Image: Dubai Media Office
The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has activated its final operational plan to manage marine traffic during the New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, reinforcing maritime safety and ensuring smooth vessel movement across Dubai waters during peak activity.
Operational timeline and coverage
The plan will be implemented from the evening of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and will be fully enforced between 10:00 pm on December 31, 2025 and 2:00 am on January 1, 2026. Measures will apply to high-density marine zones, particularly Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour, and Palm Jumeirah, where vessel traffic is expected to peak during celebrations.
Navigation controls and temporary closures
The operational plan introduces a one-way navigation system before and after midnight, alongside a temporary suspension of marine navigation during the transition period. Marine traffic beneath the Palm Jumeirah bridges will be closed during peak hours from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am.
Vessels will be classified by size, with designated routes and mandatory time windows assigned to each category to reduce congestion and minimise collision risks.
Safety enforcement and compliance
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, executive director of Dubai Maritime Authority, said that activating the final plan reflects DMA’s commitment to the highest maritime safety standards and navigational efficiency, in line with Dubai’s position as a global destination for major events.
He added that patrol and monitoring teams will operate around the clock, in coordination with relevant authorities, to ensure compliance with all issued instructions. Immediate legal action will be taken against violations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The plan also includes strict controls on anchoring and drifting, regulation of mooring areas, and prevention of unauthorised activity within navigation channels. Vessel operators must comply fully with international collision-prevention regulations, maintain safe distances, and avoid route changes except in emergency situations.
Advisory to vessel operators and sea-goers
DMA stressed that all vessel owners, maritime agents, marinas, yacht clubs, and recreational boat operators must fully adhere to the approved operational plan to ensure a safe and organised maritime environment during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Authority also urged sea-goers to closely monitor current and forecast weather conditions, noting the potential for unstable or adverse weather during the New Year period.
Coordination with maritime stakeholders
As part of its preparations, Dubai Maritime Authority conducted a specialised coordination workshop with strategic partners and marina operators across Dubai. The workshop reviewed operational readiness, maritime routing, vessel movement schedules, patrol deployment, and inter-agency coordination.
Discussions also covered anchoring regulations, approved maritime zones, enforcement mechanisms, emergency response procedures, communication protocols, and potential marine bottlenecks. Emphasis was placed on ensuring institutional integration and the effective application of marine navigation systems during New Year’s Eve operations.
Read: NYE 2026 in UAE: Where to watch fireworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah, Ajman
