Public holidays in Dubai usually bring a mix of excitement, last-minute plans, and that quiet relief of skipping the daily grind. This September, the city’s gearing up for the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday holiday, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out a few updates that might just make your day smoother. Spoiler: Parking is free.
Free Parking In Dubai For Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday Holiday
Let’s be honest, nothing sparks joy for drivers in Dubai quite like the words “free parking.” On Friday, 5 September, all public parking zones will be free of charge. Yes, that means you can head into town without watching the meter like a hawk. But, and there’s always a but, multi-level car parks and the Al Khail Gate Parking (N.365) won’t be included. So, if you were planning to tuck your car neatly into those, you’ll still need to pay up. Fair’s fair.
From Saturday, 6 September, regular paid parking hours return, so don’t get too comfortable. Consider this a one-day perk, not a permanent shift in Dubai’s car-parking philosophy.
Metro, Tram and Bus Holiday Timetable
Now, onto the lifeline for many commuters and explorers: public transport. Both the Red and Green Dubai Metro lines will be running from 5 am until 1 am the next day on Friday. That’s plenty of time for early birds and night owls alike.
The Dubai Tram will also stick to a generous schedule, operating from 6 am to 1 am. Handy if you’re hopping around Marina or Al Sufouh without wanting to deal with traffic.
As for buses, things get a little less straightforward. The RTA has hinted at schedule adjustments during the holiday. Instead of memorising a long list of changes, the advice is simple: check the S’hail app. It’s basically your cheat sheet for avoiding missed connections.
Marine Transport
If your idea of making the most of a public holiday involves hopping on an abra or cruising across the Creek, then marine transport timings will matter. RTA hasn’t spelled out the exact schedule changes in detail, but directs everyone to check online for the latest updates. Truth be told, that’s a small price to pay for a breezy boat ride with the best city views.
Customer Happiness Centres Mostly Closed For Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
Customer Happiness Centres will take the day off on Friday, 5 September. But the smart ones, including branches in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Tawar, and RTA’s Head Office, will remain open round the clock. In practice, if you’re desperate to sort something out, the self-service options will still be there.
Vehicle Testing Centres Back The Next Day
For anyone planning to get their car tested, don’t. Service provider centres will shut down on the holiday, reopening with their usual hours from Saturday, 6 September. It’s a good reminder to sort paperwork before the weekend rush kicks in.
Also Read: Dubai RTA Launches 5 New Bus Routes And Changes Routes For 9 Others; Details Inside
The Bottom Line
So, free parking (mostly), longer metro and tram hours, and the usual day-off adjustments, that’s Dubai’s holiday setup in a nutshell. To be fair, the RTA does a decent job of keeping things running while giving drivers a break. If you’re smart about it, you could plan a full day out in the city without spending a dirham on parking or stressing over schedules. And come on, that’s not a bad way to mark a holiday.
Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Dubai/Website
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