Dubai motorists will be able to park free of charge across most public parking spaces on Friday, Aug. 28, as the emirate marks the Prophet’s Birthday public holiday.
The Roads and Transport Authority said the parking waiver will apply throughout the day, but multi-storey parking facilities will continue to charge applicable fees.
Normal parking charges will resume Saturday, Aug. 29.
The holiday falls on Friday, giving residents and visitors a chance to plan trips around Dubai with a combination of free street parking and extended public transport services.
Dubai Metro, Tram timings
The Dubai Metro Red and Green lines will operate from 5 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday, according to the holiday schedule.
Dubai Tram services will run from 6 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday.
The RTA operates both Metro lines across major residential, commercial and tourist areas of the emirate, making public transport an alternative for residents expecting increased traffic around popular destinations during the holiday.
Passengers can check journey information and service updates through the RTA’s official channels and S’hail journey-planning service. Dubai RTA
Abu Dhabi bus connection changes
Residents traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi should note a temporary change to intercity bus services.
The E100 service from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi will not operate from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30.
Passengers using the route are advised to take the E101 service from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi instead. The RTA’s journey planner is already displaying the E100 suspension for the affected dates.
The change is particularly relevant for commuters and residents planning holiday travel between the two emirates.
Customer and vehicle services
Most RTA Customer Happiness Centres and vehicle technical testing centres will also be closed during the holiday, although selected locations will continue to provide services.
For Dubai public bus services, passengers are advised to check the S’hail app before travelling because schedules can vary during the holiday period.
The UAE observes the Prophet’s Birthday as one of its official public holidays, with the date determined according to the Islamic calendar.
Residents planning to drive into busy areas are advised to check parking restrictions and allow additional travel time, particularly around major attractions and commercial districts.
The free-parking arrangement ends Saturday, Aug. 29, when regular public parking charges are scheduled to resume. Passengers traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi should also plan around the E100 suspension, which remains in place through Aug. 30.
