Families planning to be part of Dubai's celebration of new year and view the iconic fireworks are all set to get more privacy as they walk to the party hotspots. For the first time ever, the Dubai Police have specified separate walkways for families and bachelors as they go to witness the spectacular fireworks in Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) on New Year's Eve.
Over two million people are expected to be part of the festivities in the emirate.
Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, said special walkways have been specified for pedestrians to go to the Burj Khalifa from Metro stations. The walkway from the Burj Khalifa Metro station is 860 metres; and the ones from the Financial Centre and Business Bay Metro stations are 1.5km each. Of these, the walkway from the Burj Khalifa Metro station has been reserved for families and invitees.
Maj-Gen Al Mazeina has approved a comprehensive security plan that has specified 16 points for various emergency services like ambulance services, lost and found, reporting missing children, etc.
He said the police are expecting heavy traffic jams in and around the three areas. He has called on the public to cooperate with the police and abide by instructions to prevent hours-long traffic snarls.
Maj-Gen Al Mazeina said residents must take the Shaikh Zayed and Al Khail roads to reach the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. They should reach their venues well before 8pm and park in specialised areas, he said.
Residents can communicate with Dubai's Events Security Committee with the hashtag #MyDubaiNewYear.
By Amira Agarib
