long weekend in UAE: free public parking for how many days? Everything you need to know
In honour of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the cities of Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi have announced free parking for locals.
Residents will get a three-day break starting on Friday, September 29th, when the holiday period begins. On the other hand, Sharjah's public sector workers are entitled to a paid holiday that begins today, September 28. Starting on Monday, October 2, all employees in the public and private sectors will return to work.
Dubai
With the exception of multi-level terminals, public parking in Dubai will be free on Friday, September 29, according to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). On September 30, however, parking costs will once again be charged; on Sunday, parking will be free under the emirate's standard parking regulations.
Sharjah
Prior to this, the Sharjah Municipality had said that from September 28, 2023, parking would be free everywhere in the emirate. Thursday is the day that this free parking will be available, and Friday will likewise be free on the regular days that parking is free. However, on Saturday and Sunday, standard parking costs will be charged.
On weekends and holidays, however, the 7-day paid parking zones—designated by the blue parking information signs—will remain fee-based.
Abu Dhabi
For the forthcoming public holiday on September 29, the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced free parking and toll times.
The Darb toll gate system will be free on Friday, according to the authority. On Saturday during usual peak hours, toll gate costs will be back in effect (from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm).
Over the holiday, parking on the surface is free from Friday until Saturday at 7:59 a.m. On Sundays, though, parking is free in Abu Dhabi.
During the official holiday, parking spaces at the Musaffah M-18 truck parking lot will be free. The ITC has advised motorists to refrain from parking in forbidden zones, obstructing traffic, and parking in residential spots between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
