Dubai Metro New Year Timings: As Dubai prepares to welcome New Year 2026 with spectacular fireworks, concerts, and large public gatherings, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended transport services to support millions of residents and tourists. The highlight this year is the Dubai Metro running non-stop for 43 consecutive hours, ensuring safe, smooth, and convenient travel across the city during one of the busiest nights of the year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | New Year 2026 Celebrations |
| Dubai Metro Operation | Non-stop service |
| Total Duration | 43 continuous hours |
| Start Time | 5:00 AM, December 31, 2025 |
| End Time | 11:59 PM, January 1, 2026 |
| Lines Operating | Red Line & Green Line |
| Burj Khalifa Station | Closed to arrivals after 5:00 PM (or earlier if full) |
| Alternative Stations | Business Bay, Financial Centre, Emirates Towers, World Trade Centre |
| Train Frequency | Every 2–3 mins (peak), 5–7 mins (off-peak) |
| Ticket Prices | Regular RTA fares apply |
| Day Pass | AED 20 (Unlimited travel – Regular Class) |
| Dubai Tram Timings | 6:00 AM Dec 31 to 1:00 AM Jan 2 |
| Parking | Free at selected metro stations & public zones |
| Travel App | RTA S’hail App |
Dubai Metro New Year Timings 2025–2026
For New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the Dubai Metro will operate continuously across both operational lines.
- Start: 5:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- End: 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Total Duration: 43 hours of uninterrupted service
- Lines Covered: Red Line and Green Line
This extended schedule allows visitors to attend celebrations late into the night and return safely without depending on private vehicles.
Ticket price
Dubai Metro Ticket Prices (New Year 2025–2026)
| Ticket / Nol Card Type | Zones Covered | Price (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Nol Card | 1 Zone | 3.00 | Most commonly used card |
| 2 Adjacent Zones | 5.00 | Includes interchange travel | |
| More than 2 Zones | 7.50 | Long-distance travel | |
| Gold Nol Card | 1 Zone | 6.00 | Premium Gold Class cabin |
| 2 Adjacent Zones | 10.00 | Priority seating | |
| More than 2 Zones | 15.00 | Best for peak hours | |
| Red Ticket (Paper) | 1 Zone | 4.00 | Occasional users |
| 2 Adjacent Zones | 6.00 | Limited trips only | |
| More than 2 Zones | 8.50 | Max 10 journeys | |
| Unlimited Day Pass | All Zones | 20.00 | Regular class, best for tourists |
| Unlimited Day Pass (Gold) | All Zones | 40.00 | Gold Class access |
Important Note:
- Normal RTA fares apply during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Ensure sufficient Nol balance to avoid queues at stations, especially near Downtown Dubai.
Ticket site
Visit official website.
Burj Khalifa Metro Station: Important Crowd Advisory
Due to extremely high footfall in Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station may close to arrivals from around 5:00 PM on December 31, or earlier if capacity limits are reached.
Recommended Alternative Stations
To access the Downtown area, RTA advises using nearby stations:
- Business Bay
- Financial Centre
- Emirates Towers
- World Trade Centre
These stations are well-connected by walking routes and shuttle services.
Dubai Metro Routes Operating on New Year
| Metro Line | Key Areas & Stations Served | Interchange Stations |
|---|---|---|
| Red Line | Dubai International Airport (T1 & T3), Downtown Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, Expo City Dubai | Union, BurJuman |
| Green Line | Deira, Bur Dubai, Gold Souq, Dubai Healthcare City | Union, BurJuman |
Train Frequency During New Year Celebrations
To manage peak demand, RTA will increase train frequency:
- Peak hours: Every 2–3 minutes
- Off-peak hours: Every 5–7 minutes
This ensures minimal waiting time even during late-night celebrations.
