dubai officials also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the celebrations proceed smoothly and securely, with safety being the primary focus for both attendees and the wider public.