Free Parking & Heavy Fines – What You Need to Know for UAE National Day

To celebrate the 53rd UAE National Day, Sharjah announced a two-day free parking period on December 2 and 3. Residents’ public parking fees will be waived, except in multi-story parking zones, which remain chargeable. Paid parking will resume on Wednesday, December 4, for all public zones.

Eid Al Etihad

The National Day holiday falls under Eid Al Etihad, marking the unification of the Emirates in 1971. This year, UAE residents will enjoy a four-day weekend, with government offices closed on December 2 and 3. Dubai’s private schools, universities, and nurseries will also be closed during these two days.

Heavy Fines 

While Sharjah offers free parking, the Dubai Police emphasize strict adherence to traffic regulations. The authorities aim to ensure road safety and prevent accidents during the holiday celebrations. Patrols will monitor traffic flow and handle any congestion to maintain smooth travel for all road users.

Dubai Police has also outlined several violations that could lead to fines and vehicle impoundment. Under Decree No. 30 of 2023, offenders could face fines as high as AED 50,000. These fines are intended to prevent dangerous behaviors and ensure safety during the festivities.

Guidelines

Here are the guidelines the public must follow during the UAE National Day celebrations:

• Avoid organizing or taking part in unapproved marches and gatherings.
• Always comply with traffic rules and regulations.
• Follow any instructions provided by police officers.
• Do not use party sprays, whether by drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
• Ensure that both front and rear license plates are visible and free from obstructions.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s color or tint the windscreen.
• Avoid placing stickers, signs, or logos on your car unless they meet official Eid Al Etihad guidelines.
• It is prohibited to cover the vehicle’s windows with stickers.
• Do not use sunshades that obstruct visibility.
• Stunts are forbidden on any roads, including internal and external routes, and blocking traffic is not allowed.
• Vehicle owners must not make unauthorized modifications or add features that cause noise or block vision.
• Ensure the vehicle has only the permitted number of passengers, and do not let anyone hang out of windows or sunroofs.

Residents are urged not to organize or participate in unauthorized gatherings or marches. Drivers should avoid using party sprays, obstructing vehicle license plates, or altering their cars’ appearance in any way. The police also warned against performing stunts, blocking roads, or adding unapproved modifications to vehicles.

A Safe Celebration

Further, the authorities highlighted the importance of vehicle safety by ensuring clear visibility of license plates and avoiding excessive tinting. It is illegal to place stickers or sunshades that obstruct the view or make unauthorized modifications that create noise or visual disruptions. All these measures aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable UAE National Day celebration.

Both Sharjah and Dubai are gearing up for a festive yet controlled environment. As residents enjoy the long weekend, they are reminded to follow all official rules for a smooth and safe celebration.