Ease of Travel for Eid Al Fitr Celebrants
Free Parking and Extended Metro Operation During Eid Al Fitr
During the Eid Al Fitr celebration, residents and visitors in Dubai can expect several convenient measures, including free public parking and extended public transport services. During the festival, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is implementing significant changes to ease transportation in the emirate.
Free Parking During the Celebration
The RTA announced that all public parking spaces in Dubai will be free during Eid Al Fitr, except for multi-level parking facilities. The free parking period will last from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, which, according to the Islamic calendar, marks the first three days of Eid Al Fitr. Parking fees will be reinstated from Shawwal 4 onwards.
This measure helps celebrants travel to family gatherings, mosques, and community events without having to worry about parking fees.
Extended Dubai Metro and Tram Operating Hours
The Dubai Metro's red and green lines will operate with extended hours during the festive period:
Saturday, March 29: 05:00 to the next day at 01:00
Sunday, March 30: 08:00 to the next day at 01:00
Monday to Wednesday, March 31 – April 2: 05:00 to the next day at 01:00
The Dubai Tram will also operate with extended hours:
Saturday to Monday, March 29–31: 06:00 to the next day at 01:00
Sunday, March 30: 09:00 to the next day at 01:00
These timings allow residents and tourists to travel comfortably to festive events and programs without crowding.
Changes in Bus Routes
According to the RTA, the E100 bus route (Al Ghubaiba Bus Station – Abu Dhabi) will not operate from the afternoon of Ramadan 28 to Shawwal 3. During this time, passengers are advised to use the E101 route, which runs between Ibn Battuta Bus Station and Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, the E102 route will be suspended from Ramadan 28 to Shawwal 3.
Detailed schedules for other bus and water transport routes are available on the RTA's official website or via the S’hail application.
Customer Service and Technical Testing Centers
Vehicle testing centers will also be closed from Shawwal 1–3, resuming normal operations from Shawwal 4. Similarly, customer service centers will be closed during this period.
However, the Smart Customer Happiness Centres – located in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, and the RTA Headquarters – will remain open 24/7 throughout the holiday.
Conclusion
Eid Al Fitr is not only a significant religious and cultural festival in the UAE, but it also serves as an opportunity for the city to support the celebrating community with convenient services. Free parking, extended metro and tram operations, and alternative bus solutions aim to ensure that the Eid Al Fitr period in Dubai is hassle-free and safe.
