All You Need to Know About RTA Parking in Dubai

Given the status of development and calibre of precision that both official and non-official authorities put into modernising Dubai, it is no surprise that the city's parking system is one of the most organised and sophisticated in the world. Being among the most developed nations in the world with a great inflow of automobiles, having an intricate traffic flow management system is paramount.

A close look at the city's parking system will give you a perspective on the extensive parking zones and parking cards, as well as the varied payment processes and options. This also means that navigating the bustling streets of the emirate and trying to find the perfect parking spot for you, especially during peak hours, can be quite overwhelming. 

This is why we are bringing before you an all-inclusive guide to the parking system of Dubai. We are going to explore the varied parking zones in the city, along with the fees and charges. This is your one-stop space to get yourself acquainted with the parking mechanism of the city. 

Understanding RTA Parking Zones in Dubai

The highly developed parking system of Dubai has been developed and managed by the RTA. Therefore, to get a broad understanding of the parking zones in the city, we first need to dive into what is RTA, a common abbreviation that you would come across in Dubai. 

Founded in 2005, RTA stands for Roads & Transport Authority and is the official governing body for planning, developing, and managing Dubai's transportation system. From road design to public transportation operations, from ensuring road safety to implementing smart transportation technologies, RTA is the backbone of the city's traffic management system. 

RTA has diligently divided the parking spots across the city into various parking zones, with some being commercial, some being non-commercial, and others being special areas. There are 11 specific parking zones, namely Zone A, Zone B, Zone C, Zone D, Zone E, Zone F, Zone G, Zone H, Zone I, Zone J, and Zone K. 

The categorisation of the parking zones has helped to make the parking process smoother and more manageable. Let us get to know these parking zones up and close. Having clarity about the parking zones in the city will help save time and ensure that you are avoiding unnecessary fines. 

The RTA Dubai App provides detailed information about the timings and charges of each zone. It is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. We strongly recommend you download and install this on your device to keep updated information handy with you all the time.

RTA Parking Fees and Charges in Dubai

The RTA parking fees and charges depend on the zone your vehicle is parked in and the time duration it was parked for. Premium areas that have ease of access to public transport, high parking demands, and dense commercial prospects have higher parking rates. 

Another important aspect to keep in mind is that the parking timings are modified during the holy month of Ramadan. Additionally, free parking is available on Sundays and during specific hours overnight, and on public holidays.

Zone A

Zone A concerns all roadside parking areas within the designated commercial sectors of Dubai. It charges AED 4 per hour with incremental increases up to AED 16 for 4 hours. 

Zone B

Zone B refers to parking lots in commercial sectors with spacious yards. Since it is not as busy as Zone A, it is comparatively cheaper with a charge rate of AED 3 per hour with a 24-hour rate of AED 20. 

Zone C

Zone C concerns roadside parking in residential areas. The parking spaces in this zone are easily identified with clearly marked signboards. With AED 2 per hour, parking here is extremely cost-effective. 

Zone D

Zone D refers to the parking lots in residential or non-commercial areas. Old Dubai neighbourhoods such as Al Nahda and Al Qusais fall under Zone D. 

Zone E

Zone E falls under the special areas and covers the Waterfront Market (Deira Fish Market) along with various underground and public parking slots. While the underground parking is free of charge, the public parking is payable through RTA cards as well as pay-as-you-go systems.

Zone F

Zone F is also a dedicated special lot covering the Tecom areas, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and The Knowledge Village Hotel. Starting from February 2025, the parking fees for Zone F have been increased. 

Zone G

Zone G comprises the paid parking slots in Downtown Dubai, including Marasi Bay, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Health Care City.

Zone H

Zone H concerns all the parking lots of Dubai Silicon Oasis. No special permits or cards are required to park in this zone.

Zone I

Designed for commercial use and associated with industrial areas, Zone I refers to the special parking areas on the prime parking upper level of Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT). The maximum stay for parking in this zone is three hours. 

Zone J 

Zone J parking is designed to be within the JLT area. They are meant for short-term parking with the maximum duration being three hours. 

Zone K

Zone K is a designated parking zone area in JLT that offers long-term parking options of up to 24 hours. This is ideal for those who are looking for round-the-clock parking.

Variable Parking Tariffs for 2025

Effective from April 4th, 2025, the RTA has implemented variable parking tariffs by virtue of which there will higher parking fees in high-demand areas and during peak hours. This move has been made to enhance urban mobility, alleviate traffic congestion, and encourage the use of public transportation. 

The peak hours are from 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM on weekdays. Premium parking spaces such as Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Barsha Heights, among others, will thus fetch higher parking fees. It is believed that this policy will promote the use of alternative methods of transportation and will encourage parking turnover in high-demand areas. 

Variable Salik Toll Pricing for 2025

The Salik system of Dubai introduced variable toll pricing in January 2025 to optimise traffic flow. This pricing strategy is aimed at evenly distributing the traffic throughout the day. As such, it will help in minimising the congestion during the peak hours. 

