New Year 2025 in Dubai. As the world eagerly anticipates New Year Eve celebrations, Dubai is preparing for another spectacular night. With hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists gathering for festivities, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended schedules for public transportation and free parking. Here your ultimate guide to navigating Dubai this New Year Eve and Day.
Dubai Metro and Tram Timings
Dubai’s iconic Metro and Tram services will operate extended hours to ensure seamless travel for everyone celebrating New Year’s Eve.
- Dubai Metro: Continuous operations for 43 hours, starting at 5:00 AM on December 31, 2024, until midnight on January 1, 2025.
- Dubai Tram: Runs from 6:00 AM on December 31, 2024, to 1:00 AM on January 2, 2025.
This round-the-clock schedule aims to accommodate the city increased transportation demand during the celebrations.
Free Parking on New Year Day
RTA has announced that all public parking areas in Dubai will be free of charge on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, except for multi-storey parking facilities. Regular paid parking will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Customer Happiness Centres
All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed on January 1, 2025, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Services will resume as per standard operating hours on January 2, 2025.
Public Bus Services
For detailed bus timings during the New Year’s holiday, commuters are encouraged to use the S’hail app for real-time updates. Notably, two major intercity bus routes will be affected:
- Route E100: Suspended from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station between December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Passengers should use Route E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi.
- Route E102: Suspended from Al Jafiliya Bus Station during the same period. Passengers can board this route from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Shabiya Musaffah.
Marine Transport Services
Dubai marine transport network, including water taxis and ferries, will operate special schedules during the New Year celebrations. Here’s a breakdown:
Water Taxi Timings
- Marina Mall — Bluewaters (BM3): 4:00 PM to midnight.
- On-demand services: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (booking required).
- Marina Mall 1 — Marina Walk (BM1): 12:00 PM to 11:10 PM.
- Marina Promenade — Marina Mall 1 (BM1): 1:50 PM to 9:45 PM.
- Marina Terrace — Marina Walk (BM1): 1:50 PM to 9:50 PM.
Dubai Ferry Timings
Al Ghubaiba — Dubai Water Canal (FR1): Departures at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Dubai Water Canal — Al Ghubaiba (FR1): Departures at 2:25 PM and 7:25 PM.
- Dubai Water Canal — Bluewaters (FR2): Departures at 1:50 PM and 6:50 PM.
- Bluewaters — Marina Mall (FR2): Departures at 2:55 PM and 7:55 PM.
- Marina Mall — Bluewaters (FR2): Departures at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Bluewaters — Dubai Water Canal (FR2): Departures at 1:20 PM and 6:20 PM.
- Tourist trips from Marina Mall: Departures at 4:30 PM.
- Al Ghubaiba — Aquarium (Sharjah) (FR5): Departures at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
- Aquarium (Sharjah) — Al Ghubaiba (FR5): Departures at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.
- Tourist trips from Al Jaddaf, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City (TR7): 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM.
Plan Your Trip With Ease
To make the most of the extended transport services and free parking, residents and visitors are advised to plan their journeys ahead of time. Use RTA official apps, such as S’hail, for real-time updates on schedules, routes, and service changes.
Conclusion
Dubai comprehensive transport plans for New Year Eve aim to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the city’s breathtaking celebrations. Whether you’re heading to see the world-famous fireworks or simply exploring the city, RTA has you covered.