As Ramadan 2026 begins in the UAE, Dubai residents should prepare for changes to public parking hours, Dubai Metro timings, Dubai Tram operations, and public transport schedules across the city.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially confirmed revised timings to reflect shorter working hours and shifting traffic patterns during the holy month.

Here’s everything residents need to know.

Public parking timings

Public parking in Dubai will follow a split schedule from Monday to Saturday:

• 8am to 6pm (paid parking)
• 8pm to 12am (midnight) (paid parking)
• 2am to 8am remains free
• Sundays remain free across all zones

Multi-storey parking facilities will continue to operate 24/7.

Residents using Parkonic zones should check signage in their area, as some locations may operate under different schedules.

Metro timings

The Dubai Metro (Red Line and Green Line) will run as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 5am to 12am
• Friday: 5am to 1am (next day)
• Saturday: 5am to 12am
• Sunday: 8am to 12am

The extended Friday service supports increased late-night travel during Ramadan evenings.

Tram timings

Dubai Tram will operate:

• Monday to Saturday: 6am to 1am (next day)
• Sunday: 9am to 1am (next day)

Bus and marine transport updates

For updated Dubai bus timings during Ramadan, commuters are advised to check the S’hail app for live schedules.

Marine transport schedules are available on the official RTA website.

Customer Happiness Centres working hours

Smart Customer Happiness Centres in:

• Umm Ramool
• Deira
• Al Barsha
• Al Kifaf
• RTA Head Office

will continue operating 24/7.

With Ramadan traffic patterns typically shifting, especially in the hour before Iftar, residents are encouraged to plan journeys and allow extra travel time.

Dubai Police have issued a fresh warning to residents about a surge in online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to respond to suspicious donation appeals shared on websites and social media.

The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised groups are exploiting the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan, using fake causes and emotional stories to illegally collect money.

Authorities stressed that donations and zakat should only be made through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

Online begging is a criminal offence under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. Article 51 states that anyone found soliciting money through information technology means can face up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected cases by calling 901, using the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app, or submitting a report via the official eCrime platform.

The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s annual “Combat Begging” campaign, launched under the slogan “An Aware Society Without Begging.” Running throughout Ramadan, the initiative aims to curb both individual and organised begging, raise awareness, and promote safe and regulated charitable giving.

The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Dubai Police reiterated that protecting the spirit of generosity during Ramadan is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to remain vigilant and support only trusted, authorised channels when giving back this month.

With Ramadan approaching, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has confirmed the official guidelines for installing temporary Ramadan Iftar tents in front of homes and residential villas across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The good news? The permit is completely free, and the process is fully digital.

How to apply for a Ramadan tent permit

Residents and companies can apply through the TAMM platform by:

• Logging in using UAE Digital ID
• Submitting the application
• Receiving approval before installation

No additional documents are required, and there are no fees for the service.

Ramadan tent rules in Abu Dhabi

• Only one tent per residence
• Must be installed directly in front of the property
• Placement allowed between the plot boundary and the pavement only
• Must not block traffic, pedestrian walkways, or public services
• No installation over visible utilities (manholes, fire hydrants, service lines)
• No excavation work allowed

Technical specifications

• Maximum area: 60 square metres
• Maximum height: 4.5 metres
• Materials must be approved (fabric tents, traditional بيتشعر, tarpaulin, or similar tent-specific materials)

The following are not allowed:

• Cooking equipment
• Charcoal use
• Loudspeakers
• Commercial or rental activities
• Buying, selling, or promotional events

Liability & Compliance

The property owner is fully responsible for:

• Any damage to public or private property
• Ensuring installation matches the approved location
• Removing the tent once the permitted period expires

Abu Dhabi Municipality reserves the right to request immediate removal in case of:

• Emergencies
• Complaints
• Violations of permit conditions

Failure to comply may result in legal action under DMT regulations.

If you’re planning to host family and friends for `iftar this Ramadan, make sure your tent is fully compliant before setting it up.