As UAE residents gear up for the upcoming long weekend, transport authorities in the UAE have announced complimentary parking throughout the Union Day holidays, along with modified schedules for public transport services across various emirates.
However, it is important to note that although the majority of parking spaces will be free for the next four days, there are certain areas where parking fees will still apply. To ensure you are well-informed, here is everything you need to know.
Dubai
Free Public Parking for three days
According to the announcement made by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Thursday, November 30, public parking will be free during the Union Day holiday, excluding the multi-level parking terminals. This offer will be valid from Saturday, December 2 to Monday, December 4. However, it is important to note that the regular parking tariff will be reinstated on Tuesday, December 5.
Dubai Metro hours extended
From November 30th to December 12th, the Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro will be operational from 5 am until 1 am the following day.
During this period, the Metro link bus service will align its schedule with the operating hours and trips of the Dubai Metro. This synchronization ensures seamless connectivity and convenience for commuters.
Dubai Tram
From November 30 to December 12:
• Monday to Saturday – 6am to 1am (the next day)
• Sunday – 9am to 1am (the next day)
Dubai Public Bus timings
According to the announcement made by the RTA, there will be changes to bus routes on Sheikh Zayed Road from Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 4. Specifically, 16 bus routes, including 10, 15, 21, 7, 8, 83, 91, E101, 98E, 96, 95A, 95, 91A, X94, X92, and E102, will be redirected towards Abu Dhabi. During this redirection period, which will take place from 6.30 to 11.30am, there may be delays in bus services on these routes. Additionally, some trips may be cancelled due to the impact of road diversions.
Earlier, the RTA had announced a temporary traffic diversion on Sheikh Zayed Road, specifically affecting the stretch between Trade Centre Roundabout and Expo Intersection. This diversion will be in effect from December 1 to December 3, 2023, and will only impact traffic heading towards Abu Dhabi.
It is important to note that all other Dubai Bus routes will operate as usual, with no changes to their operational hours.
- Friday – 5am to 12.30am (the next day)
• Saturday and Sunday – 6am to 1am (the next day)
• Monday – 4.30am to 12.30am (the next day)
Intercity Bus Routes
These intercity routes from Dubai to other emirates will continue to be in operation:
- E16 from Sabkha to Hatta
• E101 from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi
• E201 from Al Ghubaiba to Al Ain
• E303 from Union Station to Al Jubail, Sharjah
• E306 from Al Ghubaiba to Al Jubail, Sharjah
• E307 from Deira City Centre to Al Jubail, Sharjah
• E307A from Abu Hail to Al Jubail, Sharjah
• E315 from Etisalat to Al Muwailah, Sharjah
• E400 from Union to Ajman
• E411 from Etisalat to Ajman
• E700 from Al Ittihad Station to Fujairah
Abu Dhabi
Free Mawaqif parking
According to an announcement by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), surface parking in Abu Dhabi will be free of charge during the holiday period, commencing on Saturday, December 2, 2023, and concluding at 7:59 am on Tuesday, December 5. This initiative aims to provide convenience and ease for residents and visitors during the festive season.
Abu Dhabi public bus timings
Public bus services in the emirate will operate according to the schedule of weekends and official holidays. To access the bus schedule, you can visit the ITC website at https://itc.gov.ae/en/pb-bus-service or download the ‘Darbi’ app, which is the official public transportation app of the Emirates.
Customer happiness centres
ITC’s customer service centres will be closed during the public holiday and will reopen on Tuesday, December 5th.
No Darb toll
According to the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the Darb toll gate will be free of charge during the Union Day break and will resume operations on Tuesday, December 5th.
Sharjah
Starting from Saturday, December 2, until Monday, December 4, residents of Sharjah will enjoy an exemption from public parking fees. However, it is important to note that this free parking privilege does not extend to specific areas that are designated as paid parking zones throughout the week. To identify these areas, keep an eye out for yellow boards with blue signs underneath, indicating that parking fees are applicable even on public holidays. It is crucial to adhere to these regulations as paid parking will resume on Tuesday, December 5.
Ajman
Free public parking
According to the Ajman Municipality, motorists will be granted an exemption from paying parking fees starting from Saturday, December 2nd, until Monday, December 4th. However, it is important to note that paid parking services will resume on Tuesday, December 5th.
