Dubai Parking Fees: Zones, Peak Prices and How to Pay
What parking costs in Dubai right now, zone by zone: premium and standard peak prices, off-peak rates, free hours, event pricing, seasonal cards and the fines to avoid.
Last checked: 3 October 2026. We update this page whenever Parkin or the RTA change a tariff, a zone or a payment rule.
| Public parking (Parkin) | Price per hour (incl. 5% VAT) |
|---|---|
| Premium zones (code ends in P), peak: 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm | AED 6.30 |
| Standard zones, peak | AED 4.20 |
| Off-peak, 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm | Zone rate: AED 4.20 (A), AED 3.15 (B), AED 2.10 (C and D) for 1 hour |
| Multi-storey car parks, every day | AED 5 plus VAT, capped at AED 40 plus VAT a day |
| Event zone X near Dubai World Trade Centre, during events | AED 25 plus VAT |
| 10pm to 8am, Sundays and public holidays | Free in most zones |
Peak pricing started on 4 April 2025. Since 1 June 2026, Parkin adds 5% VAT to every parking product, and meters no longer take cash. The base tariffs have not changed since April 2025.
Dubai parking zone codes explained
Every paid bay has a sign with a zone number and letters, such as 373C or 373CP. That code is what you type into the app or SMS.
- A: roadside parking in busy commercial areas
- B: off-street plots in the same areas
- C: roadside parking elsewhere
- D: off-street plots elsewhere
- P at the end (AP, BP, CP, DP): a premium zone, which charges AED 6.30 at peak instead of AED 4.20
About 40% of public spaces were classed as premium when the scheme began. These are high-demand areas, many near Metro stations.
Specialist codes, from E to L, plus W, X and M, cover places such as Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Media City, Burj Khalifa and Silicon Oasis. Many have their own hours and some charge 7 days a week. Mosque car parks (M and MP) charge around the clock, but worshippers get 1 free hour at prayer time. Always read the sign for the bay you are in.
Off-peak rates and longer stays
Outside peak hours, each zone keeps its older tariff. In Al Barsha's premium zone 373CP, for example, an off-peak stay costs AED 2 for 1 hour, AED 5 for 2 hours and AED 8 for 3 hours, before VAT. At peak, the same bays cost AED 6 an hour, so 3 hours comes to AED 18 before VAT.
Roadside bays (A and C) have a 4-hour maximum stay. Plots (B and D) allow longer, and some offer a day rate.
When parking in Dubai is free
- Every night from 10pm to 8am in standard Parkin zones
- Sundays and public holidays in most zones
- Parkin announces free days for Eid and National Day each year
Not free: multi-storey car parks, which run 365 days a year, 24/7 zones such as mosque car parks, and private areas run by developers or other operators. Parkonic, for example, runs the bays in Discovery Gardens and Silicon Oasis with its own hours.
How to pay for parking in Dubai
- Parkin app: pick the zone, choose the time and extend remotely when you get the reminder
- SMS to 7275: send plate, zone and hours, for example
A12345 373C 2, and reply to confirm - RTA Dubai app and Dubai Now
- Meters: by bank card or nol card; cash ended on 1 June 2026
Some newer car parks, including Dubai Airports and malls, read your plate and charge your Salik account instead. Our story on Dubai Airports' switch to Salik payments explains how that works.
Seasonal cards and subscriptions
If you park in the same area every day, a seasonal card is usually cheaper than paying per hour. Parkin's published prices before VAT:
| Card | 1 month | 3 months | 6 months | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plots only | AED 250 | AED 700 | AED 1,300 | AED 2,400 |
| Roadside and plots | AED 500 | AED 1,400 | AED 2,500 | AED 4,500 |
Add 5% VAT to each. Up to 3 cars on the same Dubai traffic file can share a card, with one active at a time. Students can get a large discount, covered in our student parking guide, and residents can also reserve a dedicated bay.
Parkin asked the RTA in February 2026 to adjust tariffs and the seasonal card structure. No change had been announced by 3 October 2026. If it is approved, we will update the prices here.
Dubai parking fines and how to dispute them
Common fines from Dubai's parking rules:
- Not paying, or no valid ticket: AED 150
- Staying past your paid time: AED 100
- Parking in a bay for People of Determination without a permit: AED 1,000
Parkin is rolling out more than 500 enforcement cameras, starting in Trade Centre 1, Burj Khalifa and Al Corniche, so expect more automatic fines.
Check fines at parkin.ae/fines, or in the RTA Dubai or Dubai Police apps, using your plate or traffic file number. To object, file a free dispute in the Parkin app or on its website with photos or your payment record. Unpaid fines must be cleared before you renew your car registration, and they can hold up other paperwork.
Parking often eats a big share of a commuting budget. If you are comparing offers, browse live UAE jobs by area and factor in where you will park.
FAQ
Is parking free in Dubai on Sundays?
Yes, in most public Parkin zones. Multi-storey car parks, mosque car parks and some specialist zones still charge on Sundays, so check the sign.
What are peak parking hours in Dubai?
8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. Premium zones charge AED 6.30 an hour and standard zones AED 4.20 an hour during these times.
How do I know if my parking zone is premium?
Look at the code on the sign. If it ends in P, such as 373CP, it is a premium zone with the higher peak rate.
Can I still pay for parking with coins in Dubai?
No. Cash payments at meters stopped on 1 June 2026. Use the Parkin app, SMS to 7275, the RTA app, a bank card or a nol card.
What time does paid parking end in Dubai?
At 10pm in most zones, and it starts again at 8am. Some zones, such as mosque car parks and certain specialist areas, charge 24 hours a day.
Is there VAT on Dubai parking?
Yes. Since 1 June 2026, Parkin adds 5% VAT to parking fees, seasonal cards, permits and reservations.