Dubai is deploying 10,000 police and 1,700 firefighters for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Dubai Event Security Committee has confirmed full readiness for the 2026 New Year’s Eve operation, deploying nearly 10,000 police officers and more than 1,700 firefighters to protect celebrations across the emirate.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Chief of Dubai Police for Operations and Chairman of the Event Security Committee, announced during a press conference at the headquarters of Dubai Civil Defense that 55 government, non-government and private organizations are working under the joint security framework.
Dubai rings in 2026 with fireworks
This year’s festivities will feature 48 fireworks displays in 40 locations, including Burj Khalifa, Global Village, Atlantis The Royal, Expo City Dubai and Dubai Frame, which will host fireworks and drone displays for the first time.
Dubai Police has deployed 9,884 officers and 1,625 patrol cars, supported by 53 maritime security boats, 36 bicycles and 34 mounted patrol units. The emirate is divided into four functional sectors to ensure effective communication.
Senior Specialist Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of Fire and Rescue Affairs at Dubai Civil Defence, confirmed that 1,754 firefighters will be deployed in five major sectors. Dubai Civil Defense inspected more than 306 important facilities and prepared a fleet of more than 156 special vehicles, including 12 marine firefighting boats.
Hussein Al Banna, the CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, said that more than 2.5 million passengers used public transport during last year’s celebrations, which shows a year-on-year increase. Road closures in the event areas will begin at 4pm and extend until 11pm, including key roads including Sheikh Zayed Road and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Dubai is promoting festival travel
The capacity of public transport has been greatly increased, with more than 14,000 taxis, more than 18,000 limousines and more than 1,300 buses operating. The Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines will operate continuously for 43 hours, starting at 5am on 31 December until 11.59pm on 1 January.
Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services will operate 236 ambulance points across the emirate, supported by 635 employees and 50 trained volunteers from the first Responder program. Dubai Health will deploy 1,900 medical, nursing and support staff, with six hospitals and four fully staffed outpatient clinics and a fully equipped hospital established in the Burj Khalifa area.
Major General Al Mazrouei urged the public to follow security instructions and cooperate with the police. “This initiative highlights the deep community ties and reinforces the culture of volunteering as a fundamental driver of security and organizational efforts during major annual events in Dubai,” said Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Public Happiness, announcing that 1,800 volunteers have signed up to support the celebrations.
The public can report emergencies on 999, with inquiries directed to 901. Ambulance services can be requested through 998 or the Dubai Ambulance app.
