Dubai, a city known for its unbelievable collection of skyscrapers, is globally popular for its unique events, especially during New Year’s Eve. To support residents and visitors during the 2026 celebrations, the RTA has announced special metro service hours and free public parking. These changes are made by the authority to make it easier for residents to travel around the city and enjoy the celebrations without worrying about transport or parking.

Dubai Transport Updates for New Year 2026

The details of RTA service hours for the New Year 2026 are announced. Most changes to the operating hours of its services will remain applicable only on January 1, 2026, the New Year holiday. This schedule will be followed by Customer Happiness Centers, public transport services, public parking facilities, marine transport, and vehicle testing centers in the city.

Customer Happiness Centers: Residents in Dubai must note that all RTA Customer Happiness Centers will remain closed on the New Year Holiday. However, Smart Customer Happiness Centers in Al Barsha, Al Kilaf, Al Twar, and the RTA Headquarters will offer 24-hour services as usual.

Vehicle Testing and Service Provider Centres: Another confirmation residents must know about after RTA announces its service hours for the New Year 2026 is that all service provider centers, including vehicle testing, will not offer service on January 1, 2026. These centers will start following the usual schedule from January 2, 2026, onwards.

Dubai Metro Services: Dubai New Year 2026 metro timings are also announced. Services on the Red and Green Lines will be available non-stop to support the holiday rush. The rail transport services will be available from 5 AM to 11:50 PM on December 31, 2025. However, on New Year’s Holiday, the trains will operate from 12 midnight to 11:59 PM.

Dubai Tram: Residents should also note that Dubai Tram services will be available from 6 AM to 11:59 PM on December 31. However, on New Year’s Holiday (January 1), the services will be available from 12 midnight to 1 AM.

Marine Transport Services: Those who are planning to travel anywhere in Dubai using marine transport services during the New Year holiday must check the updated schedules. To check the changes in the operating hours of the services, you must use this RTA link: https://rta.ink/4ieNSa0.

Public Parking Facilities: Residents and visitors will enjoy free car parking services on January 1, 2026. However, this service will not be available for multi-storey parking facilities and Al Khail Gate (N-365). Public parking facilities in Dubai will reapply the usual charges on January 2.

Dubai New Year 2026 Public Bus Services Schedule

Residents who often travel using public bus transport must know that the bus route E102 is temporarily suspended from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station starting the afternoon of December 31st. So, if you’re planning to catch this bus in the afternoon or evening on 2025’s last day, you must change this plan. The last trip will leave at 12 noon from Abu Dhabi and at 2 pm from Al Ghubaida, reflecting the kind of smart planning often seen in a best startup story focused on efficiency and timing.

This bus route will start following its usual schedule from January 4, 2026, onwards. So, you need to head to Ibn Battuta Bus Station to catch the bus E101 to Abu Dhabi. Bus Route E102 will operate from the same station on December 31, starting at 2 PM and running until the end of the day. All passengers must check the updates about the public bus service schedule on the S’hail application to avoid transit hassles during the New Year 2026.

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