Dubai is renowned for its state-of-the-art buildings and skyscrapers. Many visitors come to appreciate the region’s beautiful creations. However, due to the high number of visitors and residents, finding a car parking spot can be a challenge, especially during rush hour. To address this issue, the Dubai authorities have implemented an efficient parking system that helps regulate traffic flow in the city.
Furthermore, there are different parking zones for extensive parking options to provide a hassle-free parking experience. This parking system is designed to contribute to the sustainability of traffic rules and regulations. In this guide, we will cover all the information related to multiple car parking zones, payment methods, paid and free parking areas, and overall parking facilities and processes. So, if you’re new in the region, read the blog till the end and get acknowledged to ensure a safe parking spot.
Types of Parking Area
There are three main car parking areas in Dubai.
- Commercial Parking
- Non-commercial Parking
- Special Area
Commercial car parking areas in Dubai include multi-story car parks, buildings, and on-street parking spots that require parking cards. On the other hand, the special parking areas are designated for disabled car owners, buses, and trucks to park legally. You can find free parking spots at public beaches, parks, and residential areas.
Each parking area is divided into multiple zones with different parking rates and payment options. As for timing, paid parking is in effect from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, while free parking is available on Sundays and public holidays. The parking fee is determined by the total number of hours the car is parked. Let’s take a look at the purpose of each car parking zone in Dubai.
Parking Zones in Dubai
There are eleven parking zones in total, from Zone A to Zone K, with different purposes and parking fees.
Commercial Parking Zones
Zone A
Zone A refers to commercial parking available in the busiest areas of Dubai. It is for individuals needing short-term parking without a specific parking card. The timings for Zone A are from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday. During Ramadan, the timings change from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and then from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1/2 Hour | 2 |
| 1 Hour | 4 |
| 2 Hour | 8 |
| 3 Hour | 12 |
| 4 Hour | 16 |
Zone B
Zone B is designated as a commercial parking area where car owners can park their vehicles for an extended period. This zone is less busy than Zone A and operates at the same time. Additionally, parking in Zone B is cheaper than in Zone A.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 3 |
| 2 Hour | 6 |
| 3 Hour | 9 |
| 4 Hour | 12 |
| 5 Hour | 15 |
| 24 Hour | 20 |
Non-Commercial Parking Zones
Zone C
This zone is for non-commercial parking. All roadside parking in residential areas comes under Zone C. Also, it has the same parking schedule, but you cannot park here for an extended period. Not only that, its parking fees also vary on time duration.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 2 |
| 2 Hour | 5 |
| 3 Hour | 8 |
| 4 Hour | 11 |
Zone D
Zone D is designated for non-commercial parking and offers the most economical charges compared to other zones. If you are looking for affordable parking, you can park in Zone D, where parking fees are relatively low. Zone D covers residential areas such as Al Qusais and Al Nahda, and the parking timings remain the same as in other zones.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 2 |
| 2 Hour | 4 |
| 3 Hour | 5 |
| 4 Hour | 7 |
| 24 Hour | 10 |
Special Areas
Zone E
The parking lots in Zone E are for special areas, including underground parking and open-air lots of the Waterfront Market. Underground parking is free, whereas public parking spots are charged. Moreover, the schedule for Zone E starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 11:00 p.m.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 4 |
| 2 Hour | 8 |
| 3 Hour | 12 |
| 4 Hour | 16 |
Zone F
This parking zone is dedicated to all the Tecom areas. The Tecom areas include The Knowledge Village Hotel, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City. The parking schedule of this zone is reduced to fewer working hours, closing at 6:00 am.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 2 |
| 2 Hour | 5 |
| 3 Hour | 8 |
| 4 Hour | 11 |
Zone G
Zone G parking is located near the most famous places in Dubai, including Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay, and Dubai HealthCare City. The schedule for Zone G is again from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 4 |
| 2 Hour | 8 |
| 3 Hour | 12 |
| 4 Hour | 16 |
Zone H
Zone H covers the location of Dubai Silicon Oasis. The schedule and prices of Zone H are similar to Zone G.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1/2 Hour | 2 |
| 1 Hour | 4 |
| 2 Hour | 8 |
| 3 Hour | 12 |
| 4 Hour | 16 |
Zone I
Zone I is for industrial parking areas, including the Jumeirah Lake Tower area. It is the prime parking spot, with a maximum of three hours, and it charges more than other zones.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 10 |
| 2 Hour | 20 |
| 3 Hour | 30 |
Zone J
Similarly to the previous one, Zone J also has a limited usage of 3 maximum hours, but it is cheaper than Zone I.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1/2 Hour | 2 |
| 1 Hour | 4 |
| 2 Hour | 8 |
| 3 Hour | 12 |
Zone K
The last zone is similar to Zones J and K, but it differs in time limits. Car parking in Zone K is extended for a maximum period.
| Duration | Cost (AED) |
| 1/2 Hour | 2 |
| 1 Hour | 4 |
| 2 Hour | 8 |
| 3 Hour | 12 |
| 4 Hour | 16 |
| 5 Hour | 20 |
| 6 Hour | 24 |
| 7 Hour | 28 |
| 24 Hour | 32 |
Payment Options for Parking in Dubai
Dubai provides multiple payment options for hassle-free parking payments. Choose the one that suits you best. Here are the available payment methods:
- Download the Dubai Drive app on your mobile phone, enter your vehicle, and pay parking fees online.
- Use coins from the parking machine and pay for the parking ticket. It is convenient for a one-time stay.
- Get a prepaid card from the supermarket. Use the prepaid card at the parking machine to pay for parking; the machine will automatically deduct the fee.
- You can also pay with a Salik card by charging it over time. The amount is deducted when you tap the card on the Salik payment device.
- Nol card users can also use their card to buy parking tickets.
- Moreover, you can buy seasonal parking cards that are valid for up to 3 to 6 months or a year.
- You can use the NFC (Near Field Communication) method to locate the nearest POS points and make a secure payment transaction.
- If no other option is available, mobile payment, known as mParking, is also available. To do this, send a text to 7275. Type the parking area, hours of stay, and car license plate in the correct format given by RTA.
Parking Violations and Their Fines in Dubai
Keep an eye out for car parking violations and their fines, according to the RTA authorities in Dubai. The state has strict parking rules and regulations that you need to pay attention to avoid hefty fines. Hence, the various parking violations and their penalties are mentioned in the table below:
| Violations | Fine (AED) |
| Not paying for parking tariff | 150 |
| Exceeding parking limit | 100 |
| Misusing or obstructing the parking lot | 200 |
| Parking at no parking area | 200 |
| Using double parking spots | 500 |
| Parked without a car license plate | 1000 |
| Use of expired ticket for parking | 1000 |
| Using a reserved spot | 1000 |
| Placing a parking umbrella over a car without a permit | 1000 |
| Causing damage to parking areas | 1000 |