With so many parking zones in Dubai, it can be difficult to understand the parking system. Fortunately, this guide is here to help make parking in Dubai easier. Learn about the different payment options, fine information, zone maps, and tariff rates for parking in Dubai in 2025. Whether you need short-term or long-term parking solutions, this guide has all the answers.
Variable Parking Tariff Policy (Effective March 2025):
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced significant updates to parking fees, set to take effect in 2025. These updates aim to improve traffic flow and manage parking demand.
- Peak Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Premium Parking Spaces: AED 6 per hour
- Other Public Parking Spaces: AED 4 per hour
- Off-Peak Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Existing rates remain unchanged.
Free Parking:
- Overnight: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM
- All day on Sundays and public holidays
Premium parking zones are identified based on proximity to metro stations (within 500 meters), high occupancy during peak times, and dense commercial areas. Locations such as parts of Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Jumeirah will fall under these premium charges.
In July 2024, over 7,000 new paid parking spaces were introduced in areas such as Jaddaf Waterfront, Al Sufouh Gardens, Arjan, Majan, Liwan 1 and 2, and Dubai Land Residence Complex (DLRC). These additions aim to enhance parking availability in key communities.
Payment Methods:
- RTA App: Pay for parking via the Roads and Transport Authority's mobile application.
- SMS: Send an SMS with your vehicle details to the designated number.
- Parking Meters: Use coins, credit/debit cards, or Nol cards at parking meters.
Read on to learn more about how to navigate the parking system easily.
- Overview Of Parking In Dubai
- Dubai Parking Fees
- Payment Options
- Parking Violation Fines
- Parking Zones Explained
- Faqs About Parking In Dubai
1) Overview Of Parking In Dubai
The parking system in Dubai is one of the most efficient and extensive parking systems in the world. It plays a vital role in managing the city’s traffic flow, with multiple parking zones, different parking cards, payment options, and processes. This guide covers all the important information about parking in Dubai so that readers can navigate it efficiently.
Dubai Parking zones are divided into two categories – paid and free parking areas. Paid parking includes multi-story car parks as well as on-street metered bays where you need to pay for your stay using coins or credit/debit cards. Free parking areas include residential streets, beaches, public parks, etc., where no payment is required but there may be time limits imposed by local authorities. There are also special areas designated for special vehicles such as taxis or buses which require separate permits to park there legally.
In addition to these standard parking zones, there are also dedicated spaces reserved for disabled drivers who have an official permit from the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority). These spaces provide easy access for those with mobility issues and offer priority over other drivers when it comes to finding a space quickly during peak hours or busy days.
2) Dubai Parking Fees
Tariff rates for parking in different zones in Dubai depend on the parking area and the duration of parking. Generally, parking fees range from AED 2 to AED 20 per hour based on parking zones.
The parking fee rate is higher in commercial and densely-populated areas such as Downtown Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). On the other hand, parking fees are usually much lower in residential areas or less popular locations like Deira and Sharjah.
In addition to hourly rates, there are also daily parking rates available depending on the parking zone. For example, parking at the Mall of the Emirates can cost up to AED 40 for 4 hours and AED 60 for 8 hours. It also can be free so please check the mall’s website for up-to-date information. Similarly, parking near Dubai Marina will set you back between AED 50-60 for 4 hours and up to AED 100 for 8 hours.
Further up the price ladder are multi-story car parks that offer multiple levels of paid car parking along with additional services like a valet or wash & detailing services etc. These usually charge a flat rate of AED 10 - 15 per hour depending on the location which can add up quickly if you stay longer than two or three hours.
Much of the parking in Dubai is divided into zones. Here is an overview of the zones and their respective Dubai parking rates.
Zone A
Zone A refers to all roadside parking in designated commercial areas of Dubai. It is suitable for those looking for parking in busy areas and it doesn't need a specific card.
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1/2 Hour | 2 |
| 1 hour | 4 |
| 2 hours | 8 |
| 3 hours | 12 |
| 4 hours | 16 |
Zone B
Zone B parking refers to parking lots in commercial zones. It is less busy than Zone A and comparatively cheaper.
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 3 |
| 2 hours | 6 |
| 3 hours | 9 |
| 4 hours | 12 |
| 5 hours | 15 |
| 24 hours | 20 |
Zone C
Zone C refers to non-commercial parking. All roadside parking in residential areas falls under Zone C parking. This zone is suitable for those looking for parking in residential areas.
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 2 |
| 2 hours | 5 |
| 3 hours | 8 |
| 4 hours | 11 |
Zone D - Al Qusais and Al Nahda
Zone D also refers to parking lots in non-commercial areas. The parking charges for areas in Zone D are the cheapest. Residential areas including Al Qusais and Al Nahda fall in this zone.
