Dubai residents and visitors will enjoy three full days of free public parking as the city prepares to celebrate UAE National Day 2025, also known as Eid Al Etihad. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed 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.
Free Parking for UAE National Day 2025
The Dubai free parking UAE National Day 2025 initiative is part of the city's broader effort to support smooth traffic flow and make it easier for families to move around during the holiday. The RTA clarified, however, that multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate N-365 will not be included in the free-parking exemption — so plan accordingly if you typically use those facilities.
Extended Dubai Metro Hours
To handle the expected surge in residents and visitors travelling across the city, the RTA has announced extended Dubai Metro hours on all Red and Green Lines throughout the holiday:
- 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 and Tuesday, December 1–2: 5:00 am to 1:00 am (next day)
The extended service ensures seamless travel for those heading to National Day events, fireworks displays, parades, cultural festivals, and beachside gatherings taking place across the emirate.
Dubai Tram Holiday Schedule
The Dubai Tram will also follow special operating timings during the National Day long weekend:
- Saturday, November 29: 6:00 am to 1:00 am - Sunday, November 30: 9:00 am to 1:00 am - Monday and Tuesday, December 1–2: 6:00 am to 1:00 am
These hours are designed to keep movement flowing 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 has 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 throughout the city.
RTA Customer Happiness Centres
During the National Day public 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 Long Weekend Across Dubai
Each year, UAE National Day brings a surge of activity across the city, with residents decorating their cars, attending cultural events, watching fireworks, and enjoying family gatherings. The extended public transport schedule and free parking across Dubai aim to ensure safe and efficient movement during this high-traffic holiday period.
Dubai's preparations highlight the emirate's commitment to delivering smooth mobility, even during major national events that draw millions of residents and tourists to its streets, waterfronts, and public spaces.
