Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) successfully transported more than 2.8 million passengers during the New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year and reaffirming Dubai’s ability to manage large-scale global events efficiently.

Citywide Transport Plan in Action

The rise in passenger numbers followed the execution of a comprehensive operational plan across the emirate. This included regulated traffic movement, temporary road closures, and real-time coordination with the Dubai Event Security Committee, government authorities, and strategic partners to ensure safety and smooth mobility throughout the celebrations.

Public Transport Carried the Majority

Dubai Metro services on the Red and Green Lines recorded the highest usage, transporting 1,249,636 passengers during the night. Public buses and bus-on-demand services followed with 503,264 riders, while Dubai Tram services carried 58,052 passengers.

Strong Demand for Taxis and E-Hailing

Taxi services saw heavy demand, transporting 661,538 passengers across the city. E-hailing platforms recorded 286,135 passenger journeys, reflecting continued reliance on app-based mobility during peak celebration hours.

Marine and Shared Mobility Support

Marine transport services carried 76,745 passengers, supporting movement across waterfront destinations, while shared mobility services recorded 1,489 users, contributing to last-mile connectivity.

A Network Built for Global Events

RTA stated that the approved transport strategy ensured seamless access to major celebration zones while maintaining traffic efficiency and public safety. The authority added that the results highlight the resilience and readiness of Dubai’s transport infrastructure, reinforcing the city’s position as a global destination capable of hosting major events to international standards.