Roads and Transport Authority finalises preparations for managing rush amid New Year's Eve celebrations
About 2 million people are expected to use public transport in Dubai over the New Year holiday compared to just under 1.8 million last year.
The Roads and Transport Authority made the announcement after finalising preparations for managing the traffic movement for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
It said a "well-rehearsed traffic plan" has been put together for the area, especially in Burj Khalifa District.
Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, said: “The Plan comprises five pillars oriented to ensure a smooth traffic flow, and focus on RTA’s public transit means as well as other services. The Plan will be managed in full coordination with the police, Emaar and other stakeholders with the aim of making concerted efforts towards the success of the event.”
As part of the plan, the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard will be closed between 5-8pm (once the parking area is full) while the Financial Center Street and Al Sukuk Street will be closed at 8pm. Al Asayel Street will be closed (from Oud Metha Street to the Financial Centre Street) starting from 4pm for the exclusive use of public transport and emergency vehicles.
Al Sa’ada Street will also be closed at 6pm at the intersection of Al Murooj Rotana leading to Burj Khalifa and the tunnel while the Emirates Towers intersection will be closed from 8pm.
Adai said that 170 buses will be operated free of charge to lift visitors from the Downtown Dubai venue to metro stations to facilitate their exit.
About 23,100 riders are expected to be lifted between midnight and 4am.
The RTA plan also includes the provision of additional parking slots and taxis. Around 4,000 parking slots will be provided while taxis are expected to make about 18,000 trips during the event lifting about 38,500 passengers.
Dubai Metro's Red Line will be operational from 5am, the Green Line from 5.30am on Sunday and will continue running until 1am on Tuesday.
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