Dubai: Skip the Downtown gridlock for NYE 2026. Learn how to use the RTA overflow parking at Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf, featuring free shuttle buses and a stress-free exit strategy.
1. The Two Strategic Hubs
For 2026, the RTA has designated two massive “Park-and-Ride” zones to keep thousands of private cars away from the Burj Khalifa district:
- Al Wasl Club (Oud Metha): This is the primary lot for those coming from the Deira, Sharjah, or northern side of the city. It offers thousands of spaces in a secure, open-air environment.
- Al Kifaf (near Zabeel Park): Located right next to the Max Metro Station (formerly Jafiliya), this is perfect for those coming from the south (Marina/Jumeirah) who want to park before they hit the “SZR wall” of traffic.
2. The Shuttle Bus System (Your “VIP” Lane)
The RTA operates a fleet of over 200 supplementary buses on NYE.
- The Route: These buses run on dedicated bus lanes that remain open even when general traffic is blocked. This means your shuttle bus will move while thousands of private cars are stuck in Al Khail Road gridlock.
- Drop-off Point: The buses typically drop passengers at the Financial Centre Road or Business Bay perimeter, a short 10–15 minute walk to the main viewing areas.
- The Return: The shuttle service runs until the early hours of January 1st (usually until 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM), ensuring you can get back to your car regardless of how long the show lasts.
3. Why This is the “Winning” Move
- The “Exit” Advantage: While cars in Downtown garages can take 3 to 5 hours to exit a single parking structure after the fireworks, the Al Wasl and Al Kifaf lots are near major highways (E44 and E11) that stay moving.
- Cost-Effective: Parking in these lots is often free or significantly cheaper than the “Event Rates” charged by private garages in Business Bay.
- Stress Reduction: You avoid the “bumper-to-bumper” madness of the Financial Centre Road, which is notorious for being the most congested street in the world on Dec 31st.
📊 Survival Guide for Overflow Parking
| Action | Timing / Tip |
| Arrival | Reach Al Wasl or Al Kifaf by 3:00 PM. Spots fill up early as savvy residents use this hack. |
| Bus Frequency | Buses depart every 5 to 10 minutes during peak arrival hours. |
| Nol Card | You will likely need a Nol Card with a minimum balance (usually AED 10-15) to board the shuttle, though some years the RTA offers these as a free service. |
| Photo Proof | Take a photo of your parking pillar/section. These lots are massive, and finding your car at 2:00 AM in the dark is a common nightmare. |
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💡 2026 Pro-Tip: The “Al Kifaf” Bonus
If the shuttle bus queue looks too long for your return trip, the Al Kifaf lot is a 5-minute walk from the Max Metro Station. Since the Metro runs for 43 hours, you can simply hop on the train for two stops and walk to your car, completely bypassing the bus line.
Would you like me to find the exact Google Maps pins for the Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf parking entrances so you can save them in your GPS now?
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