Following an announcement made through an Executive Council Resolution on Monday, March 28, public parking in Dubai will now be free on Sundays instead of Fridays.
On public holidays, parking will also be free. Multi-storey parking is not eligible for free parking and will be charged costs seven days a week.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Monday, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2022 amending certain clauses of Executive Council Resolution No. (5) of 2016 pertaining to regulations governing public parking in Dubai.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about not only the most recent news but also how public parking in Dubai works, from fines to payment options, here’s a complete explanation.
When is there no charge for parking?
On Sundays and public holidays in Dubai, parking is free.
When does it become necessary to pay for parking?
Parking must be paid from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, according to the new resolution.
How long can I leave my car parked?
According to the new resolution:
- Vehicles may park in public parking lots for a maximum of four hours in a row in roadside parking spaces.
- In parking lots for 24 hours.
- For 30 days in multistorey parking facilities.
In Dubai, how does one pay for public parking?
You can pay for parking in Dubai using the following methods:
- Parking meter (payment booths)
- Credit card
- Text message
- RTA APP
- Prepaid or rechargeable parking card
- Seasonal parking card
- Nol card
Meters for parking payments
Parking can be paid for at meters. Parking meters are installed in public parking lots around the Emirate. Coins and Nol cards are accepted by the machine. All you have to do is insert the coins or Nol card for the time period you require, in accordance with the parking price. Collect the ticket and place it on the dashboard after paying for it.
New payment meters, on the other hand, include a built-in touch screen that allows customers to type in their license plate and then pay. You do not need to collect the ticket in this scenario. Once you’ve paid for your parking, the payment and your car’s license plate are linked automatically.
mParking
The RTA’s mParking programme allows drivers to pay their parking fees using their Etisalat or Du mobile phones by sending an SMS to the number 7275. (PARK). It’s worth noting, however, that using this service incurs additional SMS charges.
The mParking service also sends an SMS to drivers before their parking permit expires, allowing them to extend their parking time via their phone.
How does one use mParking?
Motorists must SMS the following message to the number 7275 (PARK on the dial pad):
- Emirate/Country code followed by the plate code <space> plate no. <space> area no. <space> and duration in hours to the number 7275 (PARK)
- You will receive a confirmation message containing information about your virtual ticket.
Can only Dubai registered cars use mParking?
No, mParking services are available for number plates from anywhere within the UAE, as well as for cars from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
The Emirate and Country Codes for Dubai mParking are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Emirate AUH
- Sharjah Emirate SHJ
- Ajman Emirate AJM
- Umm Al Quwain Emirate UAQ
- Ras Al Khaimah Emirate RAK
- Fujairah Emirate FUJ
- Saudi Arabia KSA
- Kuwait KWT
- Bahrain BAH
- Oman OMN
You don’t need to input the emirate or country code if your license plate is from Dubai.
The cost of mParking
Each SMS is charged at a rate of 30 fils per message. The reminder is completely free.
Parking passes for the season
Long-term parking cards are available to parking users in Dubai with the purchase of parking seasonal cards. The holder of a season parking permit must keep the permit visible on the dashboard.
RTA APP
- Get the app for your phone.
- After that, fill in your personal information as well as your vehicle’s license plate number.
- The next step is to select a payment method.
- You will receive a confirmation message with the time for which you have paid for parking once you have completed the payment.
The price of public parking
The cost of parking each hour is determined by the zone in which you are parked. The RTA has split public parking spots into eight zones, ranging from A to G, as well as a unique category for multi-story parking.
Zone A
Timing: 8am-10pm
Fares:
Half hour – Dh2
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Zone B
Timing: 8am-10pm
Fares:
1 hour – Dh3
2 hours – Dh6
3 hours – Dh9
4 hours – Dh12
5 hours – Dh15
24 hours – Dh20
Zone C
Timing: 8am-10pm
Fares:
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh5
3 hours – Dh8
4 hours – Dh11
Zone D
Timing: 8am-10pm
Fares:
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh4
3 hours – Dh5
4 hours – Dh7
Zone F
Timing: 8am-6pm
Fares:
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh5
3 hours – Dh8
4 hours – Dh11
Zone G
Timing: 8am-10pm
Fares:
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Zone H
Timing: 8am-10pm
Fares
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Other parking zones
Other parking zones include Zone I (Dh10 per hour) and Zone J (Dh2 per half hour, Dh4 per hour), both of which have a three-hour maximum stay restriction.
Zones K and L have parking prices ranging from Dh2 per half hour to Dh32 for 8 hours to 24 hours, with Zone K having a maximum stay of 24 hours. Parking is available in Zones I, J, and K from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Zone L is open 24 hours a day.
Multi-storey
Timing: Open 24 hours
Fare: Dh5 per hour
Fines
It’s also worth noting that if you don’t pay or renew your parking, or if the ticket isn’t displayed correctly on the dashboard, you could face consequences.
Non-payment of parking tariff or ticket is not visible – Dh150
Exceeding parking time – Dh100
Exceeding maximum parking hours – Dh100