The New Year in Dubai is always a spectacle, but 2026 promises to be a logistical ballet orchestrated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). As the city gears up for celebrations, the RTA has rolled out a detailed schedule for the holiday, ensuring that the pulse of the city never skips a beat.

Customer Happiness Centres: A Mixed Bag

While Dubai's RTA Customer Happiness Centres will take a break on New Year's Day, there's a twist. If you're in need of immediate assistance, don't fret. The Smart Customer Happiness Centres, stationed at Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, and the RTA Headquarters, won't let you down. They'll be running 24/7, as usual.

Vehicle Testing and Service Provider Centres: A Day Off

January 1, 2026, will see the doors closed at all vehicle testing and service provider centers. But, breathe easy. They'll be back in action the very next day on Friday, January 2, 2026, sticking to their standard schedules.

Dubai Metro: Keeping the City Moving

For those relying on the metro, here’s what you need to know. On December 31, 2025, the Red and Green Lines will run from 5:00 AM till the clock strikes midnight. As the calendar flips to January 1, 2026, the trains will keep rolling from midnight until 11:59 PM. No downtime here.

Dubai Tram: A Slight Adjustment

Tram services will operate from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM on the last day of 2025. Come January 1, 2026, they'll shift gears, running from midnight to 1:00 AM. Just an hour into the new year, but it makes all the difference.

Public Bus Services: Changes Afoot

If you’re planning to hop on a bus, the S’hail app is your best friend for real-time updates. Worth noting, Bus Route E100 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station will take its last trip at noon on December 31. Services will halt until January 4, 2026. But don't worry, E101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi will have your back. Route E102 will also be available from 2:00 PM on December 31 until day's end.

Marine Transport: Check Online

For those who prefer the waterways, the updated marine transport schedule for the New Year holiday can be found online via the RTA's platform. Keep your eyes on that link for the latest updates.

Public Parking: A New Year’s Gift

Here's a little New Year bonus: Public parking across Dubai will be free on January 1, 2026. But don’t get too comfortable. Normal parking fees resume the next day, except for multi-storey facilities and Al Khail Gate (N-365), which will still charge you.