Dubai has officially rolled out its updated parking fee system as of April 4, 2025.
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This new structure introduces dynamic pricing to better manage congestion, optimize parking availability, and support the city’s broader transport goals. With the implementation of peak and off-peak tariffs, motorists across the emirate are expected to experience notable changes in how and when they pay for public parking.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain every aspect of the new Dubai parking tariff update, including premium and standard rates, zone-by-zone breakdowns, payment options, special event rates, and more. Whether you're a resident, a commuter, or a visitor, this article will help you stay informed and avoid unnecessary fines.
What are the new parking fees in Dubai from April 2025?
The new parking fees in Dubai, effective from April 4, 2025, introduce a variable pricing model where charges differ depending on the time of day (peak or off-peak) and the type of parking zone (premium or standard). This new tariff model mirrors the structure used in Salik’s dynamic tolling system and was implemented to address traffic congestion and high demand in central areas of Dubai.
Peak and Off-Peak Hours
The new pricing system divides the 14 chargeable hours each day into peak and off-peak time slots:
Peak hours: 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm
Off-peak hours: 10 am to 4 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm
No charges apply outside these hours, and parking is free on Sundays and public holidays.
Pricing Summary by Type
Premium zones are designated high-demand areas near metro stations, commercial districts, and main roads. Standard parking applies to less congested locations and residential areas.
Why has Dubai introduced variable parking tariffs?
According to Parkin, Dubai's official parking operator, the primary goal of the revised tariff system is to enhance parking availability, reduce traffic congestion, and promote efficient use of public infrastructure. The city’s growing population and increasing vehicle numbers have placed significant pressure on existing parking facilities, especially in central business and tourist zones.
The updated system is designed to encourage turnover of parking spots during busy hours, making short-term parking more accessible while discouraging long-term vehicle stays in high-demand zones during peak periods.
Where are premium parking zones in Dubai?
Premium parking zones are typically found in areas with heavy footfall, proximity to public transport, and commercial activity. These include:
Business Bay
Downtown Dubai
Deira
Al Wasl
Sheikh Zayed Road (from World Trade Centre to Umm Al Sheif)
Naif and Al Fahidi
Al Barsha 1
Main road areas in Jumeirah
These spaces are now marked with updated signage indicating their premium status and the applicable peak/off-peak rates.
Understanding the new signage and zone changes
To support the transition to variable pricing, Parkin has updated the city’s parking zone codes. The traditional zone labels A, B, C, and D have been changed to more descriptive formats:
Zone A becomes AP
Zone B becomes BP
Zone C becomes CP
Zone D becomes DP
Each sign will clearly display:
Zone code
Timings for peak and off-peak hours
Parking rates for both standard and premium spaces
You might also like: RTA Parking in Dubai, Detailed Guide
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Detailed breakdown of Dubai parking charges by zone
Zone A (On-Street Parking)
This zone covers some of the busiest roads in central Dubai, including areas around Downtown and Business Bay.
Zone B (Off-Street Parking)
Zone B includes parking lots behind commercial buildings and in residential areas.
Zone C (On-Street Parking)
Zone C serves mid-density commercial and retail areas.
Zone D (Off-Street Parking)
Typically includes long-term parking areas with capped day rates.
What about multi-storey car parks?
Dubai operates 3,200 spaces across six multi-storey car parks. These facilities are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Rate: AED 5 per hour
Maximum daily charge: AED 40 (after 8 hours of continuous parking)
No peak/off-peak differentiation
Use Parkin app or compatible platforms to pay post-parking (up to 48 hours later)
Special rates during large-scale events
A new event-based tariff has been introduced to regulate parking demand near major venues such as the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Special Event Rate: AED 25 per hour
Applies to about 200 spaces near DWTC
Operational hours: 8 am to 10 pm on event days only
Events triggering this rate in 2025 include:
GITEX: October 13 to 17
Beautyworld Middle East: October 27 to 29
Gulfood Manufacturing: November 4 to 6
The Big 5: November 24 to 27
Automechanika Dubai: December 9 to 11
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Developer-managed parking areas under new tariff
Parkin confirmed that 35 percent of developer-managed parking will now follow the same dynamic pricing scheme. This includes parking spaces in buildings and developments managed by private firms but regulated by RTA.