In February 2025, the event zone congestion pricing was implemented starting with Dubai World Trade Centre. In March of the same year, the variable parking fees were rolled out across Dubai. This policy is a testament to the emirate’s commitment to improve its transportation infrastructure and encouraging sustainable urban mobility.

RTA Seasonal Parking Cards

RTA seasonal parking cards are a convenient and affordable solution for frequent commuters who are always on the lookout for constant parking. These cards enable you to park in designated areas without worrying about making daily payments. 

You can visit the official website of RTA or the RTA Dubai App to apply for this card. In-person application processes are available through the Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, Al Manarah, and Al Barsha. The self-serving machines available across varied RTA-managed locations also allow you to apply for these cards. 

You can register up to three vehicles on the card. However, only one can use it at a time. You need to park in the specific zone mentioned in your card and you can renew it online before its expiry to continue using it. 

Using an RTA Parking Card for Multiple Cars in Dubai

As we stated above, with a single RTA seasonal parking card, you can link up to three vehicles but only one can use it at any point in time. This card comes in handy for individuals and families with multiple cars. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to using an RTA parking card for multiple cars. 

Purchase or Renew a Seasonal Parking Card

The first order of business is selecting your preferred parking card type - General, Area-Specific, or Multi-Storey - through the RTA app, website, or Customer Happiness Centers.

Link Multiple Vehicles to the Parking Card

The next process is linking your vehicles. During the application or renewal process, you will be able to register up to three vehicles under the same parking card. To do this, provide a valid UAE traffic file number, and the vehicle registration details for each vehicle, and mention the vehicles to be linked to the card.

Switch the Parking Card Between Vehicles

To switch the parking card between vehicles, you need to log in to the RTA Dubai App or visit the RTA website. Make your way to the ‘Parking Services’ section. Once there, select the parking card and choose which vehicle you want to use the card for at the moment. Proceed to confirm the switch. Your card will then be set active for the selected vehicle.

Ensure Compliance

Remember that only one vehicle can be parked under the same card at any given time. If multiple linked vehicles are parked simultaneously in eligible zones, you may have to incur fines.

Payment Methods for RTA Parking

There are varied methods of payment for RTA parking. You can choose one based on your preferences. Let us run you through both traditional and digital payment options so that you can make a well-informed choice. 

Traditional Payment

Traditional methods of RTA parking payments include paying through coins via parking meters. These parking meters can be seen in all RTA-managed parking zones. All you need to do is insert the required amount based on the parking duration, and you will be issued a ticket.

Digital Payment Options

If you want to go for digital payment methods, you will have further choices, including the following. 

RTA Dubai App

The RTA Dubai app offers a convenient and seamless way to pay for your vehicle’s parking. You need to locate a nearby parking zone and make digital payments. You will receive reminders notifying you of your parking expiration and you can renew your parking remotely. 

NFC (Near Field Communication)

For NFC, you have to tap your smartphone or NFC-enabled card on the parking meter to make payments. Please make sure your card or phone has an adequate balance for the transaction.

RFID (Radio-frequency Identification) Cards

You can also preload your RFID card with funds and use it to make parking payments. Tap it on the meter’s RFID reader to process the payment.

SMS Payments through mParking Service

There are options to pay for your parking through SMS as well. Just open the SMS app on your phone and send an SMS to 7275 (PARK) with the format: <Plate Number> <Zone Number> <Duration in Hours>. For instance, if your plate number is A12345, and you are in zone 123A and want to park for four hours, you need to send: A12345 123A 4.

RTA Parking Penalties and Fines in Dubai

RTA has issued a range of penalties and fines to ensure smooth traffic flow across the emirate. It makes sure everyone gets access to an equitable parking lot. Let us take a close look at them.

How to Pay for RTA Parking Fines in Dubai?

RTA has made it possible for you to pay parking fines in Dubai in a bunch of different ways. You can choose one based on your preferences. 

mParking

mParking is a digital payment service by RTA that allows drivers to pay for parking through SMS. It eliminates the need for physical payment machines or coins. 

RTA Dubai or Dubai Drive App

You can also use the RTA Dubai or Dubai Drive app to pay for your parking fines. All you need to do is just download the app, register your vehicle in the app, and follow the instructions to pay your parking fee.

Paid Parking Machines

You can get parking tickets from the many available parking machines near you using coins. You need to place your ticket on the dashboard. 

Prepaid cards

Prepaid cards, available at supermarkets and grocery stores, can be used to pay for parking as well. Insert the prepaid card in the parking machine when you park. 

Nol Card

Multi-functional nol cards can be used to purchase parking tickets. The apt amount will be deducted from your card balance. 

Banks with RFID

Those with RFID bank cards can easily pay for their parking through their cards. All you need to do is charge your RFID card and tap it to the parking fee payment device each time you park. 

