Free Transit in Dubai for Prophet's Birthday

Free Parking and Extended Transit for Prophet's Birthday in Dubai

Dubai's Festive Announcement on Transportation and Parking Regulations

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced in an official statement that on September 5, 2025, Friday – in celebration of the Prophet's Birthday – all public parking will be free across the city. Exceptions include multi-story parking garages and the N.365 designated parking area at Al Khail Gate zone, where parking fees will still apply.

Paid parking will resume on September 6, 2025, Saturday, returning to its usual operation, making a long weekend with a day's parking relief for residents and visitors. The announcement aims to facilitate holiday transportation and encourage family, friends gatherings, and religious commemorations in the most convenient form.

Customer service centers closed – except smart centers

The RTA also informed that its customer service centers will be closed on September 5 in observance of the Prophet's Birthday. This applies to the traditional Customer Happiness Centre facilities. However, utilizing the advancements of the digital age, the 'smart' customer centers – such as those located in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Tawar districts, and the RTA headquarters' Smart Customer Happiness Centre – remain accessible 24/7.

This is particularly useful for those who want to quickly handle vehicle registration, parking permits, or any other transport-related issues, since the self-service systems operate continuously despite the holiday.

Extended hours on Dubai Metro lines

To ensure seamless transportation, the RTA announced that the Dubai Metro Red and Green lines will operate on extended hours on September 5. The first trains will depart at 5 AM, with the last ones running until 1 AM the following day. This change allows residents to use public transportation for longer periods in light of the holiday, whether for family visits, festive events, or evening shopping.

Other affected services

The festive announcement extends to other transportation services:

Public Buses: Buses will follow the usual schedule adjusted for the holiday.

Dubai Tram: Tram services will continue, taking into account increased travel demands.

Marine Transport: Water taxi, abra services, and other marine transport will operate, though potentially on a different schedule.

Vehicle Technical Testing: Some testing centers will be closed, while others may operate at reduced capacity, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Why is this important for residents?

The Prophet's Birthday is one of the most significant religious holidays in the region, and it provides an opportunity for residents to engage in commemoration, join community programs, and have family gatherings. The provision of free parking and extended public transportation significantly contributes to ensuring the celebration is smooth and convenient.

The flexibility of transportation services is especially valuable for those returning from work, school, or other emirates for the holiday. The absence of regular parking burdens and the extended metro hours reduce the chances of traffic jams and promote the use of sustainable transportation solutions.

Advantages of digital services during the holiday

The RTA’s Smart Customer Happiness centers and online platforms allow self-service processing, eliminating the need for physical presence for simpler matters. This is particularly valuable during the holiday period, when many focus on relaxation and family activities.

Via the RTA app and website, the following can be managed easily:

Extension of vehicle registration

Purchase or renewal of parking permits

Route planning by metro or bus

Complaint handling or feedback

Summary

Dubai has once again demonstrated that modern urban planning and resident-friendly solutions can go hand in hand. The introduction of free parking, extended public transportation operation, and support for digital services in celebration of the Prophet's Birthday all serve the goal of ensuring the festivities are uninterrupted, smooth, and comfortable for everyone.

The city's infrastructure and the RTA's continually evolving systems allow residents to enjoy the holidays without the transportation or administrative difficulties diminishing the experience. In this way, Dubai sets an example for other major cities worldwide, not just as an economic or tourism hub, but as a livable city responsive to holiday needs.

(The article is based on a statement from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)