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Dubai Just Made New Year’s Day Easier: Free Parking and 43-Hour Metro Service

Dubai confirms free public parking on January 1, 2026, plus extended Metro hours and transport changes for New Year celebrations.

  • Publish date: since 3 hours Reading time: 1 min read
Dubai Just Made New Year’s Day Easier: Free Parking and 43-Hour Metro Service

Dubai is kicking off 2026 with some good news for anyone heading out on New Year’s Day. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced free public parking, longer Metro hours, and a few transport tweaks to help residents and visitors move around the city with less stress.

Here’s the quick breakdown.

Free Public Parking on January 1

Public parking across Dubai will be free on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Two exceptions apply: multi-storey parking facilities and Al Khail Gate (N-365) will still be paid.

Parking fees will return on Friday, January 2.

Dubai Metro Runs Almost Non-Stop

To handle New Year crowds, the Red and Green Lines will operate continuously for nearly 43 hours.

  • Starts: 5am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025

  • Ends: 11:59pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026

That means no last-train panic after fireworks.

Dubai Tram Timings

The Dubai Tram will run from 6am on December 31 until 1am on January 1, covering most New Year plans along the Marina and JBR areas.

Intercity Bus Changes to Abu Dhabi

If you’re heading to Abu Dhabi, note these temporary changes:

  • Route E100 (Al Ghubaiba–Abu Dhabi)

    • Stops operating from the afternoon of December 31

    • Last trips: 12 noon from Abu Dhabi, 2pm from Al Ghubaiba

    • Service resumes on January 4, 2026

  • Alternative option: Use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station

  • Route E102 will operate from Ibn Battuta Bus Station on December 31 starting 2pm until the end of the day

RTA Centres Closed for the Holiday

  • Vehicle testing centres will be closed on January 1, reopening January 2

  • RTA Customer Happiness Centres will also be closed on January 1

  • Smart Customer Happiness Areas at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, and RTA HQ will stay open 24/7 as usual

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