Visitors experience difficulty when trying to park in Dubai because of its multiple zones together with its payment systems and parking rules. This complete guide provides all necessary information about Dubai parking for 2025 that includes current fee structures and zonal regulations and payment systems.
Latest Updates for 2025
Variable Parking Tariff Policy (Effective March 2025)
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented significant changes to parking fees 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 (changed from Fridays in previous years)
Premium parking zones are identified based on:
- Proximity to metro stations (within 500 meters)
- High occupancy during peak times
- Dense commercial areas
Areas such as parts of Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Jumeirah fall under premium charges.
New Paid Parking Areas
In July 2024, over 7,000 new paid parking spaces were introduced in:
- Jaddaf Waterfront
- Al Sufouh Gardens
- Arjan
- Majan
- Liwan 1 and 2
- Dubai Land Residence Complex (DLRC)
Understanding Dubai Parking Zones
Dubai’s parking is organized into several zones, each with specific timings and rates:
Zone A (Commercial Areas)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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 (Commercial Zone Parking Lots)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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 (Residential Areas)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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 D (Dubai Media City & Dubai Internet City)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- 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 E (Waterfront Market)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Ramadan Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Note: Underground parking is free
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 hour | 4 |
| 2 hours | 8 |
| 3 hours | 12 |
| 4 hours | 16 |
Zone G (Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay, Dubai Health Care City)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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 (Dubai Silicon Oasis)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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 (Industrial Areas)
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 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 |
Special Ramadan Parking Timings (2025)
During Ramadan, the RTA typically adjusts parking schedules to accommodate those observing the holy month:
- Paid parking zones typically operate in two shifts:
- Morning: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Evening: 8:00 PM to midnight
- Free parking during Iftar: Some areas offer free parking during Iftar hours (typically around sunset) to support those breaking their fast and attending prayers
- TECOM and special zones: Areas like Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City may have different timings (historically 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM to midnight)
Payment Methods
Dubai offers numerous convenient options for paying parking fees:
- RTA Dubai App: Pay for parking digitally via the Roads and Transport Authority’s mobile application
- SMS Service: Send an SMS with vehicle details to 7275 (PARK)
- Parking Meters: Use coins, credit/debit cards, or Nol cards
- Prepaid Parking Cards: Available in AED 30 and AED 100 denominations
- Nol Cards: Smart cards used for various RTA transport services
- WhatsApp: Add +971 58 8009090 to your contacts, then send a message with [Plate Number] [Space] [Zone Number] [Space] [Duration]
- Seasonal Parking Cards: For regular parkers
- NFC on Smartphone: Contactless payment option
- Banks with RFID: Integrated banking payment solutions
Parking Violation Fines
Adhering to Dubai’s strict parking regulations is essential to avoid fines. Here are the common violations and their penalties:
| 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 |
Tips for Parking in Dubai
- Plan ahead: Check zone maps available on the RTA website to identify the right parking location
- Use technology: Navigate with apps that show real-time traffic and parking availability
- Be aware of time limits: Maximum limit for consistent parking remains 4 hours in most zones
- Check for special permits: Special parking permits are available for residents, people of determination, and students
- Travel during off-peak hours: Consider timing your trips to avoid peak traffic and take advantage of lower rates
- Consider public transport: Use Dubai’s excellent public transit system to avoid parking challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any restrictions on where I can park in Dubai?
Yes, it is illegal to park within 50 meters of an intersection or within 5 meters of fire hydrants or bus stops. Additionally, public parking is restricted around airports, educational institutes, and government buildings.
What discounts are available for regular parkers?
Most paid car parks provide discounted rates during non-peak hours. RTA’s multi-level car parks offer discounted weekly passes which can save up to 75% for regular users.
Are there any completely free parking spots in Dubai?
Most parking spots throughout Dubai require payment, although there are exceptions. Free parking is available overnight (10:00 PM to 8:00 AM), all day on Sundays, and during public holidays. Some facilities may offer the first hour free.
How can I find the right parking zone?
The RTA provides detailed maps of the city’s parking zones online. These maps highlight zones, availability, and any special discounts offered during weekdays or non-peak hours.
How have parking rules changed in 2025?
The main changes include the shift of free parking days from Fridays to Sundays, the implementation of variable tariff policies with higher rates during peak hours, and the addition of over 7,000 new paid parking spaces in residential communities.
The 2025 parking improvements in Dubai will introduce flexible rates and establish new paid areas together with modified free parking availability. Understanding the digital payment systems and adjusted Ramadan hours during this period will help you avoid fines as well as deliver a seamless parking experience. Prior planning combined with public transportation selection and strict adherence to current rules will provide you with trouble-free parking.
