September 5, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: Dubai Free Parking Spots are available citywide on Prophet’s Birthday, providing motorists with complimentary parking in all standard public zones on Friday, 5 September 2025. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that on Prophet’s Birthday, all on-street and surface lots will be free of charge, excluding multi-level facilities and Al Khail Gate Parking (N.365).
Free Parking Zones
Dubai Free Parking Spots extend beyond commercial centres to include residential communities and community hubs. Free parking will be available at neighbourhood mosques in Al Qusais, Al Nahda, and Al Warqa, as well as at public facilities such as community libraries and parks, including Safa Park and Zabeel Park, where special celebrations are held.
Residents and visitors can take advantage of these Free Parking Spots across major districts, including City Walk, The Walk at JBR, Al Fahidi Historic District, and Dubai Marina promenades. In total, over 20,000 public parking spaces in these high-demand areas will be accessible without charge, ensuring direct access to cultural events, shopping venues, and mosque services on the Prophet’s Birthday.
Exclusions and Resumption Details
While covering all standard public zones, multi-level parking garages and Al Khail Gate Parking (N.365) remain chargeable. The RTA specified that paid parking will resume at 12:00 AM on Saturday, 6 September 2025, immediately after Prophet’s Birthday. Signage at parking zones will clearly indicate the transition back to paid operations, and motorists are urged to reload their Nol cards or top up via the RTA app to avoid fines. Failure to do so may result in fines starting at AED 200 for overstaying in any zone once the free period concludes.
Despite the broad coverage of these spots, certain high-demand areas remain chargeable. Notably, airport-related parking zones and private commercial lots controlled by third-party operators will continue to levy fees, with rates unchanged throughout the holiday.
Public Transport and Service Adjustments
Complementing Dubai Free Parking Spots, public transport services will adapt to the holiday. Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines will extend operations from 5 AM to 1 AM the following day, accommodating worshippers and families travelling to events. All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed for the holiday, except the Smart Centres at Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Tawar, and the RTA Head Office, which remain open 24/7 to assist users with inquiries about Prophet’s Birthday services and locate Dubai Free Parking Spots.
In addition to these Parking Spots, the RTA is deploying dedicated “Prayer Shuttle” minibuses connecting free parking areas to major mosques on the occasion. These shuttle services will run every 15 minutes from key parking hubs such as Jumeirah Beach Road and Dubai Festival City to Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque.
Driver Tips and Best Practices
To maximise the benefit of Dubai Free Parking Spots during Prophet’s Birthday:
- Arrive before 10 AM to secure spaces near key venues, as demand peaks between 11 AM and 2 PM.
- Use the RTA mobile app’s live map feature to locate available free parking spots in real time.
- Plan return trips carefully; overstaying past midnight will incur standard parking fees.
- Consider carpooling to reduce traffic congestion and free up more Dubai Free Parking Spots for larger groups attending gatherings.
The introduction of Dubai Free Parking Spots highlights the RTA’s commitment to community welfare and cultural observance. An RTA survey found that 87% of respondents praised free parking on Prophet’s Birthday for easing access to family gatherings and religious services, with many calling for similar initiatives on other major holidays. Based on this positive feedback, the RTA is exploring extending free parking schemes to occasions such as National Day and Eid, further supporting Dubai’s vision of accessible, user-centric urban mobility.
By offering Dubai Free Parking Spots, the RTA underscores its dedication to enhancing urban mobility and celebrating cultural milestones across the emirate.
Read More: UAE Public Holiday 2026: Your Friendly Guide to All the Days Off Ahead
