Plan your visit

Getting here

One car park, one free shuttle, and you’re at the festival. Here’s everything you need for a smooth journey on 31 December 2026.

Roads close from 7 PM · Park free at Exit 122 · Shuttle buses start at 4 PM · Everyone registers

Registration opens 15 November

The route by car

From Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates

By car: From 311, take Exit 119, go down Al Shuhada Road, then turn first right onto Al Samil Road towards the parking.

Travel light. We’ve got the rest

Food trucks, drinks and seating are all waiting for you at the festival, so there’s no need to pack a picnic. Bags are checked at every entry point.

Bring

  • Your registration QR code, saved on your phone
  • A fully charged phone and power bank
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Warm layers for the evening
  • A small foldable chair or stool
  • Any essential medication
  • Baby supplies, if needed

Leave at home

  • Outside food and drinks (baby food and medical items are allowed)
  • Alcohol
  • BBQs, charcoal, camping stoves and gas cylinders
  • Personal fireworks, sparklers, flares and sky lanterns
  • Drones and laser pointers
  • Weapons, sharp objects and illegal substances
  • Glass bottles and containers
  • Tents, gazebos and other structures
  • Loudspeakers and portable sound systems
  • Pets
  • Picnic blankets and coolers
  • Large bags and suitcases
  • Bicycles and e-scooters

If you bring a prohibited item

Bags are checked at Exit 122, before you board the shuttle. If you have a prohibited item, return it to your car or dispose of it before the check. We can’t store prohibited items, so check your bag before you leave home.

Families and accessibility

  • Children must stay with an adult at all times.
  • Wheelchairs and prams are welcome, and the free shuttle carries them.
  • The festival is on open ground with uneven surfaces.
  • Accessible toilets for People of Determination are on site.
Check the full festival rules

Your journey

Register first. Everyone in your group needs a registration, including children.

Arrive early. The festival opens at 4 PM, and roads close from 7 PM.

Park at Exit 122. It’s free, and it’s the only public car park this year.

Show your QR code. Have it ready on your phone before entering the shuttle.

Take the free shuttle. It runs between Exit 122 and the festival, in both directions.

Head home with ease. After the Sky Show, staff will guide each area back to the shuttle.

Free parking at Exit 122

One car park. That’s it. Exit 122 parking is the only public car park for RAK NYE this year, and it’s free. View the pin here.

  • Opens: 10 AM
  • Spaces: First come, first served. Registering doesn’t reserve a space, so arrive early.

You cannot drive to the festival, and there is no roadside parking. Do not park on verges, empty plots or the roadside. Cars left outside Exit 122 parking may be moved.

New this year: last year there were four car parks. This year there is one: Exit 122.

Pending from Marjan: the Exit 122 parking map (entrance and shuttle pick-up) and its capacity.

Ride free

Park, hop on, and you’re on your way. The free shuttle takes you from Exit 122 parking straight to the festival and brings you back at the end of the night.

  • Route: Exit 122 parking – the festival
  • Shuttle buses start: 4 PM
  • Last shuttle bus leaves: 3 AM
  • Accessibility: the shuttle carries wheelchairs, prams and mobility aids

Coming by taxi or ride-hailing?

Taxis, ride-hailing and private drivers can drop you off at Exit 122 Parking, and everyone in the car still needs to be registered. View the pin here.

Walking in?

You’re welcome to walk to the festival. Registration still applies.

Pending from Marjan: shuttle frequency and times, and the pick-up point.

Getting home

When the Sky Show ends, there’s no rush. The festival plays on until 3 AM. When you’re ready to leave, staff and signage will guide you from each area of the festival to the shuttle in turn. Please follow their directions for a smooth journey back to Exit 122.

The last shuttle bus leaves at 3 AM.

To come from Marjan with the traffic plan.

Staying on Al Marjan Island?

If you live on Al Marjan Island, are visiting a resident, or are staying or dining at a hotel there, you have your own registration route and access times.

Residents and their guests

  • Register on the Al Marjan Island resident route. Add your household, your guests and your cars.
  • Each apartment receives two digital car passes, each for one-time entry. Use them for your own cars or your guests’.
  • Guests without a car pass can arrive by taxi or shuttle.
  • Holiday home and Airbnb guests: your host registers you with the apartment number. Each apartment number can be used once.

Hotel guests

  • Register on the Hotel guest route and upload your booking confirmation.
  • One car pass per booking, subject to availability. If none are left, contact your hotel or travel by taxi.

Access times on 31 December 2026

  • From 8 AM: Road access to Al Marjan Island is monitored.
  • From 2 PM: Every car entering needs a valid registration pass.
  • From 7 PM: Roads close. Plan travel and food deliveries before then.

Going to the festival? Walk there, or park at Exit 122 and take the free shuttle.

Registration opens 15 November

To confirm with Marjan: the shuttle for residents’ guests.

Registered? You’re ready to go.

Last step: check what to bring. Bags are checked at entry.

What to bring