Residential parking in Dubai: Full guide to subscription costs and zones

Dubai: If you live in a busy residential area and rely on public parking, a daily parking struggle is probably part of your routine. Many apartment buildings only allocate one basement parking spot per unit, which can be a challenge for families with two vehicles. In other neighbourhoods, there may be no basement or reserved parking at all, leaving residents dependent on street parking.

That’s why Parkin, Dubai’s public parking operator, offers parking subscription permits in specific neighbourhoods to help meet this growing demand. For many residents, buying a subscription can be the most convenient solution to ongoing parking woes.

Residential areas with parking subscriptions in Dubai

DSO Zone H
• 3 months – Dh1,400
• 6 months – Dh2,500
• 12 months – Dh4,500

DSO Limited Area
• 3 months – Dh1,000
• 6 months – Dh1,500
• 12 months – Dh2,500

Dubai Hills
• 1 month – Dh500
• 3 months – Dh1,400
• 6 months – Dh2,500
• 12 months – Dh 4,500

Wasl Real Estate W/WP
• 1 month – Dh300
• 3 months – Dh800
• 6 months – Dh1,600
• 12 months – Dh2,800

Dubai Studio City
• 1 month – Dh315
• 3 months – Dh840
• 6 months – Dh1,680
• 12 months – Dh2,940

Dubai Outsource City
• 1 month – Dh315
• 3 months – Dh840
• 6 months – Dh1,680
• 12 months – Dh2,940

Dubai Sports City
• 1 month – Dh300
• 3 months – Dh800
• 6 months – Dh1,600
• 12 months – Dh2,800

Dubai International Academic City
• 1 month – Dh315
• 3 months – Dh840
• 6 months – Dh1,680
• 12 months – Dh2,940

Dubai Production City
• 1 month – Dh315
• 3 months – Dh840
• 6 months – Dh1,680
• 12 months – Dh2,940

Dubai Science Park
• 1 month – Dh315
• 3 months – Dh840
• 6 months – Dh1,680
• 12 months – Dh2,940

Are parking subscriptions cost-effective?

One of the biggest advantages of a parking subscription in Dubai is the convenience it offers. If you rely on public parking daily and commute across the city for work, a subscription lets you park multiple times a day in various parking spaces without paying each time. For regular motorists, this can translate into significant time and cost savings.

You also avoid variable hourly parking fees. Dubai’s peak-hour pricing for premium parking spots can go up to Dh6 per hour from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, costs that can quickly add up. A subscription gives you predictable expenses instead of fluctuating daily charges.

Another major benefit is reducing the risk of overstaying and receiving fines. With a permit, you no longer need to monitor meters, extend paid time, or worry about forgetting to renew your parking session.

However, despite these benefits and even in areas where signs indicate parking is reserved for permit holders, a subscription does not always guarantee that a space will be available when you arrive. That remains one of the key drawbacks.

Parkin has announced that starting next year, it will introduce live, real-time visibility of parking availability. The system is already in development and will launch first across multi-storey and off-street car parks in 2026, with plans to expand real-time parking availability across Dubai. This could significantly improve the overall value of parking subscriptions once fully rolled out.

How to get a parking subscription in Dubai

1. Visit Parkin - parkin.ae/subscription.

2. Choose your subscription type and click Next.

3. Click Apply Now, select your package (1, 3, 6, or 12 months), then Start Now.

4. Log in with UAE Pass or RTA account, or continue as a guest.

5. Select your subscription start and end dates (applications after 10pm activate the next day).

6. Enter your contact details: full name, mobile, email, and Emirates ID.

7. Add a vehicle (emirate, plate category, plate code, number). Up to 3 vehicles can be registered, but only one can be active at a time. Switch vehicles via the Parkin app or website.

8. Confirm details and pay via credit or debit card.

You’ll receive a confirmation once your subscription is active