Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) successfully managed a massive surge in public transport usage during New Year 2026 celebrations. More than 2.8 million passengers relied on various transport services across the city to ring in the new year.
The figure represents a significant 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. This marks one of the busiest nights in Dubai’s public transport history.
RTA Implements Comprehensive Traffic Strategy
The Roads and Transport Authority deployed an extensive traffic and operations plan to handle the festive crowds. Temporary road closures went into effect across major celebration zones throughout the city. Traffic control measures were activated to manage the heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
The RTA worked closely with the Event Security Committee to coordinate the massive operation. Government departments and other partners joined forces to ensure smooth movement across all transport networks. The collaborative approach helped prevent major delays or incidents during the peak celebration hours.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA, confirmed that detailed planning went into managing the New Year’s Eve transport operations. Teams monitored all systems throughout the night to respond quickly to any issues.
Transport Services See Massive Passenger Numbers
On New Year’s Eve alone, over 2.836 million people used public transport, taxis, e-hailing platforms, and shared mobility services. This compares to 2.502 million passengers during the equivalent period in 2025.
Dubai Metro emerged as the most popular transport mode during the celebrations. The Red and Green metro lines together carried approximately 1.25 million passengers throughout the night. Extended operating hours and increased train frequencies helped accommodate the surge in demand.
Metro stations near major celebration venues saw particularly heavy traffic. Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and other key areas experienced constant passenger flow from early evening through the early morning hours.
The Dubai Tram served around 58,000 commuters during the New Year period. The tram connects popular areas including Dubai Marina, JBR, and surrounding neighborhoods where many people gathered for celebrations.
Public and on-demand bus services transported more than 503,000 passengers across the city. Special routes were added to serve major event locations. Bus frequencies were increased on popular routes to reduce waiting times.
Taxis and E-Hailing Services in High Demand
Taxi services recorded exceptional demand throughout the celebration period. Nearly 662,000 passengers used traditional taxi services to reach their destinations or return home after festivities.
Drivers worked extended hours to meet the increased need for taxi services. Many stayed on the roads through the night to help transport revelers safely.
E-hailing platforms including Uber and Careem transported approximately 286,000 passengers during the New Year period. The ride-sharing services provided additional capacity beyond traditional taxis.
Surge pricing on e-hailing apps remained active during peak hours due to high demand. Many passengers reported longer wait times than usual but appreciated having multiple transport options available.
Marine transport services carried close to 77,000 people during the celebrations. Water taxis and ferry services operated extended hours to accommodate passengers traveling along Dubai Creek and coastal areas.
Shared mobility options like bike-sharing and scooter services were used by around 1,500 commuters. While representing a smaller portion of total passengers, these services provided last-mile connectivity for many travelers.
Comparison with Previous Year Shows Growth
The 13 percent increase in passenger numbers from 2025 demonstrates growing reliance on public transport during major events. More Dubai residents and tourists are choosing to leave private vehicles at home for large celebrations.
In 2025, the total New Year passenger count stood at 2.502 million. The jump to 2.836 million in 2026 shows that transport infrastructure investments are paying off. Improved services and expanded networks encourage more people to use public options.
The RTA has been consistently working to enhance transport capacity and reliability. New metro cars, expanded bus fleets, and improved coordination between different transport modes have all contributed to better service.
Weather conditions on New Year’s Eve 2026 were favorable, which likely contributed to higher passenger numbers. Pleasant temperatures encouraged more people to attend outdoor celebrations across the city.
Safety Measures Maintained Throughout Operations
Security remained a top priority during the New Year transport operations. Additional staff were deployed at major stations and transport hubs. Police presence was increased at celebration venues and along key routes.
Crowd control measures at metro stations prevented dangerous overcrowding. Station staff monitored passenger flow and managed entry when platforms became too full. This prevented the pushing and shoving common at large events.
Emergency response teams were on standby throughout the night. Ambulances and first aid stations were positioned near major transport hubs. Medical staff handled minor injuries and helped passengers who felt unwell in crowds.
The RTA’s control center monitored all systems in real-time. Any technical issues or service disruptions were addressed immediately. Communication channels remained open between different departments to coordinate responses.
Impact on Dubai’s Reputation as Smart City
Successfully moving 2.8 million passengers during a major celebration reinforces Dubai’s status as a leading smart city. The seamless coordination between multiple transport modes showcases advanced urban planning.
Many international observers view Dubai’s transport management as a model for other growing cities. The ability to scale up operations for special events demonstrates system flexibility and robust infrastructure.
Social media posts from passengers during New Year celebrations were largely positive. Many praised the efficiency of metro services and availability of transport options. Few major complaints about delays or overcrowding emerged compared to previous years.
Tourism authorities note that reliable transport during events makes Dubai more attractive to visitors. Tourists feel confident they can move around the city safely during major celebrations.
Looking Ahead to Future Events
Dubai hosts numerous large-scale events throughout the year. The New Year success provides confidence for upcoming celebrations and festivals. Ramadan, Eid holidays, and shopping festivals all generate significant transport demand.
The RTA continues monitoring passenger patterns to improve future operations. Data collected during New Year will inform planning for subsequent major events. Lessons learned help refine strategies and identify areas needing enhancement.
Infrastructure projects currently underway will further increase transport capacity. Metro extensions, new bus routes, and enhanced taxi services are all in various stages of development.
The next major test for Dubai’s transport network comes during the Eid al-Fitr holidays in March. Historical data shows this period generates even higher passenger numbers than New Year celebrations.
Record Numbers Reflect City Growth
The 2.8 million passenger figure reflects Dubai’s continuing growth and development. As the city’s population increases, so does demand for reliable public transport during special events.
New residential communities being built across Dubai will require expanded transport services. The RTA is planning ahead to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.
The success in moving such large numbers efficiently demonstrates that current investments in transport infrastructure are appropriate. The system handled the surge without major failures or safety incidents.
For residents and visitors, the smooth New Year transport operations provided peace of mind. People could celebrate knowing they had reliable options for getting home safely regardless of the time.
