How to Pay Parking in Dubai? - Dubai Parking Fees
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The parking system in Dubai plays a crucial role in regulating and promoting an orderly flow of traffic across the city. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has categorized the parking zones into free and paid areas.
The residents can park their vehicles free of cost (for a fixed time) in designated areas such as residential locales, parks, and beaches. However, you must pay parking fees to avail of the services in multistoried car parks and street-metered bays. The RTA provides several payment options for the convenience of vehicle owners.
Let’s now delve deeper to learn how to pay for parking in Dubai, along with other requisite details.
How to Pay for Parking in Dubai?
Parking Machines :
If you find a parking machine nearby, you can insert coins into it and purchase the ticket. Once you enter your vehicle plate number, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number.
Prepaid Cards :
You can purchase prepaid cards of fixed denominations at a nearby supermarket. The prescribed parking charges for the zone shall be deducted when you insert this card into the parking machine.
Seasonal Parking Cards :
Those who frequently avail of public parking services can purchase seasonal parking cards and avoid making payments every time. These cards are available for three months, six months, or one year durations.
Nol Cards :
The Nol card introduced by the RTA to pay for public transportation services can also be used to pay your parking charges. The amount will be deducted from the balance when you insert the card into the slot and enter the required details.
mParking :
This service enables you to pay the parking charges by sending an SMS to the RTA number in the prescribed format
RFID Cards :
You can also use your RFID bank card to pay the parking charges. All you need to do is tap this card on the payment device, and the amount will be automatically deducted.
RTA Dubai/Dubai Drive App :
You can also use your RFID bank card to pay the parking charges. All you need to do is tap this card on the payment device, and the amount will be automatically deducted.
How to Pay for mParking in Dubai Via SMS?
Note the parking zone number given on the signpost of the parking meter
Draft the SMS in the following format: <Zone number><car plate number> <parking duration in hours>
Send the above SMS to 7275
You will immediately receive a confirmation message on your number
Benefits of Using the Dubai SMS Parking Service
Hassle-Free Process :
The SMS parking system is simple and convenient for first-time users, too. It takes a few seconds to complete the entire procedure. Suppose you are far away from the parking lot and need to extend the duration of parking, you can do it by sending another SMS.
Offline Procedure :
The Dubai SMS parking system does not require an internet connection to operate. A simple SMS from your phone will do the job.
Eco-Friendly System :
The mParking system is completely paperless, and there is no need to generate/print parking tickets now. This makes the ticketing process user-friendly and also eco-friendly.
Dubai Parking Fees
Zone A refers to all roadside parking in designated commercial areas of Dubai. It is suitable for those looking for parking in busy areas and it doesn’t need a specific card.
Timings : Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 2 for half an hour
- AED 4 per hour
- AED 8 for two hours
- AED 12 for three hours
- AED 16 for four hours
Zone B parking refers to parking lots in commercial zones. It is less busy than Zone A and relatively cheaper.
Timings : Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 3 per hour
- AED 6 for two hours
- AED 9 for three hours
- AED 12 for four hours
- AED 15 for five hours
- AED 20 for 24 hours
Zone C refers to non-commercial parking. All roadside parking in residential areas falls under Zone C parking. This zone is suitable for those looking for parking in residential areas.
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 2 per hour
- AED 5 for two hours
- AED 8 for three hours
- AED 11 for four hours
Zone D also refers to parking lots in non-commercial areas. The parking charges for areas in Zone D are the cheapest. Residential areas including Al Qusais and Al Nahda fall in this zone.
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 2 per hour
- AED 4 for two hours
- AED 5 for three hours
- AED 7 for four hours
- AED 10 for 24 hours
Zone E parking spaces are special areas. Zone E covers both underground and public parking lots of the Waterfront Market, previously known as Deira Fish Market. The underground parking is free.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 4 per hour
- AED 8 for two hours
- AED 12 for three hours
- AED 16 for four hours
This is the dedicated parking lot for all the Tecom areas, including The Knowledge Village Hotel, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Parking Charges:
- AED 2 per hour
- AED 5 for two hours
- AED 8 for three hours
- AED 11 for four hours
This includes all the paid parking areas of Downtown Dubai including Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay area, and Dubai Health Care City Area.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Parking Charges:
- AED 4 per hour
- AED 8 for two hours
- AED 12 for three hours
- AED 16 for four hours
This includes all the parking lots in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between.
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 2 for half an hour
- AED 4 per hour
- AED 8 for two hours
- AED 12 for three hours
- AED 16 for four hours
This zone refers to parking lots in industrial areas. It is for commercial use and is comparatively cheaper than other zones.
Timing: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm with no breaks in between
Ramadan Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 8:00 pm to 12:00 am
Parking Charges:
- AED 2 per hour
- AED 4 for two hours
- AED 6 for three hours
- AED 8 for four hours
- AED 10 for twenty-four hours
#Note: The information given above is subject to change anytime
Parking Violation Fines in Dubai
The following table provides a list of traffic fines in Dubai. The list is not exhaustive and the amounts are subject to change anytime as decided by the authorities.
| Offense | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Going over the maximum parking hours | 100 |
| The vehicle is in parking space over the parking time | 100 |
| The parking tariff is not paid or the ticket is not visible | 150 |
| The vehicle is crossing the sidewalks or is parked on a sidewalk | 200 |
| Obstructing or misusing a parking facility | 200 |
| Parking the vehicle in a forbidden parking area | 200 |
| Parking the car 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 |
| Parking the vehicle in a reserved spot or without a permit | 1,000 |
| Placing a parking umbrella over a vehicle without a permit | 1,000 |
How to Find the Right Parking Zone in Dubai
Drivers can easily find the right parking zone in Dubai using zone maps and pay the requisite parking fees without incurring any fines. These detailed maps are available online on the RTA portal for the benefit of the public.
The parking zones in Dubai are divided into four categories i.e. parking fee zones, parking bays, parking lots, and car parks. The RTA has prescribed separate rules for each of these zones.
The parking fee zones are specified areas that allow parking only for vehicles with a valid permit. The parking bays allow parking of vehicles at a fixed hourly or daily rate. The parking lots provide long-term parking facilities at fixed rates for periods ranging from one day to three months. The private multistoried car parks offer paid car parking with other services.
Drivers can use RTA’s online maps and check the availability of parking spaces in any of the above categories based on their requirements. These maps also provide information about special discounts on parking charges and nearby facilities such as malls, supermarkets, and fuel outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions on Ways to Pay for Parking in Dubai
On what days can I avail of free parking in Dubai?
The Dubai RTA permits free parking to the public only on Sundays and public holidays. You have to pay for parking on other days from 8 am to 10 pm. Please note that the parking is not free on Fridays.
Can regular users get discounts on parking charges in Dubai?
A few private companies offer special discounts on parking charges for regular users. The RTA’s multistoried car parks also provide discounted weekly/monthly passes if you regularly use these facilities. Most car parks in the city offer free or discounted rates for off-peak hours.
What happens if I violate the parking laws in Dubai?
The traffic and parking laws are very stringent in Dubai. Any violation can result in hefty fines and penalties. Vehicles that are parked wrongly may be towed away by the authorities if they obstruct the traffic flow or cause any other nuisance.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned here is gathered from sources deemed to be reliable & trustworthy. Prominent Insurance Brokers does not promote or recommend any product or service.