StayAreasNew Year's Eve in Dubai 2026: Burj Khalifa fireworks and where to stay
The Burj Khalifa show draws the biggest crowd: last year more than 800,000 people were expected around Downtown alone. Roads into Downtown close in phases from the afternoon of 31 December.
Last year there were 48 fireworks displays at 40 spots, including Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Frame and Bluewaters, so you don't have to be at the Burj Khalifa to see one.
Where to watch
Burj Khalifa and Downtown
The main show. Last year Downtown roads closed from 4pm and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station closed early once it was full.
Tip: Business Bay and Financial Centre stations were the fallbacks.
Stay nearby: Downtown Dubai · ~$245/nightDubai Frame
Fireworks over Zabeel Park, with smaller crowds than Downtown.
Stay nearby: Old Dubai (Bur Dubai & Deira) · ~$120/nightBurj Al Arab and Atlantis
Fireworks off the coast; Jumeirah and Palm beaches have views without the Downtown closures.
Stay nearby: Jumeirah · ~$325/nightAin Dubai, Bluewaters
JBR beach faces the Bluewaters display.
Stay nearby: Dubai Marina & JBR · ~$220/night
The walk back from each area
Minutes on foot from each area to the fireworks spots. Walking times are estimates; prices are a typical mid-range double, not New Year's Eve rates.
New Year's Eve from Sheikh Zayed Road & DIFC
~$150/nightOn foot: Burj Khalifa 35 min · Dubai Frame 45 min.
After midnight: 35 minutes' walk back from Burj Khalifa.
Hotels in Sheikh Zayed Road & DIFC →New Year's Eve from Downtown Dubai
~$245/nightOn foot: Burj Khalifa 5 min.
After midnight: about 5 minutes' walk back from Burj Khalifa, while the roads are still closed.
Hotels in Downtown Dubai →New Year's Eve from Dubai Marina & JBR
~$220/nightOn foot: Ain Dubai 20 min.
After midnight: about 20 minutes' walk back from Ain Dubai, while the roads are still closed.
Hotels in Dubai Marina & JBR →New Year's Eve from Business Bay
~$175/nightOn foot: Burj Khalifa 25 min.
After midnight: about 25 minutes' walk back from Burj Khalifa, while the roads are still closed.
Hotels in Business Bay →New Year's Eve from Jumeirah
~$325/nightOn foot: Burj Al Arab 45 min.
After midnight: about 45 minutes' walk back from Burj Al Arab, while the roads are still closed.
Hotels in Jumeirah →New Year's Eve from Palm Jumeirah
~$380/nightOn foot: Atlantis 45 min.
After midnight: about 45 minutes' walk back from Atlantis, while the roads are still closed.
Hotels in Palm Jumeirah →New Year's Eve from Old Dubai (Bur Dubai & Deira)
~$120/nightThe nearest is Dubai Frame, about 3 km away: a Metro ride.
After midnight: too far to walk; Downtown roads stay closed for hours, so take the Metro.
Hotels in Old Dubai (Bur Dubai & Deira) →
Getting around
Last year the Metro's Red and Green lines ran non-stop for about 43 hours from the morning of 31 December, and parts of Sheikh Zayed Road closed from 11pm. The 2026 plan is usually announced in the last week of December.
Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Nov 2026 · How we research our guides