Enjoy Free Parking in Dubai on New Year’s Day 2026
Dubai residents and visitors can enjoy a small but welcome break during the holiday season. Free parking in Dubai will be available across most public zones on January 1, 2026. The Roads and Transport Authority announced this as part of its New Year service plan.
Normal paid parking will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026. Multi-storey car parks and the Al Khail Gate lot will remain the only exceptions, still charging regular fees. This decision helps ease travel after New Year’s Eve celebrations across the city.
Some Intercity Routes will Pause
Some intercity routes will pause during the holiday period. Route E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station stops running after midday on December 31. Services will remain suspended until January 4, 2026. Travelers heading to Abu Dhabi should switch to Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station instead.
Route E102 will continue from Ibn Battuta on December 31, starting at 2 pm and running until late. Dubai Metro offers extended service to handle the holiday crowds. Both Red and Green Lines will run continuously for nearly 43 hours.
Trains start at 5 am on December 31, 2025, and run continuously until 11:59 pm on January 1, 2026.
Dubai Tram Schedule
The Dubai Tram follows a similar schedule, operating from 6 am on December 31 through to 1 am on January 1. These extended hours make it easier to get around without a car. Vehicle testing centers across Dubai will be closed on January 1, 2026, resuming regular hours on January 2.
Most Customer Happiness Centers will also close for the day. Four Smart Customer Happiness Areas will remain open 24 hours a day at locations in Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, and the RTA headquarters, providing round-the-clock service.
Conclusion
Free parking in Dubai on New Year’s Day gives everyone more flexibility to enjoy the festivities. Checking the S’hail app for real-time updates helps avoid surprises during the holiday. In conclusion, free parking in Dubai on January 1 makes New Year’s outings easier and more relaxed.
Residents and visitors can focus on enjoying the day without worrying about parking fees. Staying aware of the modified bus and metro schedules ensures smooth travel throughout the holiday period. What are your thoughts on free parking in Dubai on January 1? Let us know in the comments below.
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