The Roads and Transport Authority has announced that parking in public places will be completely free for the New Year Holiday of 2026. This decision is intended to make travel easier for both residents and tourists as Dubai prepares large-scale New Year’s celebrations.
Dubai has a broader set of holiday plans to improve mobility and manage traffic, as well as support the public celebrations in preparation for 2026.
What has been announced?
RTA has confirmed the suspension of paid parking charges during the New Year’s holiday. The RTA will allow motorists to park for free in RTA-managed public parking areas during the New Year holiday period.
This announcement is applicable to all public parking lots in Dubai, including those on and off the street.
How soon will parking be free for the public?
The announcement states that parking is free for the New Year Holiday in 2026. This includes New Year’s Eve as well as the holiday period.
- During designated holidays, parking fees are suspended.
- After the holidays, parking fees will return to normal.
- Check official RTA channels to find out the exact timings
Parking schedules for holidays are usually aligned to coincide with the government’s declared public holidays.
What Parking Areas are Included in the Package?
Free parking is available in all RTA parking lots throughout the city.
- Parking on the street is available to all.
- Off-street parking is available
- Parking zones managed by RTA
Some of the areas that are expected to be most popular include:
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Deira
- Bur Dubai
Parking is usually in high demand at these locations during New Year’s celebrations because of fireworks, crowds, and tourists.
The Parking Zones that are not covered by the Free Parking
The RTA has clarified that while most parking areas are covered, some are not.
Included are:
- Parking structures with multiple levels
- Parking facilities
- Special event parking zones
- Malls, hotels, or other private companies may operate parking lots.
To avoid parking fines, motorists should carefully read the signage.
Dubai Offers Free Parking for Public Vehicles
Dubai announces regular free parking on major holidays, as part of the city’s urban mobility strategy and traffic management.
The following are the key objectives:
- Reduce congestion at high traffic areas
- Residents and visitors to New Year’s events can be supported.
- Improve traffic flow at peak holiday ho. urs
- Encourage safer parking and better organization. tion
Dubai is known for its proactive approach to planning large public events.
The impact on residents, visitors, and tourists
Benefits to Residents
Parking fees and time extensions are not an issue for residents. Families attending community or fireworks events will especially benefit from this.
Visitor and tourist convenience
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve parking regulations will be simplified, particularly in areas popular with tourists near attractions and entertainment zones.
Reducing Parking Stress
Parking is free to help reduce parking problems at the last minute and allow for smoother travel throughout the city on one of its busiest evenings of the year.
Dubai’s New Year transport updates
Dubai’s authorities announce, in addition to the free parking for public vehicles during New Year celebrations, several other transport-related initiatives.
Included in this category are:
- Service hours for public transport extended
- Traffic diversions in the vicinity of event sites
- Plan for crowd management around fireworks sites
- Road closures for a limited time in areas of high density
Plan your journeys and use public transportation whenever possible.
Dubai Authorities Officially Advise
RTA advises motorists:
- Respect all road safety and traffic regulations
- Parking is only allowed in the designated parking areas.
- Blocking emergency routes
- Attention to the temporary signs and instructions
- Updates are available through official applications.
The authorities also emphasize the importance of cooperating to make sure everyone has a happy and safe New Year.
Conclusion:
Dubai’s announcement that it will offer free parking for the New Year Holidays 2026 is a reflection of its commitment to ensuring smooth public celebrations, convenience, and public mobility. Dubai hopes to improve the New Year’s Eve experience of residents and visitors by suspending the parking fee during the holiday season.
Dubai 2026 welcomes drivers to plan journeys and stay informed through the official RTA channels.
FAQs
Parking in Dubai is free for the New Year of 2026.
Private and multi-story parking areas are not included in the free parking offered by RTA.
Do multi-story parking structures count?
No. Parking in multi-storey car parks is usually subject to the same rules as paid parking.
When can we expect to see paid parking again?
Parking charges will be reinstated immediately following the end of New Year’s holiday.
Malls and parking lots that are private follow the same rule.
No. Private parking lots have their own charges and rules.
Last modified: December 30, 2025
