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Dubai, UAE, 15 December 2025 – Global Village, the region’s premier multicultural family
destination, is preparing to ring in 2026 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on
Wednesday, 31 December. This year’s festivities will feature the iconic ‘7 New Year
Celebrations in One Night’, offering families and ladies a unique experience to welcome

  1. Guests can enjoy a live DJ performance on the Main Stage, seven New Year
    countdowns from different countries based on their time zones, as well as seven spectacular
    fireworks displays and drone shows. All of this is included in the entry ticket and designed for
    every member of the family to enjoy.
    The unique ‘7 New Year Celebrations in One Night’ at Global Village is unlike anything else
    in the UAE. Guests will celebrate the New Year across seven countries, each marked by
    spectacular fireworks and dazzling drone shows: China at 8:00PM, Thailand at 9:00PM,
    Bangladesh at 10:00PM, India at 10:30PM, Pakistan at 11:00PM, Dubai at midnight, and
    Turkey at 1:00AM. Each countdown celebrates a different corner in the world, creating an
    extraordinary way to welcome the New Year.
    Beyond the countdowns, Global Village offers guests a full evening of experiences. Guests
    can explore 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures, with more than 3,500 shopping
    outlets, over 250 dining options celebrating cultures from around the world. From the
    Floating Market and Happiness Street to Fiesta Street and Dessert District, there’s
    something for every taste. Guests can also enjoy over 200 rides and games at Carnaval and
    experience new attractions not to be missed, including Dragon Kingdom, Gardens of the
    World, and The Little Wonderers for younger visitors, making a single night at Global Village
    packed with experiences for everyone.
    The destination’s three gates will open on the New Year’s Eve with extended hours from
    4:00PM to 2:00AM. As a leading family destination, Global Village continues to create
    unforgettable moments for guests of all ages. By marking New Year’s Eve across multiple
    countries, the destination reinforces its role in delivering

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all private-sector employees in the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the New Year.

The announcement follows a circular issued by MoHRE in implementation of the Cabinet decision regarding the approved official holidays for the public and private sectors.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) held a gathering of its Customer Council, bringing together residents of Al Twar and neighbouring communities to discuss plans for improving traffic flow in residential areas and enhancing local infrastructure. The session also included an overview of projects currently underway, as well as others under study. In addition, attendees were briefed on RTA’s initiatives to develop roads and streets across the Emirate as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the wellbeing of residents and further raise satisfaction levels within these communities.

The gathering was chaired by Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of Licensing Agency and Chair of the Customer Council, in the presence of Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, along with several senior RTA leaders, directors and officials. During the session, the Council reviewed RTA’s major road projects that commenced in 2024 and will continue through 2027. These include dedicated bus and taxi lanes across six primary locations in the Emirate, with a total length of 13 km; the expansion of junctions and roads in Deira and Bur Dubai; upgrades to the cycling track through enhanced landscaping and the addition of rest areas along the route; and the installation of further energy-efficient LED lighting.

Through Customer Council gatherings, RTA aims to update the public on the latest projects and initiatives implemented for their benefit, listen to customers’ views and suggestions on an ongoing basis, and follow up on mobility and congestion-related challenges. This approach aligns with RTA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2030, which focuses on five strategic goals centred on integrated and innovative mobility, improved accessibility, enhanced multimodal connectivity, expansion of current and future mobility services, and customer happiness.

At the end of the session, attendees commended RTA’s pivotal role in advancing the Emirate of Dubai through the major projects and strategic initiatives it continues to implement across the transport system, infrastructure and related services. These efforts have helped cement Dubai’s standing as a leading global city in service excellence and have contributed to supporting the Emirate’s sustainable economic growth across all sectors.