If you are heading out for New Year’s Day celebrations in Dubai, there is good news. Officials have confirmed Free Public Parking across Dubai for the holiday.
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced free parking in all public parking zones across the city. It applies on Thursday, January 1, 2026, to mark the New Year. The decision is part of the emirate’s wider holiday plans. These aim to ease traffic flow and encourage people to use public spaces during holidays.
أعلنت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في دبي عن مواعيد العمل في جميع خدماتها خلال عطلة رأس السنة الميلادية 1 يناير 2026. وتشمل ساعات العمل مراكز إسعاد المتعاملين، ومواقف المركبات الخاضعة للتعرفة، وحافلات المواصلات العامة، ومترو وترام دبي، ووسائل النقل البحري، ومراكز مزودي الخدمة (الفحص… pic.twitter.com/lwLGJL3D22
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 29, 2025
Free parking covers all public parking areas except multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate (N-365). Standard charges still apply there. Paid parking services will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026, as it has been confirmed by the RTA.
It comes as the UAE declares New Year’s Day a public holiday. Residents and visitors can enjoy festivities, fireworks and family outings across the country. For more information about the UAE’s Public Holiday 2026 schedule, please see our relevant coverage.
RTA announces adjusted timing of public transport
Alongside the free parking announcement, the RTA has also changed operating hours for public transport and customer services over the New Year holiday. It has urged residents to plan their journeys accordingly.
Dubai Metro and Tram Timings
The Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro will run between 5:00 am and 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 31. On Thursday, January 1, Metro services will operate from midnight until 11.59 p.m. Dubai Tram services will operate from 6.00 am to 11.59 pm on December 31, and midnight until 1.00 am on January 1.
Public Bus Services
Bus commuters are advised to check the updated schedules using the S’hail application, which provides real-time transport information.
Starting from the afternoon of December 31, services from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station on Route E100 will be suspended. The last E100 service will leave Abu Dhabi at noon and Al Ghubaiba at 2.00 p.m., with services beginning again on January 4. Travellers coming to Abu Dhabi at this time are requested to use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station. Route E102 will be run by Ibn Battuta from 2.00 p.m. on December 31 to the end of the day.
Marine Transport
Passengers using marine transport are urged to refer to the detailed service timings of the RTA’s official website during the holiday period.
Customer Happiness Centres Now
The RTA confirmed that all Customer Happiness Centres would be closed on January 1st, 2026. However, Smart Customer Happiness Areas located at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf and the RTA headquarters will remain open 24/7 and hence vital services are available.
Support Smooth New Year Travel
According to RTA, these measures include free public parking in Dubai, extended Metro services and digital customer support. They aim to make getting around easier during New Year celebrations while keeping essential transport services running.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their travel ahead and to avail of Free Public Parking Dubai as part of the celebration of the start of 2026 and head out to watch New Year fireworks and drone shows across the city.
Related Reads:
Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai: Fireworks, Parties & Family Events
UAE Announces Public Holiday on New Year and Remote Work on Jan 2
Also read: 3 Days Free Parking in Dubai for UAE National Day Holiday
