Free & Paid Car Parking in Dubai | 2025 RTA Zones, Timings & Tips

Are you planning to roam in Dubai and worried about finding a parking spot? Do not worry. Dubai has established an efficient car parking system. Knowing about car parking in Dubai is essential for an enjoyable experience.

This article will provide information about car parking in this Emirate, from free and paid parking in Dubai to different tourist tips when renting a car from DriveX and exploring Dubai.

Types of Parking in Dubai

If you want to drive in Dubai for the first time and are wondering about parking for tourists Dubai, this city offers a wide variety of parking options to cater to different preferences.

· Public Parking (RTA)

If you’re wondering about public parking Dubai, everything is there. The Roads and Transport Authority, known as RTA, manages a vast network of public parking spots within Dubai. These spots are divided into different zones, each with its own set of rules and fees, whether free or paid. You’ll find marked parking spots very easily.

· Mall/Hotel/Private Parking

In addition to public parking, parking is available at hotels, shopping centers, and private locations. In order to draw customers, malls frequently provide free parking in Dubai for a period of time. Some shopping centers charge for parking during busy times or for longer stays.

Hotels usually offer parking for their guests, sometimes free of charge. Private parking spots are also available in many cafes, restaurants, offices, supermarkets, and residential buildings, often requiring a permit or a fee.

· What is Valet Parking?

For convenient car parking in Dubai, luxury hotels, top-end restaurants, and major shopping malls provide valet parking services. This service saves you the time and effort of finding a parking place while bringing you high fees based on the location.

· Residential Parking in Dubai

residental car parking in Dubai

The residential parking spots have different rules and fees than other Dubai parking zones. Residents in certain areas might require permits to park near their homes. The government provides the permits or labels.

Paid Parking Zones in Dubai: A Closer Look

Paid parking in Dubai is divided into several zones, each identified by a letter and having specific Standard Hours and charges. This parking system in Dubai is designed to manage parking demand within different areas of the city, considering their commercial, residential, or special nature.

RTA Parking Zones Guide

With slight variations depending on the zone and specific timings during Ramadan, Parking hours in Dubai generally start from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Parking lots in Dubai are separated into various types to meet the demands of people. These zones include:

Zone A

When it comes to paid parking in Dubai, crowded business areas with more expensive parking often fall into Zone A. Remember that the time limit in this zone is 4 hours, so you’re not allowed to park your car for more than 4 hours.

This zone’s time restrictions apply Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. The hours within Ramadan are different. They change to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and then back to 8:00 PM to midnight.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
30 min	2
1 hour	4
2 hours	8
3 hours	12
4 hours	16

Zone B

Zone B is usually found in less busy commercial areas with slightly lower rates than Zone A.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
1 hour	3
2 hours	6
3 hours	9
4 hours	12
5 hours	15
24 hours	20

Zone C

The RTA has primarily designated this zone for roadside parking in residential areas with more affordable charges. Search for Zone C signs in residential areas.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
1 hour	2
2 hours	5
3 hours	8
4 hours	11

Zone D

This zone includes parking lots in residential areas, often offering the cheapest rates for car parking in Dubai. Al Qusais and Al Nahda are the residential areas included in this zone.

Time Limit	Cost (AED)
1 hour	2
2 hours	4
3 hours	5
4 hours	7
24 hours	10

Zone E

car parking in Dubai

Parking lots are included in Zone E, especially the public and underground parking at the Waterfront Market. Use of the underground parking spots is free.

This zone’s time restrictions apply Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. The hours within Ramadan are different. They change to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and then back to 8:00 PM to midnight.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
1 hour	4
2 hours	8
3 hours	12
4 hours	16

Zone F – TECOM Area Parking Details

The TECOM areas, such as Knowledge Village Hotel, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City, are designated as Zone F.

This zone’s time restrictions apply Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The hours within Ramadan are the same.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
1 hour	2
2 hours	5
3 hours	8
4 hours	11

Zone G

Parking spaces at the Marasi Bay, the Burj Khalifa, and other locations of Downtown Dubai fall under Zone G.

This zone’s time restrictions apply Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. The hours within Ramadan are different. 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM is their new time slot.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
1 hour	4
2 hours	8
3 hours	12
4 hours	16

Zone H

If you want to go to the free-trade zone and Dubai Silicon Oasis, look for Zone H. The same parking charges apply in this zone as in Zone A.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
30 min	2
1 hour	4
2 hours	8
3 hours	12
4 hours	16

Zones I & J

There are two parking spots at Jumeirah Lake Towers. You can remain in Zone I for up to three hours at a cost of AED 10 per hour.

Time restrictions in these zones apply Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. The hours within Ramadan are different. They change to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and then back to 8:00 PM to midnight.

