Dubai parking fee changes: What parking zone letters mean and how they affect costs
Learn how parking zone codes (A, B, C, D) affect fees, durations, and peak hours in Dubai
Dubai: Starting next month, you may want to pay close attention to which parking zone you are in and the letter code on the parking signboard. The letter on the parking sign - A, B, C, or D - could mean the difference between paying a few dirhams or racking up a hefty fee.
With new tariffs set to roll out in April, understanding these zone codes is more important than ever. Whether you are stopping for a quick errand or parking for the entire day, selecting the right zone can help you save money, avoid fines, and even determine how long you can park.
Dubai’s public parking operator, Parkin, has announced that parking fees across the city will undergo substantial changes in April, introducing variable rates and premium parking spaces. Premium spots will be available in Dubai’s public parking areas, with time-based tariffs, including charges of Dh6 per hour during peak periods.
How do parking zone letters impact drivers?
Understanding parking zones in Dubai
When parking in Dubai, the easiest way to determine if you are in a paid parking zone is by checking the signboards in the area. These signs, marked in blue and orange, display a parking zone number and code, typically in the format of a three-digit number followed by a letter (ex: 232C). The letter represents the parking code, which influences several factors:
Cost differences: Different zones have distinct tariffs during peak and off-peak hours. For instance, Zone A (on-street parking) is more expensive than Zone D (off-street parking). Knowing this can help drivers choose more budget-friendly options.
On-street vs. off-street parking: Zones A and C are for on-street parking, usually in high-demand commercial areas where fees are higher. In contrast, Zones B and D cover off-street parking lots, which offer lower rates and daily passes.
Day rates for long-term parking: Certain zones, like B and D, offer day rates, making them ideal for long-term parking.
Parking subscription validity: Subscriptions apply only to roadside parking (Codes A and C) and plot parking (Codes B and D). They do not cover areas with other codes, such as H, J, or K, which include locations like Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Peak and off-peak parking hours in Dubai
Off-peak hours: 10am – 4pm and 8pm – 10pm
Peak hours: 8am – 10am and 4pm – 8pm
Dubai’s updated public parking tariffs
Dubai's public parking system, managed by Parkin, is categorised into four main tariff zones (A, B, C, and D), with premium and standard rates applied to both on-street and off-street parking.
Zone A - on-street parking
Standard parking tariffs:
Peak:
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Premium parking tariffs:
Peak:
1 hour – Dh6
2 hours – Dh12
3 hours – Dh18
4 hours – Dh24
Off-peak:
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Zone B - off-street parking
Standard parking tariffs:
Peak:
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Day Rate – Dh30
Off-peak:
1 hour – Dh3
2 hours – Dh6
3 hours – Dh9
4 hours – Dh12
Day Rate – Dh30
Premium Parking
Peak
1 hour – Dh6
2 hours – Dh12
3 hours – Dh18
4 hours – Dh24
Day Rate – Dh40
Off-peak
1 hour – Dh3
2 hours – Dh6
3 hours – Dh9
4 hours – Dh12
Day rate – Dh40
Zone C - on-street parking
Standard parking tariffs:
Peak:
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Off-peak:
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh5
3 hours – Dh8
4 hours – Dh11
Premium Parking
Peak
1 hour – Dh6
2 hours – Dh12
3 hours – Dh18
4 hours – Dh24
Off-peak
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh5
3 hours – Dh8
4 hours – Dh11
Zone D - off-street parking
Standard parking tariffs:
Peak:
1 hour – Dh4
2 hours – Dh8
3 hours – Dh12
4 hours – Dh16
Day Rate – Dh20
Off-peak:
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh4
3 hours – Dh5
4 hours – Dh7
Day Rate – Dh20
Premium parking
Peak
1 hour – Dh6
2 hours – Dh12
3 hours – Dh18
4 hours – Dh24
Day Rate – Dh30
Off-peak
1 hour – Dh2
2 hours – Dh4
3 hours – Dh6
4 hours – Dh7
Day rate – Dh30
Identifying premium parking zones
In 2024, Parkin explained that premium parking spaces will be based on three factors:
Proximity to public transport: Areas within 500 meters of metro stations.
High parking demand: Locations experiencing peak-time congestion.
Commercial zones: Markets and business hubs, such as Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Jumeirah, and Al Wasl Road.
These zones will be clearly marked with dedicated signage and tariff details on display, with additional information readily available on the Parkin website, via the Parkin mobile app and social media channels.
When is public parking free in Dubai?
Public parking operates from 8am to 10pm, and parking is free outside these hours. Additionally, parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. However, multi-storey parking facilities operate 24/7 and are subject to fees at all times.
Special parking zones in Dubai
Apart from the standard zones, Dubai has special parking zones with unique tariff structures:
Trade Center First (Code X)
• 0.5 Hour: Dh2
• 1 Hour: Dh4
• 2 Hours: Dh8
• 3 Hours: Dh12
• 4 Hours: Dh16
• During Events: Dh25 per hour
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) (Code E)
• 1 Hour: Dh10
• 2 Hours: Dh20
• 3 Hours: Dh30
• 4 Hours: Dh40
The Knowledge Village / Dubai Media City / Dubai Internet City (Code F)
• 0.5 Hour: Dh2
• 1 Hour: Dh4
• 2 Hours: Dh8
• 3 Hours: Dh12
• 4 Hours: Dh16
• 5 Hours: Dh20
• 6 Hours: Dh24
• 7 Hours: Dh28
• 24 Hours: Dh32
Burj Khalifa / Marasi Bay / Dubai Health Care City / Dubai Hills (Code G)
• 1 Hour: Dh2
• 2 Hours: Dh5
• 3 Hours: Dh8
• 4 Hours: Dh11
Dubai Silicon Oasis (Code H)
• 30 Minutes: Dh2
• 1 Hour: Dh4
• 2 Hours: Dh8
• 3 Hours: Dh12
• 4 Hours: Dh16
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) (Code I)
• 1 Hour: Dh10
• 2 Hours: Dh20
• 3 Hours: Dh30
• 4 Hours: Dh40
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) (Code J)
• 30 Minutes: Dh2
• 1 Hour: Dh4
• 2 Hours: Dh8
• 3 Hours: Dh12
• 4 Hours: Dh22
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) (Code K)
• 30 Minutes: Dh2
• 1 Hour: Dh4
• 2 Hours: Dh8
• 3 Hours: Dh12
• 4 Hours: Dh16
• 5 Hours: Dh20
• 6 Hours: Dh24
• 7 Hours: Dh28
• 24 Hours: Dh32
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) (Code L)
• 30 Minutes: Dh2
• 1 Hour: Dh4
• 2 Hours: Dh8
• 3 Hours: Dh12
• 4 Hours: Dh22
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