Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled comprehensive transportation arrangements for the 2026 New Year period, headlined by complimentary public parking across most zones. The initiative grants motorists free parking access on January 1, 2026, excluding multi-storey parking facilities and the specific Al Khail Gate (N-365) area. Normal parking charges will resume on Friday, January 2.
The announcement, made on December 29, 2025, forms part of a broader package of holiday service adjustments. In a significant operational enhancement, both Red and Green Line Dubai Metro services will operate continuously for approximately 43 hours to accommodate revelers. This uninterrupted service will run from 5:00 AM on December 31, 2025, through midnight on January 1, 2026.
Complementing the metro extension, Dubai Tram services will extend operations until 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day. Intercity bus routes undergo temporary modifications, with Route E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station ceasing operations from the afternoon of December 31. The final departures are scheduled for 12:00 noon from Abu Dhabi and 2:00 PM from Al Ghubaiba, with services remaining suspended until January 4, 2026. Alternative routes E101 and E102 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station will provide connectivity to Abu Dhabi during this period.
Administrative facilities including all RTA Customer Happiness Centres and vehicle testing centers will remain closed on January 1, though smart customer service areas at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, and RTA headquarters will maintain 24-hour operations throughout the holiday period.