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NY 2021 live: Dubai road closed, alternative routes announced

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The UAE is preparing to bid adieu to 2020 in a grand fashion. With six emirates hosting 33 fireworks shows and a host of other events for New Year’s Eve (NYE), residents and tourists are spoilt for choice.

For those of you getting ready for the celebrations, do keep all the health and safety protocols in mind: Mask up and maintain a safe social distance. For those ringing in 2021 from the comfort of your homes or in private parties, we at Khaleej Times have got you covered.

As we watch the clock tick off the hours to the final countdown, our reporters and multimedia journalists are on the ground to bring you the best of what’s happening around town live.

4:45pm

About 3 hours to go for first Global Village fireworks

Dubai’s Global Village opened its doors at 4pm. Residents were seen queuing up outside the venue well before that. And they have good reason to, for the destination will host seven fireworks shows to ring in the New Year in seven time zones. The first show will light up the Dubai skies at 8pm.

Kids and families are excited to spend their New Year’s Eve here at the Global Village.

The weather is lovely and breezy. If you are still wondering what to do, this is the place to be!

– Suneeti Kohli Ahuja, Photos by Judin Bernard

4:35pm

A socially distanced selfie: Kids at Global Village are all masked up as they click a selfie. UAE residents, take note, that’s how you should usher in the New Year 2021 safely. Photo by Juidin Bernarrd/KT

4:26pm

That’s one way to beat NYE traffic: Dubai residents Liya and Xavier will cycle their way from Jumeirah to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. – Photo by Shihab

4:20pm

Keep kids safe: Dubai Police

The Dubai Police have issued an advisory, reminding residents to keep their children safe during the New Year celebrations. “A night filled with joy and excitement, particularly for children,” they tweeted. “Make sure to keep your children safe in public and crowded places.”

4:17pm

Less than 8 hours to go for Burj Khalifa fireworks

Burj Khalifa will shine with its New Year’s Eve fireworks and laser show in less than eight hours.

4:00pm

Key Dubai road closed, alternative routes announced

Al Asayel Road leading to the Burj Khalifa is now closed, the police have announced. It will now be used as a lane for buses and emergency vehicles.

The RTA has listed alternative roads that motorists can use: Al Khail Rd., Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd., Al Wasl St., Jumeirah Rd and Sheikh Zayed Rd.

Check out the timings of other road closures:

3:58pm

Dubai Frame all set for grand fireworks show

The Dubai Municipality has tweeted a video showing the final preparations at the Dubai Frame that is all set to host a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show.

3:55pm

A resident books a spot for his family at a vantage point on Jumeirah beach to catch the Burj Al Arab fireworks. – Photo by Shihab

3:50pm

Traffic builds up on key Abu Dhabi streets

Abu Dhabi residents are seen making a dash to their homes – a familiar scene on a Thursday evening – but today the occasion is different: It’s the New Year’s Eve.

Both the high-capacity arterial roads – Sultan bin Zayed the First Street (Muroor Road) and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street (Old Airport Road) – are getting busier.

The main action in Abu Dhabi City is expected on the Corniche stretch. By 5pm, people will be grabbing the best spots on the beaches and parks to catch the last sunset of the year and fireworks show to welcome 2021.

By Ashwani Kumar

3:29pm

Have at least Dh15 balance in your Nol card

The Roads and Transport Authority has advised revellers to keep their wallets at home and instead carry their Nol cards “to travel easily across #Dubai and reach the celebration venue”. “We advise you to keep a nol card balance of at least AED 15,” the authority tweeted.

3.15pm

An apt reminder for revellers to maintain a safe social distance in Downtown Dubai. – Photo: Rahul Gajjar

2.59pm

Traffic jam on MBZ Road towards Sharjah

Excitement is building up as we are nearing the end of this unusual year 2020, and we can see it on the roads. Office-goers are seemingly rushing home to be in time to celebrate or just be with their loved ones as we ring in the new year.

The stretch on the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road from near International City intersection towards Mirdiff Mall and Sharjah is getting busy. There is heavy flow of cars and other vehicles.

The traffic in the opposite direction on the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road towards Global Village is fairly smooth as of now. Around 500 cars already outside in the parking lot of Global Village waiting for tonight’s show.

Global Village will open its doors at 4pm and will be putting up a spectacular show of fireworks that coincides with the time zones of seven countries, starting with China at 8pm; followed by Thailand at 9pm; Bangladesh at 10pm; India at 10.30pm; Pakistan at 11pm; UAE at 12 midnight; and the final show at 1am when Moscow, Russia, rings in the new year.

– Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli and Mitchell Finlayson/KT Intern

2.59pm

Key Dubai roads to be shut soon

Remember, roads leading to the Burj Khalifa will be shut in an hour. Here are the road closure timings:

2.30pm

Dubai Metro advisory issued

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is expecting Metro stations and cabins to be crowded with revellers. The authority has issued an advisory, asking commuters to adhere to all Covid safety precautions so that they can ring in the new year safely.

2.25pm

Mask up at all times: Dubai Police

The Dubai Police have reminded residents to commit to all safety precautions.

2.15pm

Dubai authorities will keep you safe

The Dubai Police have tweeted a video that shows the measures put in place in Downtown Dubai to keep revellers safe.

Arrive early, revellers told

The Dubai Police have reminded residents to arrive at their celebration venues early on.