Dubai announces free parking and Metro, Tram and bus timings for New Year holiday 2026

Dubai has announced free parking and the operating hours for all transport and customer services during the New Year holiday on January 2026 1, outlining changes across Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport, parking and customer service centres.

The schedules, confirmed by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), are designed to ensure smooth mobility across the emirate during the public holiday.

Free parking in Dubai

Public parking across Dubai will be free of charge on January 1, 2026, with the exception of:

• Multi-storey parking facilities
• Al Khail Gate N-365

Parking fees will be reinstated on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines)

• Wednesday, December 31: 5am – 11.59pm
• Thursday, January 1: 12midnight – 11.59pm

Dubai Tram

• Wednesday, December 31: 6am – 11.59pm
• Thursday, January 1: 12midnight – 1am (following day)

Public bus services

Passengers are advised to check the S’hail application for updates to bus schedules during the New Year holiday.

RTA noted several specific service changes:

• Bus Route E100 will not operate from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station starting from the afternoon of 31 December.
  • The last trip will depart at 12noon from Abu Dhabi and at 2pm from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station
  • Services will remain suspended until January 4,
• Passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi during this period are advised to use Bus Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station
• Bus Route E102 will operate from Ibn Battuta Bus Station on 31 December from 2:00pm until the end of the day

Marine transport

Operating hours for marine transport services during the New Year holiday will be published by RTA through its official digital channels.

Customer Happiness Centres

All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed on Thursday, 1 January 2026.

However, Smart Customer Happiness Areas located at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf and RTA headquarters will continue to operate 24 hours a day as usual.

Service Provider Centres (Vehicle Testing)

All service provider centres, including vehicle testing facilities, will be closed on January 1, 2026.
Official working hours will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026, in line with approved operating schedules.