Every National Day, the same question gets asked in seven different places: is parking free here too? Each emirate makes its own call, announces it on a different day, and leaves out different car parks. This guide brings National Day free parking and public transport timings for all seven emirates into one page.
The 2026 announcements have not been made yet. Below is what each emirate did for National Day 2025, which is the best guide to what to expect, and we will update every row as Dubai’s RTA, Abu Dhabi’s transport authorities and the municipalities confirm this year’s plans.
Quick answer: National Day holidays are expected on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. Last year, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman all made public parking free during the break, with exceptions for multi-storey car parks in Dubai and blue zones in Sharjah.
Read More: 3 Days Free Parking in Dubai for UAE National Day Holiday
National Day free parking 2026 across all seven emirates
| Emirate | What happened in 2025 | Exceptions in 2025 | 2026 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3 days of free public parking | Multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate (N-365) | Awaiting RTA |
| Abu Dhabi | Free parking and Darb tolls for 3 days, from Sun 30 Nov | None announced | Awaiting announcement |
| Sharjah | Free on Mon 1 and Tue 2 Dec | Blue zones and smart parking yards stay paid | Awaiting municipality |
| Ajman | Free on 1 and 2 Dec | None announced | Awaiting municipality |
| Ras Al Khaimah | No detailed announcement reported | – | Awaiting announcement |
| Umm Al Quwain | No detailed announcement reported | – | Awaiting announcement |
| Fujairah | No detailed announcement reported | – | Awaiting announcement |
The 2025 details come from the announcements gathered by Khaleej Times on 29 November last year.
Dubai: free parking and Metro timings
Dubai’s RTA made all public parking free for three days last year, apart from multi-storey car parks and the Al Khail Gate zone. Free parking ran from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December, and Dubai Metro and Tram ran longer hours over the long weekend.
If you are relying on the Metro to reach the fireworks or celebrations, top up your Nol card before the holiday. Our guide explains where to get a Nol card in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi: parking and Darb tolls
Abu Dhabi made public parking free for three days starting Sunday 30 November 2025, and the Darb toll gates were free for the same period. Fees came back on Wednesday 3 December. Last year’s announcement came only the day before the free period started, so keep an eye on official channels in the last week of November.
Sharjah: watch the blue zones
Sharjah’s announcement often catches people out. Free parking covers regular paid zones, but the blue-signed zones, which charge seven days a week, stay paid on public holidays. The same applies to smart parking yards. If the sign by the meter is blue, pay as usual.
Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah
Ajman made parking free on 1 and 2 December last year and closed its Customer Happiness Centres on both days. For Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, there was no widely reported free parking announcement in 2025. If you are visiting these emirates, assume normal parking fees apply unless the local municipality says otherwise.
When will the 2026 announcements come?
Official National Day holidays are set in UAE law on 2 and 3 December. This year they fall on Wednesday and Thursday, and there is talk of the holiday being moved to make a longer weekend, which could also change the free parking dates. Last year, most of these announcements came in the final days of November, and a similar window is likely this time.
Read More: Sharjah International Book Fair 2026: Free Entry, Timings, Parking and Best Days to Go With Kids
Quick tips for the long weekend
- Do not park in residents-only permit zones, even if parking is free elsewhere
- Free parking is not a free pass. Fines for double parking or blocking other cars still apply
- Check your Salik and Darb balances before driving between emirates
- Leave early on 2 December if you plan to watch the National Day fireworks
Still deciding how to spend the break? Our guide to turning the National Day holiday into nine days off will help.
Pro Tip: Free public parking only covers parking run by the government. Malls and private car parks set their own rules, so a “free parking” announcement does not mean you will not pay at the mall.
FAQs
Is parking free in Dubai for National Day 2026?
It has not been announced yet. Last year, the RTA made public parking free for three days, except multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate (N-365).
Are Darb tolls free in Abu Dhabi during National Day?
They were in 2025, for three days from Sunday 30 November. The 2026 arrangements have not been confirmed.
Do I have to pay for parking in Sharjah’s blue zones on National Day?
Yes. In 2025, blue zones and smart parking yards stayed paid, even though other public parking was free.
Will Dubai Metro run longer hours?
Last year, Dubai Metro and Tram ran extended hours over the National Day weekend. The 2026 timings will be announced by the RTA.
When will the free parking announcements be made?
In 2025, most announcements came in the last few days of November.
