Yes, you can park for free across Dubai over Eid
But there are some exceptions… and you might want to consider getting the bus to the mall.
If you’re hoping to get out and about over the long weekend (or week-long holiday, you lucky public sector workers), we have some good news for you – getting about just got a lot easier.
Drivers across Dubai – and the UAE – will be able to park for free for a whopping six days during Eid Al Fitr.
From July 3 to 9, fees won’t apply at most paid-for parking spots… but there are some exceptions.
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You’ll still have to pay to use parking lots at the Dubai Fish Market and multi-level parking terminals.
Parking fees will be reinistated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on July 10, or on July 9 for drivers in Sharjah.
But, Sharjah motorists, on the plus side all parking will be free between July 3 and 8 – no exceptions.
Going to the mall though? Maybe take the bus (or Metro)
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is encouraging shoppers to use public transport if they want to check out Dubai Mall over the break.
Downtown Dubai is often jam-packed with traffic as those enjoying time off work flock to the shops and the Burj Khalifa, so transport services have been increased.
The Metro will run until 2am for four days over Eid (July 5, 6, 7, and 8), while the tram will operate until 1am.
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Four extra bus services have been created to ferry shoppers to Dubai Mall.
“Beginning the first day of Eid Al Fitr, non-stop buses will operate from Deira City Centre, Satwa, BurJuman and Karama to Dubai Mall for four days in a row,”Adel Shakeri, Director of Transportation at RTA, told Gulf News.
“To ensure smooth flow of visitors and to reduce congestion we urge people to use public transport. We have made special arrangements for the four days from the first day of Eid and we urge people to use the available transport facilities.”
The buses will run from 3pm to midnight, though their frequency depends on customer demand.
A 24-hour bus service will also be put on to serve Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3), Union Metro Station, Al Fahidi Metro Station and Satwa Grand Mosque.
If you’d rather cab, the RTA has announced it will make sure extra taxis are deployed at Dubai Mall and the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“The Dubai Taxi Corporation has agreed with franchise companies to operate more than 90 per cent of the taxi fleet in full capacity during Eid days,” RTA said on Twitter.
For a full list of public transport timings over Eid, visit rta.ae.
Start of Eid to be decided tomorrow
A moon-sighting committee has been created to confirm the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr.
The panel will come together in Abu Dhabi on Monday after Maghrib prayers, said Sultan Al Badi, the Minister of Justice and chair of the committee.
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Tuesday July 5 has been predicted as the final day of Ramadan, which would mean private sector workers will get Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 off to mark the start of Shawwal.
Those in the government and public sector will have Sunday July 3 to Sunday July 10 off, meaning they’ll get five paid working days out of the office.
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Photos: Getty/Supplied