Dubai's Eid Al Etihad Celebration Transport Boost

Three Days of Free Parking and Extended Transport in Dubai During Eid Al Etihad Celebration

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that public parking will be free for three days during Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's national holiday. This move provides significant relief for those celebrating, especially for those traveling by car to festive events. The decision also reflects the city's adaptability to the needs of residents and visitors during such a prominent period.

Free Parking from November 30 to December 2

According to the official announcement, all surface public parking spaces will be free on November 30th, December 1st, and December 2nd. Parking fees will resume on December 3rd, Wednesday. It is important to note that the free parking does not extend to multi-story parking structures and the Al Khail Gate N-365 zone. This means that while most parts of the city will not require parking fees, certain areas will still have charges.

This decision could mean significant savings for drivers, especially over a long weekend, when families often participate in outdoor events, fireworks, national holiday parades, and other community events. Additionally, the measure could help reduce traffic congestion, as drivers can choose more flexibly where to park.

Extended Dubai Metro Hours

The RTA has also provided information about adjustments in public transport schedules during the festive season. The Dubai Metro, one of the city's most popular and reliable means of transportation, will operate with extended hours during the holiday.

On November 29th (Saturday), the metro – both the Red and Green lines – will run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day.

On November 30th (Sunday), the service will operate from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

On December 1st and 2nd (Monday and Tuesday), the metro will again start early at 5 a.m. and operate until 1 a.m. the next day.

These times are particularly important for those participating in evening celebrations or traveling longer distances within the city. The extended hours facilitate crowd dispersal and quicker access to major events.

Dubai Tram Festive Schedule

The Dubai Tram, which primarily serves the coastal and promenade zones of the city, will also be welcoming passengers with extended operating hours:

On November 29th (Saturday), it will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day.

On November 30th (Sunday), it will start at 9 a.m. and end at 1 a.m.

On December 1st and 2nd, the tram will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The tram operates mainly in areas frequented by tourists, so this adjustment will also help celebrants conveniently reach areas like Dubai Marina, JBR, or Al Sufouh.

Bus and Waterway Transport – Shail App Recommended

The RTA advises all passengers wishing to access events via bus or water transport to stay updated through the official Shail app during the holiday period. Holiday schedules may differ from the usual, so it is advisable to plan ahead.

The Shail app provides real-time information on bus departures, water taxi and water bus availability, and also serves as an integrated route planner. This is particularly useful for those wishing to avoid potential traffic jams using public transport.

Customer Service Operation During the Holiday

The RTA has announced that traditional Customer Happiness Centre offices will be closed on December 1st and 2nd. This means that personal access to customer services will be unavailable on the two main days of the holiday. However, digital services will continue to operate without interruption.

The Smart Customer Happiness Centre units, including locations such as Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar, and the RTA central office, will remain accessible 24 hours. These self-service centers allow for most transactions to be completed without human agent intervention.

Service Provider Centers Operation

Offices dealing with vehicle services, registration, and other official matters will also be closed during the holiday and will only reopen on December 3rd, Wednesday. Therefore, it is advisable to handle all transactions in advance to avoid delays.

Closing Thoughts

The holiday measures introduced by Dubai reflect the city's organization and foresight. Free parking, extended metro and tram hours, along with the continuous availability of digital customer services, ensure that the celebrations can proceed smoothly, stress-free, and conveniently. Such measures also contribute to Dubai being an exemplary city not only in economic and tourism aspects but in livability as well.

(Source based on Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcement.)