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 2 |
| 2 hours | 4 |
| 3 hours | 5 |
| 4 hours | 7 |
| 24 hours | 10 |
Zone E
Zone E parking spaces are special areas. Zone E covers both underground and public parking lots of the Waterfront Market, previously known as Deira Fish Market. The underground parking is free.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 4 |
| 2 hours | 8 |
| 3 hours | 12 |
| 4 hours | 16 |
Zone D - Dubai Media City & Dubai Internet City
This is the dedicated parking lot for all the Tecom areas including The Knowledge Village Hotel, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 2 |
| 2 hours | 5 |
| 3 hours | 8 |
| 4 hours | 11 |
Zone G
This includes all the paid parking areas of Downtown Dubai including Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay area, and Dubai Health Care City Area.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 4 |
| 2 hours | 8 |
| 3 hours | 12 |
| 4 hours | 16 |
Zone H
Description: This includes all the parking lots in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1/2 Hour | 2 |
| 1 hour | 4 |
| 2 hours | 8 |
| 3 hours | 12 |
| 4 hours | 16 |
Zone I
Zone I parking refers to parking lots in industrial areas. It is for commercial use and is comparatively cheaper than other zones.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 2 |
| 2 hours | 4 |
| 3 hours | 6 |
| 4 hours | 8 |
| 24 hours | 10 |
Please note that the information provided above is based on general information and could be subject to change.
3) Payment Options For Parking In Dubai
Dubai offers a range of payment options for parking, making the process easy and convenient for drivers. The following are the available options for paying for parking in the city:
-
Coins at Parking Machines within the Parking Zones.
-
Credit/Debit Cards using a Smartphone or Online through RTA's Website.
-
Dedicated Parking Cards like eParking and Salik.
-
Special Parking Schemes like ‘Pay by Plate’.
-
RTA Mobile App for Secure Payment and Location Tracking of Parked Vehicles.
Payment options vary depending on the parking zone. In paid parking areas like multi-story car parks and on-street metered bays, drivers have the option of paying with coins or credit/debit cards.
Coins must be collected from parking machines located within the parking zones prior to parking their vehicles, while drivers can choose to pay with their credit/debit cards using a smartphone or online through RTA's website.
In addition to these payment options, RTA also offers dedicated parking cards like eParking and Salik which allow users to recharge their account with a certain amount of money and use it for automated payment at parking meters and other parking zones throughout Dubai. These cards provide convenience as well as discounts when you park multiple times within a day or month.
Furthermore, special parking schemes like ‘pay by plate’ are also available which allow drivers to pay for the exact amount of time they have been parked without having to worry about calculating fees or coins for each session.
Finally, there is an RTA app available that allows drivers to pay parking fees directly from their smartphones. This app also includes features like checking the availability of parking spaces, locating your parked vehicle via GPS coordinates, and viewing past transactions in order to keep track of your expenses.
It is important to note that all payments made through this app are done securely using a secure payment gateway provided by Dubai Government Payment Gateway (DGPG), so you don't have to worry about any data theft issues while making payments through this system.
Overall, parking in Dubai has become an easy and convenient process due to the wide range of payment options available. Whether you plan on using coins at parking meters or opting for one of the electronic payment methods such as the eParking card or mobile app, there is something available for everyone!
4) Parking Violation Fines
Dubai has strict parking rules that must be followed in order to avoid fines. The following table lists the various parking fines in Dubai, arranged in ascending order of amount, this table may not be exhaustive and is subject to change and based on the discretion of the enforcing authorities:
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
|
Going over the maximum parking hours |
100 |
|
Vehicle in parking space over parking time |
100 |
|
Not paid the parking tariff or ticket not visible |
150 |
|
Crossing sidewalks or parked on a sidewalk |
200 |
|
Obstructing or misusing a parking facility |
200 |
|
Parked in forbidden parking |
200 |
|
Parked without a number plate |
1,000 |
|
Harming a parking ticket machine, zone plates, or parking areas |
1,000 |
|
Unauthorized use of special needs parking or using an expired permit |
1,000 |
|
Parked in a reserved spot or without a permit |
1,000 |
|
Placing a parking umbrella over a vehicle without a permit |
1,000 |
It's always important to be aware of parking regulations and fines to avoid any unnecessary charges and to always check the official website of RTA for the most up-to-date information.
To pay for parking, you can use coins or cards like eParking and Salik to pay with your phone or online. You can also use the RTA app on your phone to pay parking fees and keep track of expenses. If you don't pay your fines, they will get bigger so make sure to always follow parking rules in Dubai.
