In celebration of the Islamic Hijri New Year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that all public parking zones across Dubai, excluding multi-level parking terminals, will be free of charge on Friday, June 27.
The decision aligns with the official public holiday declared across the UAE to mark the beginning of the new lunar year. The RTA confirmed on Wednesday that regular parking fees will resume on Saturday, June 28, as the city returns to its usual operations.
The announcement is part of a broader schedule update released by the RTA to inform residents and visitors about operational changes across various transportation services during the holiday.
Dubai Metro services on Friday will run from 5:00am until 1:00am the next day (Saturday), while the Dubai Tram will operate from 6:00am on Friday until 1:00am Saturday.
All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed on Friday in observance of the holiday. However, the Smart Customer Happiness Centres located in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and the RTA Head Office will continue to provide services 24/7 via smart kiosks and digital platforms.
In addition, all RTA-affiliated service provider centres, including vehicle testing facilities, will remain closed on Friday. These services will resume normal operations on Saturday.
The RTA has advised commuters planning to use public transport on Friday to consult the S’hail app or the official RTA mobile application for updated schedules related to buses and marine transport.
Authorities are also reminding the public to plan their journeys in advance, particularly those who may rely on park-and-ride facilities or need to travel to family gatherings or religious events during the Hijri New Year holiday.
The announcement comes as part of the UAE’s broader initiative to accommodate public needs during religious and national holidays, ensuring smooth and efficient transport options while allowing residents to observe the occasion without logistical inconvenience.
The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, and is a significant day for Muslims around the world. Although typically observed in a subdued manner, it serves as an important spiritual milestone and a time for reflection.
The RTA also reminded road users and passengers to respect traffic laws and health regulations during the holiday period and encouraged residents to take advantage of the smart services available online for various transport and licensing needs.
For real-time updates, residents can follow official RTA social media channels or check notifications via WhatsApp Channels, where timely alerts and service notices are regularly posted.
With convenient transport timings, free parking, and uninterrupted access to digital services, Dubai residents are expected to enjoy a seamless transition into the new Islamic year.