Zone J is a short-term parking area that provides budget-friendly rates for stays ranging from 30 minutes to a maximum of 3 hours.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
30 min	2
1 hour	4
2 hours	8
3 hours	12

Zone K

The final zone in the JLT area, Zone K, provides local community parking with varying rates and a 24-hour parking option.

Time Span	Cost (AED)
30 min	2
1 hour	4
2 hours	8
3 hours	12
4 hours	16
5 hours	20
6 hours	24
7 hours	28
24 hours	32

The government has adjusted parking charges in Dubai to support believers during Ramadan. Most places offer free parking from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., allowing people to break their fast and attend evening prayers.

Zone F (the Tecom area) offers free parking in Dubai starting at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the following day. However, parking fees continuously apply to multi-level parking facilities during the holy month.

How to Recognize Parking Signs

Have you thought about paid public parking Dubai and how to recognize the signs? Big blue and orange signs in Dubai indicate charged parking areas. The signs show necessary information, such as the zone number and a code. These signs help drivers identify whether they are in a paid parking area. Usually, the format consists of a letter and a three-digit number.

The letter code identifies the charge you must pay per hour, the maximum duration you can stay, and whether the seasonal parking cards are accepted in the zones. So, checking these signs is the best way to understand parking rules Dubai in any area.

Free Parking in Dubai

People going to various destinations may use different parking zones, so paying for parking spots is common. Nevertheless, there are several places where you can find a free parking spot.

Free Parking Timings in Dubai

RTA offers free parking in Dubai during specific hours, making it easier for residents and visitors to avoid parking fees without breaking the laws.

Free parking is available overnight from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am in most public zones.
Since parking is free on Friday, visitors can park in many parts of the city.
On Sundays, drivers can also park their vehicles for free all day.
Parking is free for two hours during Ramadan when Iftar is celebrated.

People can benefit from free parking on special holidays like National Day and Eid Al Adha. But multi-storey car parks are excluded. In addition, UAE Nationals aged 60 and above and people of determination can request special free parking spots at some places.

Where to Find Free Parking in Dubai

Here are the places where you can find free parking spots in Dubai.

Shopping Malls

Free parking is available all year in several shopping centres, including Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, and more. Free parking is offered at the Mall of the Emirates for four hours on weekdays and for as many hours as you like on weekends. Dubai mall parking is also free.

Metro Stations

In addition to some residential areas that offer free street parking, free parking is also available for people who use the Metro at stations like Centrepoint, e&, Etisalat by Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Nakheel Harbour and Tower. You need to use the same NOL card for both car parking in Dubai and commuting.

Commercial Zones

You can park in business areas like Dubai Design District since it is free. On the other hand, areas like the Dubai World Trade Centre mainly offer paid options. Many restaurants and hotels also provide free parking for their guests, so they can find free spots in the city.

Best Places for Free Parking Near Tourist Attractions

Free Parking Near Tourist Attractions

Global Village has over 18,000 free parking places. Places like Dubai Parks & Resorts and Al Seef also give parking spots for free.
There are parks like Burj Park, Safa Park, Zabeel Park, and attractions such as Dubai Aquarium that provide free parking spots or offer paid spots at discounted rates.
You can also find free parking at Dubai Frame, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and City Walk.

How to Pay for Parking

If you’re wondering “how to pay parking in Dubai”, you’ve come to the right place. In Dubai, you have many easy options to pay for parking.

SMS

You can pay for car parking in Dubai using your UAE-registered mobile phone. In this way, you send an SMS to 7275 (PARK) in the format of your vehicle’s plate number and parking zone code.

After five minutes, a confirmation message will be sent to you. If you didn’t get any message, call 800-9090 number to talk to the customer service of the RTA.

RTA Dubai App

RTA APP

You can quickly find a parking spot and pay the fees right through the RTA app.

When you download the app on your iPhone or Android device, navigate to the “Parking” section.
You can add money to your parking account or pay for public parking.
Enter your vehicle’s information along with the Dubai parking zone code where you are parked.
Find your zone code letter on the nearby parking sign and match it with your vehicle’s location in the app.
You can choose how many hours you wish to park your car and the number of your vehicle.
You can complete the payment using several options, including credit/debit card, Apple Pay, account balance, or SMS payment.

This app helps you stay out of trouble by telling you how much parking time you have left.

Debit & Credit Cards

Use an RTA meter or app, enter your car information, and pay with your card.

Paying with Coins

Find an RTA parking machine, insert 1 Dirham or 50 Fils coins for your selected time, and put the ticket on your dashboard.

NOL Card Payment Method

If you want to use a NOL card for car parking in Dubai, follow these steps:

Just find a parking meter that accepts NOL cards.
Insert your card and choose how long you want to park
When your card’s fee is deducted, put the printed ticket on your dashboard.

Payment Tips for Tourists

Visitors can purchase a Silver Nol card, which is good for parking and public transportation and has a five-year validity. They can buy or recharge the card in metro stations and convenience stores.

