The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced new parking fees in Dubai, starting from April 4, 2025. Based on peak and off-peak hours and zones, the parking fees will vary. The change is imposed to regulate traffic and cater to the demand. While you will pay the same charges during off-peak hours, expect more parking charges during busy hours.
So, let’s look at the new parking charges by RTA in Dubai and the all-new premium and standard car parking zones.
- What’s Changing in the Dubai Parking System?
- Understanding New Peak and Off-Peak Parking Fee in Dubai
- Premium vs. Standard Parking
- Understanding the New Parking Charges in Dubai
- Multi-Storey Car Parking
- Parking at the Main Events
- Developer-Owned Parking Areas Follow the New Pricing Model
- How to Pay for Parking in Dubai
- FAQs
What’s Changing in the Dubai Parking System?
RTA Dubai has introduced a dynamic parking charge system alongside the new premium parking zones. These will address issues like traffic congestion, parking space availability, and fair pricing for high-demand areas.
The new model discourages people from leaving vehicles on streets in congested locations for long periods and prompts citizens to park using off-peak hours or the public transport network.
The key adjustments are higher fares during off-peak periods, higher prices in prime spots, and extended digital payment options. The changes intend to streamline parking and make space more fairly available across the city.
Understanding New Peak and Off-Peak Parking Fee in Dubai
The parking in Dubai will have a new charge structure based on busy hours, which means more parking fees during peak traffic hours. The goal is to regulate demand, reduce congestion, and create more turnover for parking spaces in busy areas.
| Time Slot | Tariff Type |
| 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM | Peak |
| 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM | Off-Peak |
| 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM | Peak |
| 08:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Off-Peak |
| After 10 PM | Free parking |
| Sundays & Public Holidays | Free parking |
Premium vs Standard Parking
Dubai has now divided parking spots into two broad categories: Premium Parking (high-demand areas) and Standard Parking (general locations). This segmentation ensures that individuals who require instant access to prime locations such as business districts, metro stations, and shopping malls in Dubai pay higher than individuals in less busy areas.
Premium Parking
High-end parking is found in central business districts, tourist areas, and densely populated places such as:
- Downtown Dubai
- Business Bay
- Al Fahidi
- Naif
- Sheikh Zayed Road: From Dubai World Trade Centre to Umm Al Sheif
- Jumeirah (main road)
- Al Wasl Road
- Al Barsha 1
Standard Parking
Standard parking areas serve neighborhoods and commercial zones with moderate traffic and lower parking demand compared to premium zones.
Understanding the New Parking Charges in Dubai
The new parking tariff system divides Dubai’s parking areas into different zones based on location, demand, and type of parking. Each of these zones has distinct pricing structures for peak and off-peak hours. The details of these charges are presented in the tables below.
Zone A: On-Street Parking Tariff (AED / Hour)
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | |
| 0.5 | 2 | – | 3 | 2 |
| 1 | 4 | – | 6 | 4 |
| 2 | 8 | – | 12 | 8 |
| 3 | 12 | – | 18 | 12 |
| 4 | 16 | – | 24 | 16 |
Zone C: On-Street Parking Tariff (AED / Hour)
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | |
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| 2 | 8 | 5 | 12 | 5 |
| 3 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 8 |
| 4 | 16 | 11 | 24 | 11 |
Zone B: Off-Street Parking Tariff (AED / Hour)
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | |
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| 2 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
| 3 | 12 | 9 | 18 | 9 |
| 4 | 16 | 12 | 24 | 12 |
| Day Rate | 30 | – | 40 | – |
Zone D: Off-Street Parking Tariff (AED / Hour)
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | Peak Tariff | Off-Peak Tariff | |
| 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| 2 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 4 |
| 3 | 12 | 5 | 18 | 5 |
| 4 | 16 | 7 | 24 | 7 |
| Day Rate | 20 | – | 30 | – |
Multi-Storey Car Parking
If you are looking for long-term parking, Dubai has more than 3200 car parking spaces in 6 multi-storey parking spaces. As a motorist, you will have to pay a maximum parking charge of AED 40 for 24 hours. However, if you are parking for less than 8 hours, you will have to pay only AED 5 per hour.