These developer spaces are now expected to adopt:
The same peak/off-peak structure
Updated signage and payment systems
Consistent rates with public parking zones
How to pay for parking in Dubai
Motorists have multiple payment options available:
Via SMS or WhatsApp
Send to 7275
Format:
Mobile Apps
Parkin
RTA Dubai
Dubai Now
These apps support:
Apple Pay
Samsung Pay
Huawei Pay
Credit or debit card payments
On-Site Meters
Meters accept:
Cash
Nol cards
Debit or credit cards
You will need to enter:
Vehicle plate source (Emirate)
Vehicle plate code
Vehicle number
Parking zone code
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FAQs
1. What are the peak and off-peak parking hours in Dubai under the new system?
Under the new tariff model effective from April 4, 2025, Dubai's paid parking hours from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm are divided into peak and off-peak periods to manage traffic flow more effectively.
Peak hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Off-peak hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Free hours: 10:00 pm to 8:00 am (no parking charges)
Free days: Sundays and public holidays
This breakdown allows drivers to save by choosing off-peak times and avoid congestion in busy areas during rush hours.
2. How much does premium parking cost in Dubai during peak hours?
Premium parking in Dubai during peak hours costs AED 6 per hour. This rate applies to high-demand zones like Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Deira, and Al Wasl, especially near metro stations or commercial hubs.
During off-peak hours, premium parking rates reduce to AED 4 per hour, making it more economical for users who can adjust their schedules.
3. How can I identify whether I am parking in a premium or standard zone?
Premium zones are marked with updated signage introduced by Parkin. These signs include:
A revised zone code (e.g., CP for premium Zone C instead of old “C”)
Clearly labeled tariff timings
A mention of premium or standard
Rate structure for peak and off-peak hours
Premium spaces are also typically located:
Within 500 meters of metro stations
On major roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road
In commercial and densely populated districts
Always check the signage before paying or selecting a zone on the app.
4. What is the maximum I can be charged for using a multi-storey car park in Dubai?
If you use one of Dubai’s six multi-storey car parks, the charge is a flat AED 5 per hour, 24 hours a day. However, the system has a maximum daily cap of AED 40, applicable if you stay for more than eight hours in any 24-hour period.
This makes multi-storey parking more cost-effective for long durations, especially near popular destinations or transport hubs.
5. What are the Dubai parking fees during large-scale events at DWTC?
For major events at Dubai World Trade Centre, a special event tariff applies to 200 nearby parking spaces:
Rate: AED 25 per hour
Timing: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on event days
Events that trigger this rate include GITEX, Gulfood Manufacturing, and The Big 5. These higher charges are designed to regulate parking turnover and reduce traffic build-up during large gatherings.
6. How do I pay for parking in Dubai under the new system?
Dubai offers multiple convenient ways to pay for parking:
SMS or WhatsApp: Send to 7275 in this format:
Mobile apps: Use Parkin, RTA Dubai, or Dubai Now apps. These accept Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay, debit/credit cards.
On-site meters: Accept cash, Nol cards, or bank cards. Enter your vehicle plate details and zone code.
For multi-storey parking, you can use the Parkin app’s ‘PayLater’ option to pay up to 48 hours after exiting the facility.
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7. Will I get fined if I forget to extend my parking time?
Yes, exceeding your paid duration without extension or renewal can lead to parking fines. Dubai’s smart system monitors duration based on your registered entry time. If you're parked in a premium or high-demand area during peak hours, fines may be higher.
To avoid penalties:
Set app reminders
Use the Parkin app's auto-renew feature
Opt for longer durations in advance if unsure
8. Are there flat day rates for standard and premium parking in Dubai?
Yes, flat day rates are available but only in Zones B and D:
Zone B:
Standard: AED 30
Premium: AED 40
Zone D:
Standard: AED 20
Premium: AED 30
These rates apply to off-street parking and are ideal for long stays. On-street parking in Zones A and C does not have a flat daily cap.
9. Is the new parking tariff applicable to developer-managed parking areas?
Yes, from April 4, 2025, about 35 percent of developer-managed parking areas in Dubai will follow the same dynamic pricing model as public spaces. This includes:
Residential and commercial buildings under Parkin supervision
Private parking operators regulated by RTA
Areas with Parkin-compatible payment meters or systems
These zones now also use the same peak/off-peak definitions and updated signage.
10. What happens if I park outside the designated hours or on public holidays?
There are no parking charges in Dubai from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, and on Sundays and official public holidays. You can park for free during these times in any standard or premium zone.
However, always confirm by checking the signage at the location, as some multi-storey and private developer lots may have different rules.
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for general informational purposes only. The details provided are based on the best information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice due to potential updates in educational policies or scheduling adjustments by the respective authorities. Readers are advised to contact the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and current information.