Dubai residents and visitors can enjoy smoother travel and cost-free parking this long weekend as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolls out extended public transport hours and special arrangements for the Eid Al Etihad holiday. From November 30 to December 2, commuters can plan their journeys with free parking, longer metro and tram schedules, and ongoing access to key RTA services.
Free public parking
The RTA has announced that all public parking in Dubai will be free during the Eid Al Etihad holiday. The free parking period begins on Sunday, November 30, and continues through Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 2. Residents should note that this exemption does not include multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate N-365, where standard tariffs will still apply. Paid parking will resume citywide on Wednesday, December 3.This move aims to make city travel easier and encourage residents to participate in holiday celebrations without worrying about parking fees.
Extended Dubai metro and tram timings
To accommodate increased commuter demand over the long weekend, Dubai Metro and Tram services will operate extended hours:Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines)
- Saturday, November 29: 5:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
- Sunday, November 30: 8:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
- Monday–Tuesday, December 1–2: 5:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
Dubai Tram
- Saturday, November 29: 6:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
- Sunday, November 30: 9:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
- Monday–Tuesday, December 1–2: 6:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
These extended hours are intended to help commuters enjoy a seamless travel experience while navigating the city during holiday events.
Public buses and marine transport
The RTA has advised passengers using public buses and marine transport to check the S’hail app for any schedule updates during the holiday period on Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 2. This ensures passengers are aware of temporary adjustments and can plan their routes efficiently.
RTA customer services during the holiday
All standard Customer Happiness Centres will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 1 and 2, in line with the Eid Al Etihad holiday. However, the RTA’s Smart Customer Happiness Centres located in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar, and at RTA Headquarters will remain operational 24 hours a day, providing access to essential digital services.Similarly, Service Provider Centres will be closed during the holiday and will reopen on Wednesday, December 3, following regular working hours. These arrangements aim to balance public service accessibility with holiday observances.
Looking ahead
The RTA’s coordinated measures for free parking, extended public transport hours, and selective operational service centres are designed to support smooth mobility across Dubai during the Eid Al Etihad holiday. Commuters are encouraged to plan their travel using the S’hail app and take advantage of the free parking and extended metro and tram hours to make the most of the three day holiday.
