Dubai Announces 3 Days of Free Public Parking During Eid Al Fitr 2026

Motorists in Dubai will enjoy three days of free public parking during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, according to an announcement by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The authority confirmed that all public parking zones will be free of charge from the first day of Eid until the end of the third day of the holiday, with the exemption applying across the city except for multi-storey parking facilities. Regular parking tariffs will resume from the fourth day of Eid.

Eid Date Dependent on Moon Sighting

Eid Al Fitr in the United Arab Emirates is expected to fall on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the start of the new Islamic month. The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, meaning official dates are confirmed after the moon sighting.

Metro and Tram Operating Hours

The RTA also announced revised operating schedules for public transport services during the Eid holiday.

Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines):

• March 18 to March 21: 5:00am to 1:00am (next day)

• March 22: 8:00am to 1:00am (next day)

Dubai Tram:

• Wednesday to Saturday: 6:00am to 1:00am (next day)

• Sunday: 9:00am to 1:00am (next day)

Bus Service Adjustments

Several bus services will also be temporarily modified during the holiday period.

• Route E100 will not operate from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station from the afternoon of March 18 until March 22.

• Passengers can use Route E101, operating from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi.

• Route E102 will operate between Al Jafiliya Bus Station and Musaffah from March 19 to March 22.

Vehicle Testing Centres to Close

Vehicle technical inspection service provider centres will remain closed from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21. Services will resume on Sunday at several locations, including:

• Tasjeel Al Twar

• AutoPro Al Mankhool

• Tasjeel Al Awir

• Tasjeel Discovery Gardens

• Al Yalayis

• Shamil Al Muhaisnah

• Al Mutakamela Al Quoz

• Shamil Nad Al Hamar

If Ramadan completes 30 days, the Eid holiday could extend to Sunday, March 22, meaning all service provider centres will remain closed until then.

Customer Happiness Centres

RTA Customer Happiness Centres will also close during the Eid holiday. However, 24-hour services will continue at the Customer Happiness Centre in Umm Ramool and the Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Deira.

The RTA said the revised schedules aim to ensure smooth travel and convenience for residents and visitors during the festive period.