Dubai RTA Marine Transport – Routes & Services
| Transport Type | Route Code | Route / Station Name | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abra | CR1 | Bur Dubai Marine Station – Deira Old Souq Marine Station | On Demand |
| CR2 | Dubai Old Souq – Al Sabkha Marine Station | On Demand | |
| CR3 | Dubai Old Souq – Baniyas Marine Station | Regular | |
| CR4 | Al Sabkha – Al Fahidi Marine Station | Regular | |
| CR5 | Al Fahidi – Deira Old Souq Marine Station | Regular | |
| CR6 | Al Seef – Baniyas Marine Station | Regular | |
| CR7 | Al Seef – Al Fahidi – Dubai Old Souq | Regular | |
| CR9 | Dubai Festival City – Dubai Creek Harbour | Regular | |
| CR11 | Al Jaddaf – Dubai Creek Harbour | Regular | |
| BM2 | Al Jaddaf – Dubai Festival City | Regular | |
| DC2 | Business Bay & Dubai Water Canal Route | Regular | |
| TR6 | Dubai Water Canal Round Trip (Sheikh Zayed Rd) | Tour | |
| TR8 | Marina Mall 1 Round Trip | On Demand | |
| TR10 | Al Seef – Baniyas – Al Fahidi Round Trip | On Demand | |
| Water Taxi | BM1 | Marina Mall 1 – Marina Walk | Regular |
| BM1 (Full) | Marina Promenade – Marina Mall – Marina Walk – Marina Terrace | Regular | |
| BM3 | Dubai Marina Mall – Bluewaters Island | Regular | |
| Dubai Ferry | FR1 | Dubai Water Canal – Al Ghubaiba | Regular |
| FR2 | Dubai Marina Mall – Bluewaters | Regular | |
| FR4 | Dubai Marina Mall – Palm Jumeirah – Atlantis (Round Trip) | Tour | |
| FR5 | Sharjah Aquarium – Al Ghubaiba | Intercity |
Charter Services
| Service | Hourly Fare | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Abra Charter | AED 300–580/hour | 20 passengers |
| Water Taxi Charter | AED 400/hour | 20 passengers |
| Dubai Ferry Charter | AED 2,800/hour | 100 passengers |
Parking Facilities Near Metro Stations
To encourage public transport usage, free parking will be available at selected metro stations, including:
- Centrepoint
- Etisalat by e&
- Jebel Ali
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
Most public parking zones across Dubai will also be free on January 1, 2026, except multi-storey parking facilities.
Dubai Tram and Bus Services on New Year
Dubai Tram Timings
The Dubai Tram will also operate extended hours:
- From: 6:00 AM on December 31, 2025
- Until: 1:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026
Public Buses & Shuttles
- Over 1,300 buses will be deployed
- Special shuttle services will operate from major celebration zones and remote parking areas
Road Closures in Downtown Dubai
To manage pedestrian movement and ensure safety, key roads will close in phases starting from 4:00 PM on December 31, including:
- Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
- Burj Khalifa Street
Motorists are advised to use metro and public transport instead of private vehicles.
Real-Time Updates and Travel Planning
For live updates, route planning, and Nol card balance checks, commuters should use the RTA S’hail App, which provides real-time transport information across Dubai.
FAQs
What marine transport services are available in Dubai?
Dubai RTA operates Abra services, Water Taxis, and Dubai Ferries connecting Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Al Seef, Dubai Water Canal, and other waterfront areas.
How much does an Abra ride cost in Dubai?
A traditional public Abra ride across Dubai Creek costs AED 1 per person. Air-conditioned Abras and special routes may have different fares.
Can I book marine transport tickets online?
Yes. Water Taxi and Dubai Ferry tickets can be booked online through the RTA website or mobile apps. Traditional Abras usually operate on a walk-in basis.
Are marine transport services wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Charter Abras, Water Taxis, and Dubai Ferries are wheelchair accessible and include dedicated spaces. Advance booking is recommended.
What are the operating hours for marine transport?
Operating hours vary by route and service. Some routes run on demand, while others follow fixed schedules. Extended timings are usually announced during public holidays and major events.
Is the Nol card accepted on marine transport?
Yes. Nol cards are accepted on most public marine transport services, including Abras, Water Taxis, and Ferries.
Is Dubai marine transport suitable for tourists?
Yes. Marine transport is popular with tourists as it offers scenic views of Dubai Creek, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, and Dubai Marina.
Are private charter services available?
Yes. RTA offers private charters:
Abra charter from AED 300 per hour
Water Taxi charter from AED 400 per hour
Dubai Ferry charter from AED 2,800 per hour
Do marine transport services operate during New Year and public holidays?
Yes. Dubai RTA usually operates extended marine transport services during New Year’s Eve and major public holidays.
Where can I check routes, timings, and fare updates?
You can check the latest information on the RTA official website, RTA S’hail App, or at marine transport stations.
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