NFC on Smartphones

You can pay for parking through smartphones as well, using NFC technology. For this, you have to just tap your phone against one of many POS (Point of Sale) access points designated by RTA and follow the instructions to process the payment. 

To Conclude

RTA has made valiant efforts to smoothen the traffic flow in Dubai by implementing parking rules across the city. With designated parking zones, ease of parking payments, and regulating parking penalties, it has ensured the streets are organised and people have ease of access to parking lots.

Being aware of the parking mechanism and rules is crucial to ensure you are on the right side of the law and are not running into any trouble. We hope this guide will serve you well in understanding the nuances of the parking zones of Dubai.

FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions about RTA Parking in Dubai

How to pay for parking in Dubai?

There are a bunch of methods to pay for parking in Dubai. Let us run you through them. 

• Parking Meters – You can pay through parking meters wherein you need to insert coins into the machine after selecting the duration of your parking. Your printed ticket will be displayed on your dashboard. 
• RTA Dubai App – You can pay for parking through a linked credit or debit card by going to the RTA Dubai app and entering your vehicle details along with the parking zone. 
• mParking SMS – You can send an SMS to the dedicated RTA parking SMS number to pay for the parking. Send your zone code, duration, and vehicle plate number to 7275 (Park). Please note that the charges will include the SMS fee as well. 
• Nol Card – You can pay through a pre-loaded nol card by tapping it at compatible parking meters. 
• Apple Pay or Samsung Pay – Contactless payments through Apple Pay or Samsung Pay are also available at certain parking meters. 
• Smart Kiosks – Manual payments are available at the smart kiosks at various metro stations and public areas. 

What time is parking free in Dubai?

Parking is generally free on Sundays and public holidays in Dubai. Furthermore, many areas also offer free parking during overnight from 10:00 PM to 08:00 AM. Please keep in mind that these free parking facilities are not applicable in multi-storey car parks or premium locations. 

How to pay for half-hourly parking in Dubai?

You can use several methods such as the RTA Dubai App, prepaid parking cards, or SMS, among others, to pay for half-hourly parking in Dubai. 

How to find RTA parking in Dubai?

You can use the RTA Dubai App or the RTA website to find and navigate RTA parking in Dubai. The app specifically offers you information to locate parking spaces and pay fees. In addition, it also notifies you about when your parking time is about to expire. There are also signboards across the city that display zone numbers and codes. 

How much is RTA parking per hour in Dubai?

The tariff for RTA parking in Dubai depends on the parking zone you have used along with the time of the day. Peak hours of the day will cost you significantly more, which is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays. 

Per hour RTA parking cost can range from AED 4 to AED 10. On Sundays, public holidays, and overnight hours, you might also be able to park for free. 

How to reduce RTA fines in Dubai?

To reduce your RTA fines in Dubai, you need to pay within 60 days as it will provide you with a 35% discount. You can take advantage of payment plans that offer a 25% discount for timely instalments. 

For emergencies or minor violations, you can even request a reduction. To do so, you need to submit a formal request to the Dubai Police with supporting evidence. Dubai Police also offers Amnesty discounts from time to time during special campaigns or holidays, giving discounts of up to 50%. 

What are Category 1 and Category 2 zones?

In Dubai, Category 1 refers to high-demand commercial areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Bur Dubai, and Jumeirah, among others. These are Zone A and Zone B.

Category 2, on the other hand, comprises all other parking zones. These include the non-commercial and residential areas, along with roadside parking. Due to the low demand, this category incurs a lower parking rate than Category 1. 

Where to buy an RTA parking card in Dubai?

You can buy an RTA parking card in Dubai online as well as in person. For online, you need to use the RTA Dubai app or website. Select your preferred card type (general, area-specific, multi-storey), and the validity (3, 6, or 12 months). You then need to enter the registration details of your vehicle and complete the payment. 

For in-person methods, you can visit the RTA Customer Happiness Centres, provide relevant vehicle documents, and make the payment. There are also the RTA Self-Service Machines found at malls, metro stations, and various public areas that offer quick purchases. 

How to pay for parking in Dubai by SMS?

To pay for parking in Dubai through SMS, you have to open the SMS app on your phone and send an SMS to 7275 (PARK) with the format: <Plate Number> <Zone Number> <Duration in Hours>. For instance, if your plate number is A12345, and you are in zone 123A and want to park for three hours, you need to send: A12345 123A 3.

The payment is deducted from your mobile phone account. In the rare event you don't receive a confirmation, you can reach out to the RTA customer service at 800-9090. 

Is parking free after 10 in Dubai?

Parking is generally free after 10:00 PM in Dubai. However, this is not a standard practice across the city. High-demand zones, private lots, and multi-storey car parks may have extended paid parking hours. We strongly recommend you check the parking signage or the RTA Dubai app to know the specific location rules.