The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has activated its final marine traffic management plan for New Year’s Eve 2026 as part of a proactive effort to enhance maritime safety and ensure smooth navigation in Dubai waters during peak periods.
DMA confirmed that the plan will commence on the evening of Wednesday, 31 December 2025, and will be fully enforced from 10:00 PM until 2:00 AM on 1 January 2026, with integrated operational measures to regulate marine traffic in high-density areas such as Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbor, and Palm Jumeirah.
DMA’s plan includes a one-way navigation system before and after midnight, a temporary suspension of navigation during the transition period, and the closure of marine traffic beneath Palm Jumeirah bridges during peak hours. Vessels will be classified by size, with designated routes and mandatory time windows to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize congestion and collision risks.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime Authority, said that activating the final marine traffic management plan for New Year’s Eve 2026 underscores the Authority’s commitment to the highest maritime safety standards and smooth navigation in high-density areas, reflecting Dubai’s position as a global hub for major celebrations.
He added that patrol and monitoring teams will operate around the clock, in coordination with relevant entities, to ensure compliance and address any violations, with immediate legal action taken against offenders. The plan also includes strict controls on anchoring and drifting, regulation of mooring areas, protection of navigation channels, and full adherence to international collision-prevention regulations, safe distances, and restricted route changes except in emergencies.
The Authority stressed that all vessel owners, maritime agents, marinas, yacht clubs, and recreational boat operators must fully comply with the approved operational plan by DMA to ensure a safe and orderly maritime environment during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
DMA also advised all marine vessel users and sea-goers to closely monitor current and forecast weather conditions before and during their trips, given the possibility of unstable or adverse weather during New Year’s Eve 2026.
As part of implementing the final operational plan, DMA held a specialized coordination workshop with key strategic partners and marina operators across the Emirate to assess operational readiness and strengthen institutional coordination for maritime safety during New Year’s Eve 2026.
Image credits: Dubai Media Office | Cropped by GBN
The workshop reviewed maritime routes and movement schedules, navigation flow management, vessel movement planning, and patrol and monitoring arrangements, alongside strategies for organizing vessel traffic, route distribution, approved operational procedures for each vessel category, and weather forecasts.
Additionally, the workshop clarified anchoring rules and approved maritime zones, while reviewing compliance monitoring mechanisms and enforcement measures against violations. Communication protocols, emergency procedures, and potential maritime bottlenecks were also discussed, with emphasis on applying approved systems and regulations to ensure maximum safety and smooth marine traffic flow during New Year’s Eve 2026 operations.
