Dubai RTA New Year timings 2026: Metro, Tram, parking and road tips

New Year’s Eve in Dubai is exciting, but travel can feel like trying to move through a packed souk at peak time. If we plan early, we save time, stress, and missed bookings.

Below, we’re sharing the official RTA holiday service timings so we can plan journeys from 31 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. This is useful for commuters, families, visitors, and business owners running shifts across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider UAE.

Key points to keep in mind: the Metro runs for an extended period, public parking rules change on 1 January, and road restrictions can affect areas around Downtown Dubai. Before heading out, it’s smart to check live updates for any last-minute changes.

RTA New Year’s timings 2026 in Dubai, the quick, practical summary

A night view of the Dubai Metro with the city lit up for New Year celebrations, created with AI.

If you’re searching for Dubai Metro New Year timings, an RTA holiday schedule, or whether Dubai parking is free on 1 January, this is the simple view.

Here are the timings and rules that most people need first:

ServiceNew Year timing (Dubai)What it means in practiceDubai Metro (Red and Green Lines)From 05:00 on 31 December 2025 until 23:59 on 1 January 2026Metro runs for about 43 hours with no overnight gapDubai Tram06:00 to 23:59 on 31 December 2025, then 00:00 to 01:00 (early 2 January 2026)Helpful for late-night trips after midnightPublic busesTimings may change on 1 January 2026Confirm in the S’hail app before you set offTaxisOperate 24/7 as usualExpect high demand after midnightPublic parkingFree on 1 January 2026 in most zonesExceptions apply, paid parking returns on 2 JanuaryVehicle testing and service provider centresClosed on 1 January 2026Plan inspections and renewals before or after

For the full official announcement, we recommend checking the Dubai Government Media Office update: RTA announces New Year’s timings 2026.

Dubai Metro and Tram New Year schedule, what time do they run?

The headline service is simple. Dubai Metro runs continuously from 05:00 on 31 December 2025 through to 23:59 on 1 January 2026. If we’re travelling for fireworks, late dining, hotel shifts, or event work, this is usually the fastest option.

Dubai Tram operates from 06:00 to 23:59 on 31 December 2025, then continues after midnight from 00:00 to 01:00 into early 2 January 2026, which supports late-night movement around tram-linked areas.

A few planning tips that save real time:

• Travel earlier than you think you need to, especially if you’re heading towards Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
• Expect crowd control at key stations, plus queues for entry and platform access.
• If the closest station to Burj Khalifa is restricted, choose an alternative nearby station and be prepared to walk part of the way.

Buses, taxis, and marine transport, what changes on New Year’s Day?

For buses, the most practical advice is also the simplest: check the S’hail app for the latest routes and timings on 1 January 2026. Services can shift on public holidays, and it only takes one changed route to throw off a shift handover or a family meet-up.

Taxis run as normal, 24/7. That’s reassuring, but demand can spike after midnight, so it’s wise to plan pick-up points away from the busiest streets.

For marine transport and waterfront travel, there may be special arrangements on the water during peak celebration hours. If you’re planning a dhow cruise, marina viewing, or water taxi movements, keep an eye on official safety guidance like the Dubai Government Media Office update on marine traffic planning: Dubai Maritime Authority mandatory plan for marine traffic on New Year’s Eve 2026.

Parking, road closures, and service centres, what drivers and businesses should know

Transport planning isn’t just personal, it’s operational. If we run retail, hospitality, logistics, or home services, small delays can stack up fast. A late driver becomes a late delivery, and a late delivery becomes a customer complaint.

For New Year, three areas matter most for planning:

Costs: public parking rules change for one day.
Access: road restrictions can affect Downtown and major corridors.
Admin: some RTA service centres close on 1 January.

We also suggest sharing a short travel plan with staff who work shifts, plus any customers with timed bookings (salons, clinics, call-out repair, home cleaning, and deliveries). Clear arrival windows reduce stress on both sides.

If you’re also using New Year to update your supplier list, we can keep local options easy to find by using the directory. You can Explore the UAE business directory listings to locate services by category and location across Dubai and the other Emirates.

Is parking free on 1 January 2026 in Dubai?

Yes, public parking is free on 1 January 2026 in Dubai, with exceptions.

The main exceptions to remember are:

• Multi-storey car parks
• Al Khail Gate (zone N-365)

Paid parking fees resume on 2 January 2026.

Business impact is straightforward. If staff drive in on 1 January, they can budget differently and may arrive earlier if they’re not hunting for paid zones. We should still check signage and RTA updates, because special event instructions can apply in high-footfall areas.

Downtown Dubai road closures on 31 December, how to avoid delays

New Year travel isn’t just about opening hours. It’s also about where you can physically drive.

For safety and crowd management, road restrictions can be introduced from late afternoon into the evening, especially around Downtown Dubai, and plans may also include closures on major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road during set windows.

Practical ways to reduce delays:

• Use the Metro where possible, then walk the final stretch.
• If you must drive, arrive early and expect staged restrictions.
• Set your pick-up and drop-off points a little further out, then walk in.
• Keep official alerts open and be ready to change plan quickly.

When we plan this way, we keep people safe, protect staff timing, and reduce pressure on security teams managing large crowds.

Our simple New Year travel checklist for Dubai residents and visitors

Before you go out, 7 quick steps to save time

• Confirm timings in S’hail and save your route.
• Top up your Nol card before you leave home, don’t rely on last-minute queues.
• If you’re driving part-way, use a park-and-ride approach where it makes sense.
• Pick an alternative station near Burj Khalifa in case access rules change at the closest station.
• Choose a clear meet-up spot that’s away from the densest crowd areas.
• Build in extra time for security checks, queueing, and walking.
• Keep a backup route ready (taxi, bus, or a different station).

For business owners, it’s worth sharing these steps with staff and customers on 30 and 31 December. A simple message can prevent a lot of late arrivals.

Conclusion

New Year in Dubai runs smoother when we treat travel like a plan, not a guess. The biggest takeaways are clear: extended Dubai Metro service from 31 December 2025 through 1 January 2026, free public parking on 1 January (with specific exceptions), and a real need to plan around crowding and possible road restrictions near Downtown.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Dubai Metro New Year timings for 2026?
A: Dubai Metro runs from 05:00 on 31 December 2025 until 23:59 on 1 January 2026, with no overnight gap.

Q: Is parking free on 1 January 2026 in Dubai?
A: Public parking is free on 1 January 2026 in most zones, except multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate (N-365). Paid parking returns on 2 January 2026.

Q: What app should I use to check bus timings on New Year?
A: Use the RTA S’hail app to confirm routes and timings, especially on 1 January 2026.