Dubai’s new parking fees are now in effect – What motorists need to know

Dubai Starting today, April 4, Dubai implements peak and off-peak parking tariffs to ease traffic congestion and manage demand. Parking fees now vary depending on the time of day and whether you’re in a premium or standard parking zone.

Similar to Salik’s road toll system, the new dynamic pricing model charges higher rates during peak hours and in high-demand areas. If you park during busy times, expect to pay more, while off-peak parking remain at regular rates.

Whether you are commuting, running errands, or heading out for the evening, knowing these changes will help you plan ahead and avoid extra costs. If you often park in crowded areas during rush hours, be prepared for higher charges.

Dubai’s public parking system has introduced new peak and off-peak tariffs to optimise parking management in high-demand areas. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes, including timings, applicable locations, and charges.

Parking tariffs during off-peak hours will remain unchanged, following the existing pricing structure. Public parking remains free on Sundays and public holidays, and Dubai’s paid parking hours operate from 8am to 10pm with no charges outside these times.

Dubai’s parking signage is being updated to reflect the new system. While some zones will retain their existing codes, others will have revised codes. For example, zones A, B, C, and D are now labelled as AP, BP, CP, and DP. The updated parking signs will clearly display peak and off-peak timings, as well as applicable charges, ensuring motorists can easily identify the correct tariffs.

The updated tariff structure introduces different pricing based on the type of parking and the time of day:

Below is a breakdown of parking charges for standard and premium zones during peak and off-peak hours:

Premium parking spaces are located in high-demand, densely populated areas, particularly near public transport hubs. These spaces are clearly marked with dedicated signage and tariff details, such as ‘345CP’.

Premium parking areas include:

Dubai currently operates 3,200 parking spaces across six multi-storey car parks. The parking tariff remains Dh5 per hour, applicable 24/7, year-round. However, motorists parking for more than eight hours in a 24-hour period will be subject to a maximum daily charge of Dh40.

During large-scale events, a special parking tariff of Dh25 per hour will apply to approximately 200 spaces surrounding the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This rate is effective between 8am to 10pm on event days.

Upcoming Grand Events at DWTC (2025):

Following discussions with the RTA, 35 per cent of Parkin’s developer-managed parking spaces will also be subject to variable tariffs, starting April 4, 2025. The same variable parking tariff policy will apply to these spaces, ensuring consistency across Dubai’s parking system.

A detailed breakdown of tariffs for developer parking spaces can be found in the appendix.

According to Parkin, the new system is designed to improve parking availability in high-demand areas, reduce congestion, and promote efficient traffic flow. By encouraging turnover of parking spaces during peak hours, the policy aims to enhance accessibility and better manage Dubai’s growing urban infrastructure.

 You can pay your public parking fees by sending a WhatsApp message or SMS to 7275, including your plate number, parking area code, and duration.

Alternatively, you can use official apps such as Parkin, RTA Dubai, or the Dubai Now app to pay for parking. Payments can be made using your debit or credit card, or through your phone wallet – Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Huawei Pay.

At paid parking areas in Dubai, installed signs now offer iPhone users the option to scan a Quick Response (QR) code and use the ‘App Clips’ feature to pay via Apple Pay.

Parking metres are also located in public parking zones. You can pay using cash, Nol cards, or credit/debit cards. Regardless of the payment method you choose, you will need to provide the following details on the parking metre's touch screen:

Click here for a detailed guide on how to pay for parking in Dubai.

This article was published on April 3, 2025 and has been updated since.