Dubai’s rolling out the red carpet for 2025 with a splash of exciting plans to make sure everyone rings in the New Year without a hitch. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is pulling out all the stops, offering free parking and beefing up public transport services to handle the huge crowds expected for the celebrations.
It’s clear they’re sparing no effort to keep things running smoothly. From longer service hours on buses and trains to extra routes, they’re making sure you’ll get where you need to go without a hassle. And let’s face it, free parking? That’s a cherry on top! It’s all about ensuring the city sparkles with ease and joy as the countdown begins.
So, whether you’re a local soaking in the magic or a visitor chasing the thrill, Dubai’s got your back. Get ready to celebrate in style, because this city knows how to throw a party!
You may also like: Celebrate New Year 2025: Enjoy Free Public Parking in Dubai on January 1!
Free Public Parking on January 1, 2025
In a move to facilitate ease of movement across the city, the RTA has declared that all public parking areas will be free of charge on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. This exemption does not apply to multi-story parking facilities. Regular paid parking services will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Extended Metro and Tram Services
To cater to the high demand during the New Year celebrations, the RTA has extended the operational hours of the Dubai Metro and Tram:
- Dubai Metro: Services will run continuously for 43 hours, starting at 5:00 AM on December 31, 2024, until midnight on January 1, 2025.
- Dubai Tram: Operations will commence at 6:00 AM on December 31, 2024, and continue until 1:00 AM on January 2, 2025.
Public Bus Services
The RTA has also adjusted bus services to ensure efficient transportation.
- Route E100: The service from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station will be suspended from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Passengers are advised to use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi during this period.
- Route E102: The service from Al Jafiliya Bus Station will be suspended during the same period. Passengers can board this route from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Shabiya Musaffah.
Marine Transport Services
For those opting for marine transport, the RTA has scheduled special services:
- Water Taxi: Services such as the Marina Mall to Bluewaters (BM3) will operate from 4:00 PM to midnight, with on-demand services available from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (advance booking required).
- Dubai Ferry: Routes including Al Ghubaiba to Dubai Water Canal (FR1) will have departures at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, among other scheduled services.
Detailed Routes & Timings
Water Taxi Routes & Timings:
- Marina Mall— Bluewaters (BM3): From 4 pm to 12 am
- On-demand services— From 3 pm to 11 pm (booking required)
- Marina Mall 1— Marina Walk (BM1): From 12 pm to 11:10 pm
- Marina Promenade— Marina Mall 1 (BM1): From 1:50 pm to 9:45 pm
- Marina Terrace—Marina Walk (BM1): From 1:50 pm to 9:50 pm
- Full route: From 3:55 pm to 9:50 pm
Dubai Ferry:
- Al Ghubaiba: Dubai Water Canal (FR1): At 1 pm and 6 pm
- Dubai Water Canal—Al Ghubaiba (FR1): At 2.25 pm and 7.25 pm
- Dubai Water Canal—Bluewaters (FR2): At 1:50 pm and 6.50 pm
- Bluewater— Marina Mall (FR2): At 2:55 pm and 7:55 pm
- Marina Mall—Bluewaters (FR2): At 1 pm and 6 pm
- Bluewaters – Dubai Water Canal (FR2): At 1:20 pm and 6:20 pm
- Tourist trips from Marina Mall: At 4:30 pm
- Al Ghubaiba – Aquarium (Sharjah) (FR5): At 3 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm, and 10 pm
- Aquarium (Sharjah) – Al Ghubaiba (FR5): At 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm
- Tourist trips from Al Jaddaf, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City (TR7): From 4 pm until 12:30 am the next day.
Abras
- Dubai Old Souq – Baniyas (CR3): From 11am to 11:50 p.m.
- Al Fahidi – Al Sabkha (CR4): From 11am to 11:45pm
- Al Fahidi – Deira Old Souq (CR5): From 11am to 11:45 p.m.
- Baniyas – Al Seef (CR6): From 11am to 12:20am
- Al Seef – Al Fahidi – Dubai Old Souq (CR7): From 3:10pm to 10:55pm
- Al Jaddaf – Dubai Festival City (BM2): From 7:30am to 4pm
- Al Jaddaf – Dubai Creek Harbour (CR11): From 7:15am to 4pm
Customer Happiness Centres
All RTA Customer Happiness Centres and service provider centres will be closed on January 1, 2025, in observance of the New Year holiday. Regular working hours will resume on January 2, 2025.
Plan Your Journey
The RTA encourages the public to plan their journeys in advance and utilize official apps like S’hail for real-time updates on schedules, routes, and any service changes. This proactive approach aims to reduce congestion and enhance safety during the festive period.
By implementing these measures, Dubai aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all during the New Year 2025 celebrations.
For a visual overview of the free parking announcement, you can watch the following video:
Conclusion
Dubai is making New Year’s celebrations easier and more enjoyable with free public parking on January 1, 2025. The RTA has extended metro, tram, bus, and marine services, ensuring smooth travel for residents and visitors. From iconic fireworks to festive shopping, these thoughtful measures highlight Dubai’s commitment to unforgettable experiences and a hassle-free start to 2025.
