Dubai will offer free public parking on September 5, marking Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday on 12th Rabi Al Awwal, excluding select zones/Representative Image
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has outlined revised service schedules for Friday, 5 September 2025, in observance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. Public parking, transport, and customer service operations will follow special holiday arrangements, with certain exemptions and extended operating hours in place.
Parking rules for Friday, 5 September
The RTA confirmed that all public parking zones across Dubai will be free of charge on Friday, 5 September 2025. However, this waiver does not apply to:
- Multi-level parking facilities
- Al Khail Gate Parking (Zone N.365)
Regular paid parking services will resume citywide from Saturday, 6 September 2025.
Customer service centre hours
In observance of the holiday, RTA Customer Happiness Centres will remain closed on 5 September. However, five Smart Customer Happiness Centres will continue to operate 24/7. These include:
- Umm Ramool
- Deira
- Al Barsha
- Al Tawar
- RTA Head Office
These smart facilities offer self-service options and will be available around the clock.
Public transport schedule adjustments
Several adjustments have been made to the operation of Dubai’s public transport systems for the holiday. These include:Dubai Metro
- Both Red and Green Lines will operate for extended hours on Friday — from 5:00 AM until 1:00 AM the next day (Saturday).
Dubai Tram, Buses, Marine Transport, and Vehicle Testing CentresWhile specific timing changes for the Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport services, and vehicle technical testing centres were not listed in the announcement, the RTA has advised the public to refer to official channels for detailed schedules applicable to these services during the holiday.
Significance of the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal
The 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal is a deeply revered date in the Islamic calendar, as it marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Widely known as Mawlid al-Nabi, this day is observed by Muslims around the world with spiritual gatherings, special prayers, and sermons that highlight the values and legacy of the Prophet.Communities come together to honour his life, reflect on his teachings, and remember his role as a guide and mercy to mankind. The Prophet’s message — rooted in compassion, justice, humility, and unity — continues to inspire Muslims in their daily lives.In many countries, the day is also used to promote acts of kindness, charity, and community service, reinforcing the moral and ethical principles Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived by. It is a time for both celebration and introspection, encouraging believers to deepen their understanding of the faith and its core values.
Who was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is regarded as the final messenger of Islam, following prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. He was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE, known as the Year of the Elephant, and passed away in 632 CE in Medina.Throughout his life, the Prophet played a transformative role—not only as a spiritual leader but also as a unifier and reformer of Arabian society. His teachings, preserved in the Qur’an and Hadith, form the foundation of Islamic belief and practice, continuing to influence over a billion Muslims worldwide Go to Source
