The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released a comprehensive guide to navigating Dubai’s public transport and parking zones during the upcoming 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) holiday weekend, spanning from Saturday, November 29, through Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The core message from the authority is clear: plan your journeys early and use public transit to effortlessly bypass potential road congestion.Dubai’s 54th Union Day travel changesDubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has published extended operating hours for public transport during the 54th Eid Al Etihad holiday so travellers can reach airports and key hubs more easily. Metro and tram services will run longer than usual across the long weekend, for example, metro services are scheduled to operate from early morning until late at night on holiday dates announced by RTA. The RTA also confirmed adjustments to bus and marine schedules and said customers can check live updates via the S’hail app.RTA emphasised planning ahead and avoiding peak-road travel where possible, noting the extra demand around airports during holiday periods. The authority shared the updated timings and related advisories on its official channels and social media.
Dubai Metro luggage rules
To keep cabins clear and safe, RTA allows each passenger up to two pieces of luggage on metro and tram services: one large suitcase and one small suitcase. The exact permitted dimensions are:
- Large suitcase: maximum 81 cm × 58 cm × 30 cm.
- Small suitcase/carry-on: typical guidance lists approximately 55 cm × 38 cm × 20 cm for the second piece.
All luggage must be kept in the dedicated luggage areas inside each carriage; you should not block aisles, doors or gangways. These limits are consistent with RTA’s baggage policy and multiple transport guides summarising the official rules.
If your bags are irregularly shaped or oversized, they may be rejected for safety and operational reasons, travellers with such items should opt for taxis, private transfers, or check-in services instead. News coverage of the holiday advisory highlights this clearly so passengers aren’t stopped at the platform.
New metro operating timings
To accommodate the influx of celebratory and travel-related traffic, RTA has extended the operational hours for the Metro and Tram lines across the long weekend.
| Service | Saturday, Nov 29 | Sunday, Nov 30 | Monday & Tuesday, Dec 1–2 |
| Dubai Metro (Red & Green Lines) | 5:00 am – 1:00 am (next day) | 8:00 am – 1:00 am (next day) | 5:00 am – 1:00 am (next day) |
| Dubai Tram | 6:00 am – 1:00 am (next day) | 9:00 am – 1:00 am (next day) | 6:00 am – 1:00 am (next day) |
For public bus schedules and marine transport (like the Ferry and Abra), travelers must check for updated timings for December 1 and 2 via the S’hail app and the RTA official website, respectively.
RTA’s 2 days gift to motorists
Motorists in Dubai will benefit from a fantastic holiday perk: Public Parking will be free of charge across the emirate on Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2. Paid parking tariffs will officially resume on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.Important Parking Exceptions: The free parking rule does not apply to:
- All multi-storey car parks.
- The designated paid parking zone at Al Khail Gate (N-365).
The RTA’s clear, enforceable luggage policy and holiday timetable help keep carriage aisles clear, speed up boarding and protect passenger safety during peak holiday flows. Following the rules, measuring your suitcases, using designated luggage bays, and checking live RTA updates, saves time and prevents stress before flights. The combined aim: safer, faster journeys for everyone over Eid Al Etihad.
