What To Know

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that all paid public parking zones across Dubai will be free on Sunday, November 30, Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2.
The free-parking initiative is part of the city’s efforts to support smooth traffic flow and make it easier for families to move around during the National Day celebrations.
To accommodate the expected surge in visitors and residents travelling across the city, RTA has also announced extended Dubai Metro hours throughout the holiday.

Dubai residents and visitors will enjoy three full days of free public parking as the city prepares to celebrate UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that all paid public parking zones across Dubai will be free on Sunday, November 30, Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2. Parking fees will resume on Wednesday, December 3.

The free-parking initiative is part of the city’s efforts to support smooth traffic flow and make it easier for families to move around during the National Day celebrations. However, the RTA clarified that multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate N-365 will not be included in the free-parking exemption.

Extended Metro Timing for the Long Weekend

To accommodate the expected surge in visitors and residents travelling across the city, RTA has also announced extended Dubai Metro hours throughout the holiday:

Saturday, November 29:
Red and Green Lines will operate from 5:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
Sunday, November 30:
Metro services will run from 8:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
Monday & Tuesday, December 1–2:
Both lines will run from 5:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)

The longer operational hours ensure seamless travel for those heading to National Day events, fireworks, parades, cultural festivals, and beachside gatherings happening across the emirate.

Dubai Tram Holiday Schedule

The Dubai Tram will also follow special timings during the National Day weekend:

Saturday, November 29: 6:00 am to 1:00 am
Sunday, November 30: 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Monday & Tuesday, December 1–2: 6:00 am to 1:00 am

These timings are designed to support movement across Dubai Marina, JBR, Al Sufouh, Palm Jumeirah and other high-traffic tourist destinations.

Public Buses and Marine Transport

For buses, abras, ferries and water taxis, the RTA advised commuters to check the S’hail app for updated holiday schedules. Adjustments will depend on expected demand and crowd flow around major celebration zones.

RTA Customer Happiness Centres

During the National Day holidays:

All physical Customer Happiness Centres will be closed on December 1 and 2.
Smart Customer Happiness Centres — including Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar, and RTA Headquarters — will continue operating 24/7.
Service Provider Centres will also close for the two-day holiday and resume normal operations on December 3.

A Festive Weekend Across Dubai

Each year, National Day brings a surge of activity across Dubai, with residents decorating their cars, attending cultural events, watching fireworks, and enjoying family gatherings. The extended public transport schedule and free parking aim to ensure safe and efficient movement during this high-traffic holiday.

Dubai’s preparations highlight the emirate’s commitment to delivering smooth mobility, even during major national events that attract millions of residents and tourists.

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