Planning to travel around the UAE during the Eid Al Adha long weekend? Transport authorities across four emirates have put together a range of benefits to make getting around easier and cheaper. Free public parking, suspended toll charges, and extended public transit hours are all in play. For the latest UAE public holiday updates and transport advisories, bookmark our News section on Dubai Startup Daily.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi: May 25 to 29, 2026. Sharjah: First three days of Eid Al Adha. Ajman: May 26 to 29, 2026. Normal paid parking resumes May 30 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman.
UAE-Wide Parking Overview
| Emirate | Free Parking Period | Paid Exceptions | Resumes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | May 25 to 29, 2026 | Multi-storey lots; Parkonic | May 30 |
| Abu Dhabi | May 25 to 29, 2026 | Multi-storey; Al Qurm & Ghantoot tolls | May 30 |
| Sharjah | First 3 days of Eid | Blue-sign zones; commercial hubs | Post Eid |
| Ajman | May 26 to 29, 2026 | None announced | May 30 |
Dubai: What the RTA Has Announced
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that all standard public parking spaces across Dubai will be completely free from Monday, May 25, through Friday, May 29, 2026. Normal charges resume on Saturday, May 30. For business owners planning deliveries or staff logistics during the holiday, our Economy section covers how holiday transport changes affect commercial operations in Dubai.
Two important exceptions apply. Multi-storey parking facilities are not included in the exemption and remain chargeable around the clock. Private operators such as Parkonic have not announced any adjustments and are maintaining standard rates throughout the holiday period.
Dubai Metro and Tram Extended Hours
Both the Red and Green lines of the Dubai Metro will operate under extended holiday schedules to handle increased passenger volumes across the festive days.
| Day | Dubai Metro Hours | Dubai Tram Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM | 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM | 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM |
If you are heading to Dubai Mall, Global Village, or any major festive destination, use the Metro. Eid weekend road traffic peaks around midday and early evening. The Metro is running until 1:00 AM on all days, giving you flexibility to avoid the busiest road hours.
Abu Dhabi: Mawaqif Parking and Darb Toll Exemptions
Abu Dhabi's transport authority, Q Mobility, has aligned its holiday schedule with Dubai's. Mawaqif public parking spaces are free from May 25 through May 29, 2026. Since public parking in Abu Dhabi is traditionally free on Sundays, this creates an unbroken stretch of zero parking costs across the full holiday week.
Multi-storey parking facilities remain paid throughout the period. On toll charges, the Darb electronic toll system will suspend gate charges at four major entry points: Sas Al Nakhl, Al Maqta, Rabdan, and Al Saadiyat. Two gates remain active: Al Qurm and Ghantoot, both charging the standard AED 4 per crossing. Read more about Abu Dhabi transport and infrastructure in our News coverage.
Sharjah: Free Parking With Zone Exceptions
Sharjah Municipality has announced free public parking for the first three days of Eid Al Adha. However, paid parking zones marked with blue signage, as well as high-traffic commercial and tourist areas, will maintain their standard tariffs throughout the period. Drivers in these areas must continue using digital smart payment methods to avoid fines.
Ajman: Full Blanket Waiver
Ajman's Department of Municipality and Planning has enacted the simplest policy of all four emirates: a complete waiver across all paid municipal parking zones from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, 2026. Normal enforcement resumes on Saturday, May 30. For more UAE holiday and lifestyle news, visit our Eid Al Adha 2026 coverage on Dubai Startup Daily.
Federal traffic authorities are urging drivers to plan routes in advance and allow extra travel time. Cross-emirate traffic volumes are significantly higher during Eid Al Adha. Patience and early departures are strongly advised.