RTA App is another way tourists can register as guests to pay for parking using a credit or debit card. International credit and debit cards are also accepted by a large number of parking meters. If they have a local UAE SIM card, the SMS payment option is also available for tourists.

Parking Rules & Fines

If you don’t know about Driving Rules in Dubai, it’s essential to understand that the city has strict regulations to maintain safety. For car parking, drivers must always park in authorized areas and obey the law. Parking in the wrong place can lead to fines, so following parking rules Dubai is essential to avoid penalties and deliver a smooth experience.

Common Parking Mistakes and Related Fines

Placing a private parking shade over a car without approval: AED 1,000
Parking in designated spots without having a permit: AED 1,000
Using a parking space reserved for people of determination illegally or using a permit that is expired: AED 1,000
Damaging parking meters, zone signs, or parking areas: AED 1,000
Parking a vehicle without a license plate: AED 1,000
Parking in prohibited areas: AED 200
Parking on or blocking sidewalks: AED 200
Misusing or obstructing parking spaces and facilities: AED 200
Failing to pay the parking fee or not displaying the ticket clearly: AED 150
Parking after the specified parking hours in Dubai: AED 100
Leaving a vehicle in a parking spot after the paid time has expired: AED 100

Other Ways to Dispute Parking Fines

Parking Fines

Visit any RTA Customer Happiness Centre, like those in Al Barsha or Umm Ramool
Dial 800 9090 to reach the RTA Center.

You can also use the Parkin app. After downloading the app, sign in using your UAE Pass, go to the Services section, select Dispute Parking Fines, and follow the steps to submit your claim based on your car information.

How to Appeal Parking Fines in Dubai

If you think you have received a fine by mistake for car parking in Dubai, the RTA offers you a chance to contest it within 30 days from when the fine was issued. Following the registration of your claim, you will receive an SMS with an update within 30 days.

Fine Online Appeal

Visit the official RTA dispute form
After selecting the dispute type, enter the fine amount.
Write your personal details, your name and surname, and mobile phone number.
To strengthen your case, upload any supporting documents or photographs.
Provide a short explanation describing why you are contesting the fine.
In the final step, consent to the conditions and send the information.

Once you receive a reference number, you can use it to monitor the status of your appeal on the RTA website.

Parking Tips for Tourists in Dubai

Car parking in Dubai can be easy if you have a plan. For a wonderful experience, you must download essential apps to find Dubai parking zones and pay fees quickly. Driving your car during peak-off times is best without getting involved in busy traffic.

Essential Useful Apps

Finding car parking spots in Dubai becomes much easier when you have the essential tools like the RTA Dubai app, Google Maps, and Waze. For example, The RTA app can help you find and pay for public parking Dubai spots. It also alerts you when your parking time is about to expire. In addition, navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze give live traffic updates and accident alerts, saving your time and stress.

Avoiding Peak Hours

Typically, in Dubai, traffic is heaviest during the morning hours (7:00 am to 9:00 am), the early afternoon (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm), and the evening peak (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm). The best option for visitors is to plan driving outside the busy timeframes.

The Best Times to Find Parking

When you choose the right time, navigating car parking in Dubai is a piece of cake. Early mornings and late evenings are your best times to visit the magnificent Burj Khalifa and other popular tourist attractions. You ask why? Because roads are quieter and vacant parking spots are more available.

Why Choosing a Hotel with Parking Matters

When booking your stay in Dubai, choosing hotels or accommodations offering private or reserved parking is smart. This item is essential when it comes to Renting a Car in Dubai. Some areas, like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, have limited public parking, so having a guaranteed parking spot at your hotel makes everything much easier.

Final Thoughts

Managing car parking in Dubai might seem overwhelming initially, but it can be simple with some preparation. Whether exploring the city in a rented vehicle or your car, understanding the different parking zones, payment methods, and free parking spots maintains an enjoyable trip.

If you want a seamless driving experience, renting a car from DriveX is an excellent choice. With their luxury cars, flexible service, and free delivery within Dubai, DriveX makes every journey more memorable.

FAQ

What types of parking are available in Dubai?

Dubai has a variety of parking options, such as public parking, parking at malls and hotels, valet services, residential parking, and private parking.

How can people pay for parking in Dubai?

People can pay via SMS, the RTA Dubai app, debit or credit cards, coins, or NOL cards. Tourists can use the RTA app or SMS payment methods with a UAE-registered mobile number.

What are the parking charges in Dubai?

Depending on the rule violation, parking penalties can range from one hundred to one thousand AED.

Where can I find free parking in Dubai?

Free parking is available in certain areas, such as shopping malls, metro stations, and tourist attractions like Burj Park. RTA provides free parking during specific hours, like overnight and on Fridays.

2025 Guide to Free and Paid Parking in Dubai for Visitors