Free public parking across UAE for New Year 2026: What drivers need to know
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman announce holiday parking exemptions
DUBAI – Fireworks displays, packed promenades and late-night celebrations make New Year one of the busiest times on UAE roads. Whether residents are heading out for countdown events or visitors are navigating unfamiliar streets, understanding parking rules during the holiday can make travel smoother on January 1, 2026.
Several emirates have confirmed free public parking during the New Year break, with specific dates and exceptions drivers should be aware of.
Here’s your practical guide to public parking arrangements across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman during the New Year 2026 holiday.
Abu Dhabi
Motorists in the capital can expect a full day of relief on New Year’s Day. Public parking under the Mawaqif system will be free on January 1, allowing residents and visitors to park without charge across standard zones. In addition, Darb toll gates will be inactive throughout the day, meaning no toll fees will be applied when passing through activated routes.
Normal paid parking regulations and toll charges will resume from January 2.
Sharjah
Sharjah has announced two days of free public parking to mark the New Year holiday. Parking fees will be waived on January 1 and January 2 across standard public parking areas.
Drivers should note that the exemption does not apply to all facilities. Smart parking yards and blue paid-parking zones will continue operating as usual, and motorists using these areas must pay the regular charges during the holiday period.
Dubai
Dubai will offer free public parking on January 1 only, easing travel across the city during one of the busiest nights of the year. The exemption applies to regular public parking zones.
However, fees will still be charged at multi-storey parking facilities and at Al Khail Gate (N-365). Paid parking across the rest of Dubai will resume on January 2. Authorities typically issue separate updates for public transport timings and road diversions around New Year celebrations.
Ajman
Ajman will also waive paid public parking fees on January 1, giving residents and tourists free access to standard parking spaces for New Year’s Day.
Drivers are reminded that public parking in Ajman is normally free on Fridays. As January 2 falls on a Friday in 2026, paid parking services in the emirate will resume on Saturday, January 3.