Parking at the Main Events
If you are visiting the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for an event, you will be subject to a special event tariff system to address high demand. For any event, the rate of parking will be AED 25 an hour from 8 AM to 10 PM to avoid parking shortages and promote public transport in Dubai.
Developer-Owned Parking Areas Follow the New Pricing Model
For the first time, developer-owned parking lots, which make up about 35% of Dubai’s parking spaces, are included in the official new RTA parking fees system. These changes bring uniform pricing across the city and eliminate differences between private and public parking rates.
Residents in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Marina, and Al Barsha can expect to see automated parking metres with the new peak/off-peak pricing system in these areas.
Zone A: 383A – Barsha Heights
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | |
| 0.5 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| 1 | 4 | 6 | 4 | |
| 2 | 8 | 12 | 8 | |
| 3 | 12 | 18 | 12 | |
| 4 | 16 | 24 | 16 | |
Zone G: 315G, 345G, 346G
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | |
| 1 | 4 | 6 | 4 | |
| 2 | 8 | 12 | 8 | |
| 3 | 12 | 18 | 12 | |
| 4 | 16 | 24 | 16 | |
Zone J & L: 393J & 393L
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | |
| Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | |
| 0.5 | 3 | 2 |
| 1 | 6 | 4 |
| 2 | 12 | 8 |
| 3 | 18 | 12 |
| 4 | 28 | 22 |
Zone F: 382F – Al Safouh 2
| Parking Duration (Hours) | Standard Parking | Premium Parking | ||
| Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | Peak Tariff (AED) | Off-Peak Tariff (AED) | |
| 0.5 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1 | 4 | 4 | ||
| 2 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 3 | 12 | 12 | ||
| 4 | 16 | 16 | ||
| 5 | 20 | 20 | ||
| 6 | 24 | 24 | ||
| 7 | 28 | 28 | ||
| Day Rate | 32 | 32 | ||
How to Pay for Parking in Dubai
RTA Dubai has made paying for parking easier by adding more digital options, including:
Mobile Apps
Several mobile apps are available through which you can pay for parking, verify rates, and even monitor your receipts:
- Parkin App
- RTA Dubai App
- Dubai Now App
You can also take advantage of Park Now and Pay Later Feature of the Parkin App in Dubai. This will add to more convenience.
WhatsApp & SMS
If you prefer simplicity, you can easily pay via WhatsApp or SMS parking in Dubai. The method allows you to pay immediately, which is convenient. Send a message to 7275 writing:
- Your plate number
- The parking zone code
- The duration you plan to park (in hours)
In-Person Payments
If you prefer paying in person, there are a few easy ways:
- Parking Meters: These accept cash, Nol cards, and debit/credit cards.
- Apple Pay & QR Codes: Apple Pay can be used, or the QR code at the parking meter can be scanned for an effortless contactless payment.
FAQs
Yes! Parking in Dubai is still free on Sundays and public holidays, just like under the old system. But parking around the main event sites may still have special tariffs during big events.
To save on parking, you can:
– Park during off-peak hours to pay lower fees.
– Use multi-storey car parks for extended stays.
– Consider public transport in premium areas to avoid costly parking.
– Buy a day pass if parking for long durations.
The RTA has updated signage citywide, making it easier to differentiate between Premium and Standard zones. The RTA Dubai app can also help you check the nearest parking zone and applicable rates.
The variable parking tariffs will help cater to the demand during the busy hours. It will also allow the RTA to reduce traffic congestion, making parking seamlessly accessible. The initiative will promote the use of public transport, like Dubai buses and Metro, as well.
New parking fees in Dubai may seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, drivers can avoid high costs by using off-peak hours, multi-storey car parks, and digital payment options. Besides, if you are on a shopping spree, you can find mall parking in Dubai, with different charges according to the hours you have parked the car.
