Dubai Announces Free Parking and Revised Public Transport Schedules for Prophet's Birthday Holiday

Dubai Observes Prophet's Birthday with Free Parking and Adjusted Services

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has officially announced a period of free public parking across the emirate. This initiative is in observance of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, known as Mawlid al-Nabi, which falls on a Friday. The measure is designed to alleviate congestion and make it easier for residents and visitors to participate in religious observances and celebratory gatherings without the concern of parking fees in designated public areas.

This temporary relaxation of parking charges is a common practice during significant public holidays in the United Arab Emirates. It aims to enhance the convenience for everyone moving around the city during these special times.

Details on Parking and Public Transport

All public parking spaces managed by the RTA will be free of charge throughout Friday. Motorists will not be required to pay for using these facilities. However, it is important for the public to note that multi-storey parking garages will continue to operate under their standard payment systems, as this exemption typically applies to street-level and open public parking lots.

Beyond parking, the RTA has also released updated schedules for various public transport services. These adjustments will affect the operating hours for crucial transport modes such as the Dubai Metro, public buses, and marine transport services, including the Water Taxi and traditional Abra. These changes are put in place to manage the expected increase in passenger numbers and to ensure that public transportation remains efficient for those attending holiday events or visiting family and friends. Commuters are strongly encouraged to check the RTA's official communication channels for the most current timings to plan their journeys effectively.

Other Public Services and Salik

In addition to the RTA's announcements, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has also specified its operational hours for the holiday period. This ensures that essential government services related to residency and foreign affairs remain accessible to the public, albeit with potentially modified timings.

It is crucial for drivers to remember that while public parking may be free, Dubai's electronic toll gate system, known as Salik, will continue to operate as usual. This means that charges for using tolled roads will still apply, as the Salik system is separate from parking regulations and functions independently to manage traffic flow on major arteries across the city.

What happens next

Following the conclusion of the public holiday on Friday, regular parking fees will be reinstated, and all public transport services will revert to their standard operating schedules starting from Saturday. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed through official government announcements for any future updates or changes to public services, particularly in anticipation of upcoming holidays or events.