By Ibrahim Haj Hamad www.khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI — Dubai Metro and malls throughout the emirate are extending their working hours to accommodate the expected rush during the Eid and National Day holidays, say officials concerned.
Peyman Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Roads and Transport Authority, said the metro will run trains for an additional hour from today to December 4 in view of the Eid and National Day holidays. “The metro will be running from 6.30am to 12.30am from Eid break until December 4,” said Parham. Normally, metro service ends at 11.30pm.
Parham said parking lots would also be free of charge till December 4 except at the Deira Fish Market station.
During Eid Al Fitr holidays on September 20-22, 266,671 passengers travelled on trains, making it the highest number of passengers aboard the metro on any given two days. The majority of passengers were visitors from other emirates as well as foreign tourists.
Parham said the RTA is ready for any passenger increase during this Eid as more metro employees are functioning now. “We have distributed all employees who are intended to work in the 27 metro stations to the now operating 10 stations along the Red Line,” said Parham. “The RTA is ready for any increase of passengers.”
Shahram Shamsaee, senior vice-president, Asset Management for Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Center have announced that they will be extending their working hours from 10am till 12 midnight during Eid and National Day holidays. “Parking will be free for 10 days on the occasion of Eid Al Adha and UAE National Day till December 5,” Shamsaee said.
“Both Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Center are gearing up for the joyous occasions with various events and activities and we look forward to welcoming our customers to the malls.”
Also in Sharjah, Abdul Rahman Ahmed Al Mahmoud, Head of the Transport and Freightage Department at the emirate’s municipality, said parking will be free till National Day holiday is over. “Parking fees will be reinstated from December 5,” Al Mahmoud said.
