Dubai public transport, shared mobility services, and taxis moved a combined 2,502,474 riders during New Year's Eve 2025 — a 9.3% increase on the 2,288,631 passengers recorded during the same celebrations in 2024. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) credited the result to a carefully coordinated operational plan developed with key stakeholders across the city.
Dubai Metro Led the Way
The Dubai Metro's Red and Green lines carried the largest share of riders, recording 1,133,251 passengers on the night. The Dubai Tram handled a further 55,391 commuters, keeping journeys across the waterfront corridor running on schedule.
Buses, Taxis, and Marine Services
Public buses were essential to moving crowds across the city, transporting 465,779 passengers. Dubai's large taxi fleet carried 571,098 passengers, underlining the continued role of traditional transport alongside newer options.
Marine transport services accommodated 80,066 passengers — a popular choice for those seeking waterfront views during the celebrations — while e-hailing platforms served 195,651 users. Shared mobility vehicles carried an additional 1,238 passengers.
RTA's Coordinated Operations
The RTA deployed a comprehensive plan to ensure passenger movement to and from New Year's Eve venues was smooth and safe. The authority coordinated with multiple entities across Dubai to manage capacity, crowd flow, and service reliability throughout the evening and into the early hours of January 1, 2025.
The strong ridership figures reinforce Dubai's reputation for managing large-scale events through an integrated, multi-modal transport network — making public transit the practical choice for millions heading out to celebrate.