5) How Do You Find the Right Parking Zone in Dubai
Zone maps are essential to parking in Dubai as they can help drivers identify the parking zone that best suits their needs and pay parking fees accordingly. Dubai’s parking zones are divided into four categories - parking fee zones, parking bays, parking lots, and car parks. Each of these has its own set of rules and regulations which must be adhered to when parking in them. The RTA (Roads & Transport Authority) provides detailed maps of the city’s parking zones online which can be used to identify the right parking location and pay the related fees.
Parking fee zones are designated areas where parking is restricted to vehicles with a valid parking permit or ticket. These permits can be obtained from RTA offices or online websites such as Salik and eParking. Parking bays are dedicated spaces for parking cars at a specific rate per hour or day depending on the area, while free parking bays require no payment at all but often tend to get overcrowded quickly. Parking lots offer long-term parking at fixed rates for a certain period of time, usually ranging from one day up to three months. Finally, multi-story car parks are usually privately owned and provide multiple levels of paid car parking along with additional services like valet, wash & detailing services, etc.
Using the RTA’s online map, drivers can check the availability of spaces in each category before opting for a specific option and make an informed decision based on their needs and budget. The map also highlights any special discounts offered by paid car parks during weekdays or non-peak hours which can help save money on your overall expenses. Furthermore, many of these maps also provide information about nearby facilities like supermarkets, petrol pumps as well as landmarks which can help you orient yourself better while navigating through unfamiliar locations within Dubai city.
Overall, zone maps serve as an invaluable resource when it comes to finding suitable parking options in Dubai and paying applicable fees without incurring any penalties or fines due to ignorance of rules related to parking in this city!
Find more details regarding parking in Dubai
FAQs about Parking in Dubai
Q1: What parking options are available in Dubai?
There are several parking options available in Dubai, depending on your location and preferred parking duration.
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) operates parking areas such as multi-level car parks, pay-and-display parking machines, parking lots with parking meters, and street parking spots. Private parking facilities such as malls and shopping centers also offer designated parking spaces for visitors.
Q2: Are there any restrictions on where I can park in Dubai?
Yes, there are certain restrictions when it comes to parking in Dubai. It is illegal to park your car within 50 meters of an intersection, or within 5 meters of fire hydrants or bus stops.
Additionally, public parking is not allowed around airports, educational institutes, and government buildings. Violators may face hefty fines or have their vehicles towed away from the area immediately.
Q3: How do I pay for parking in Dubai?
There are various payment methods that you can use when parking in Dubai. The most common method is to purchase a PayByPhone parking card which you can use at RTA's electronic pay-and-display machines located at various locations throughout the city.
Alternatively, you can pay for parking using Salik toll gates which enable users to pay without having to leave their cars unattended for long periods of time.
Q4: What discounts are available for drivers who park regularly in Dubai?
Most paid car parks provide discounted rates during non-peak hours such as early morning and late night hours; however, some places may require a minimum number of hours stay before they offer discounts.
Additionally, RTA's multi-level car parks provide discounted weekly passes which allow drivers to save up to 75% on their overall expenses if they use the facility regularly over a period of time.
Finally, private companies may also offer special discounts or loyalty programs which can help reduce costs significantly when parking at certain locations regularly!
Q5: Are parking spots free in Dubai?
Most parking spots throughout Dubai require payment, although there may be some exceptions where a parking spot is free to use. Free parking areas are usually located far away from popular destinations such as shopping malls and tourist attractions.
Additionally, some public parking facilities may offer the first hour of parking for free; however, this option is only available at select parking lots that have implemented this scheme.
Q6: What type of fines can I expect for parking violations in Dubai?
Depending on the severity of the violation, you may face hefty fines or even have your vehicle towed away if you are caught parking illegally. It’s highly recommended that drivers familiarise themselves with all applicable rules before attempting to park their vehicles in Dubai.
You can see a list of the fines here.
Q7: Is there any way I can pay for my parking fees online?
Yes, RTA offers an online partner platform called Udrive which provides users with multiple options when it comes to parking fee payment such as Salik top-up, cash card top-up, and QPark prepaid cards.
Additionally, Car Parking Dubai offers a mobile app that allows drivers to book parking spots in advance from anywhere in the city and pay via credit card or CashU wallet services securely using their smartphones!
Parking in Dubai can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and resources, it doesn't have to be. With parking spots located throughout the city, parking cards for easy payments, discounts available during non-peak times, and online payment options becoming increasingly popular - there are plenty of ways you can make parking in Dubai much more convenient. By understanding all applicable rules and regulations when parking your car as well as familiarising yourself with different payment methods such as RTA's Udrive platform or CarParking Dubai's mobile app – you'll never have to worry about parking again!
