Burj Khalifa Fireworks
Dubai: Planning to welcome the New Year with the Burj Khalifa fireworks in Downtown Dubai? Here is what you need to know – access to Downtown Dubai is carefully organized into specific zones and gates. Entry depends on whether you are heading to a public viewing area or a reserved zone for visitors with tickets or reservations.
To ensure a seamless experience for everyone, Emaar Dubai recently released a detailed plan covering access gates, zones, transport options, parking, and public viewing areas to make your experience smooth and hassle-free.
Navigating Downtown Dubai: The NYE zones
Downtown Dubai is divided into five color-coded zones to simplify navigation: Light Blue, Lime, Teal, Pink, and Purple. Each zone will be marked with flags and signage, and Emaar representatives will be available on-site to guide visitors.
For the NYE celebrations, Emaar has implemented a color-coded zone system for easier access and navigation for all visitors during the festivities.
Emaar Dubai – mydubainewyear.emaar.com
Access gates to Downtown Dubai
There are seven access gates leading into Downtown Dubai, each designated for specific zones:
1. Gate 1: Behind Boulevard Heights
- Access: Teal Zone, Pink Zone
- Closest Metro Station: Business Bay
2. Gate 2: Behind Burj Vista
- Access: Pink Zone, Purple Zone
- Closest Metro Station: Business Bay
3. Gate 3: Near Emaar Square
- Access: Pink Zone, Purple Zone
- Closest Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
4. Gate 4: Near Boulevard Plaza
- Access: Pink Zone, Purple Zone
- Closest Metro Station: Financial Centre
5. Gate 5: Adjacent to Fountain Views
- Access: Lime Zone, Light Blue Zone
6. Gate 6: In front of Address Downtown
- Exclusive for guests with reservations entering via Dubai Mall
7. Gate 7: In the Light Blue Zone
- Free access for families without reservations
Note: Only families and couples are allowed to enter Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard through all gates.
Access badges: Your key to reserved zones
Guests with paid reservations or accommodations in Downtown Dubai will receive access badges. The color of the badge corresponds to the designated zone.
Who needs a badge?
- Guests with bookings at Dubai Mall, Souq Al Bahar, Time Out Market, and Downtown restaurants or hotels.
- Residents of Downtown Dubai (via the Emaar One app).
- Burj Park ticket holders.
Important: Keep your badge safe and accessible at all times. Entry to reserved zones will only be allowed with a valid badge.
Burj Park viewing zone
For a premium experience, Burj Park in the Pink Zone offers live performances and food and beverage options. Access the zone through Gate 1, located opposite Boulevard Heights. The closest metro station is Business Bay. A valid badge is required.
Public viewing areas
You can enjoy the fireworks for free at designated public viewing areas, which are separated for families and bachelors:
For families:
- Old Town, Downtown Dubai
- South Ridge
- Outer Boulevard
- Act One and Act Two Towers
- Cascade Garden
For bachelors:
- Rove Hotel
- Za’abeel Mall
- Vida Residences
- Burj Vista
- Burj Views
Traffic plan and parking for visitors
If you plan to drive, it is recommended to depart early to arrive in Downtown Dubai before the road closures. You can park in one of the 16,000 parking spaces available at Dubai Mall, Zabeel, Fountain Views, or Boulevard Lower Underground parking areas.
Shuttle buses for badge holders
After the road closures, badge holders can park at Al Wasl Club in Al Wasl or Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre in Meydan. Complimentary shuttle buses will transport badge holders to and from these parking locations. You must present your access badge to use the shuttle buses. The drop-off points for the shuttles are as follows:
- Grand Parking
- Address Downtown
- Palace Downtown
- Boulevard Central
- Dubai Opera
Salik parking for Dubai Mall during New Year’s Eve
Salik charges will apply for parking at Dubai Mall. However, parking at Zabeel and Fountain Views will remain free of charge.
All public parking areas (excluding multi-story parking) will be free on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, for the New Year’s holiday. Paid parking will resume on Thursday, 2 January 2025.
Parking and shuttle buses for Burj Park ticket holders
If you arrive before the road closures, you can park at Dubai Mall parking areas, Dubai Opera Parking 3, Boulevard Upper Ground 2, or Emaar Sales Centre.
After the road closures, you may park at Al Wasl Club in Al Wasl or Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre in Meydan. From there, take the free shuttle bus to Downtown Dubai, alighting at Dubai Opera. Proceed to Burj Park Gate 2 and present your badge for access.
Dubai Metro
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station: This station will remain closed until 5 pm or until it reaches full capacity.
Business Bay and Financial Centre Metro Stations: These stations will remain operational and will close only after reaching full capacity following the celebrations.
Taxis
Taxis will operate as usual before the road closures but will not have access to Downtown Dubai once the closures are in effect.