Parking in Dubai: A guide to permits, paid parking and do's and don't's

Time Out Dubai

2 days ago

Listen up, motorists. Whether you're a seasoned Dubai driver or this is your first time getting behind the wheel, we all need somewhere to stop.
When it comes to parking in Dubai, the city isn't short of spaces and there are plenty of options on where to leave your car.
However, what you might not know, is that there are different rules (and different prices) depending on which location you choose.
From multi-story car parks to malls, this is everything you need to know about parking in Dubai.
Parking in Dubai: Your go-to guide
Paid parking in Dubai
Public parking in Dubai is organised and managed by Parkin, a company which took over responsibility from the RTA in 2024.
Looking after public and private spaces around the city, Parkin has since implemented a new tariff system for parking, which divides into four zones named A, B, C and (you guessed it), D.
Coming into practice in April 2025, there is also a new peak time hours fee for specific spaces that are located near transport hubs, business districts and shopping areas.
With the new tariffs, these premium parking spaces have risen to Dhs6 per hour. In contrast, regular parking spaces across the city have remained priced at Dhs4 per hour.
If you want to understand exactly how much your stay will cost, you can find a full breakdown of the tariffs in each zone here.
Some areas of the city are not covered with public parking fees, however, this can be subject to change. Most recently, Parkin introduced two new paid zones in Mirdif, operating between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
Parkin also operates six multi-storey car parks in Dubai, which provide 3,200 parking spaces.
Tariffs at these multi-storey car parks are priced at Dhs5 per hour and be chargeable all around the clock every day of the year.
Anyone who parks for more than eight hours in a multi-storey in any 24-hour period will be charged a maximum of Dhs40.
Parking in Dubai: Permits
If you're looking to obtain a parking permit in Dubai, you can do so through the RTA's website.
As well as paying public parking fines, the online RTA portal allows you to apply for or renew a parking permit.
There are a range of permits available, from permits for people of determination, to Emirati citizens and even for contracting or within a residential are in specific circumstances.
You can learn more about different types of permits on the RTA website.
Mall parking in Dubai
If you're heading for a well deserved spot of retail therapy, you should note that there are different parking rules and fees depending on which mall you choose.
Dubai Mall
(Credit: Dubai Mall)
The iconic mall recently changed from offering free parking and is now running a paid system in collaboration with Salik.
If you like this: Here's what you must know about Salik tolls
The toll gate company's technology is now being used to offer a barrier-free parking experience for shoppers, through the use of vehicle plate recognition. If you receive a charge, it will be linked with your digital Salik account.
Parking is still free for the first four hours of Monday to Thursday, and for the first six hours between Friday and Sunday.
But after four hours you will pay the following:
Weekdays (Monday to Thursday)
4 – 5 hours: Dhs20
5 – 6 hours: Dhs60
6 – 7 hours: Dhs80
8 – 12 hours: Dhs100
12 – 24 hours: Dhs500
24 hours+: Dhs1,000
Weekends (Friday to Sunday)
6 – 7 hours: Dhs80
7 – 8 hours: Dhs100
8 – 12 hours: Dhs200
12 – 24 hours: Dhs500
24 hours+: Dhs1,000
There are currently a selection of car parks at Dubai Mall, including Fashion Parking, Cinema Parking and Zabeel Parking. However, Grand Parking is currently closed as part of the mall's ongoing expansion plans.
Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates (Credit: Mall of the Emirates)
There are now no barriers at Mall of the Emirates car parks, meaning you can drive straight in and enjoy four hours free parking.
If you stay over the allotted time, you will receive an SMS with the link to pay the fees through Parkin. You have three days to sort the payment, or you'll receive a fine.
However, if you want to stay longer, you can validate all-day free parking if you spend Dhs150 in the mall and validate at a customer service desk (so keep a hold of those receipts).
Weekend parking is also free, and the current weekday prices are as follows:
0 – 4 hours: Free
4 – 5 hours: Dhs20
5 – 6 hours: Dhs40
6 – 7 hours: Dhs60
7 – 8 hours: Dhs100
8 hours+: Dhs150
BurJuman Mall
Also using a ticketless system, parking at BurJuman Mall is free for the first three hours. Following this time, you'll be charged Dhs20 for each additional hour or part of.
However, there is completely free parking every Sunday and on public holidays.
If you're using the VOX Cinema inside the mall, you can get an extra three hours of free parking, but remember to validate at the VOX ticket counter before you leave.
City Centre Deira
Parking is completely free on Sundays and public holidays at the Deira mall, but you will have to pay if you stay for a longer period during the week.
Monday to Saturday:
0 – 3 hours: Free
3 – 4 hours: Dhs20
4 – 5 hours: Dhs40
5 – 6 hours: Dhs60
6 – 7 hours: Dhs100
7 hours+: Dhs150
24 hours: Dhs350
Lost ticket: Dhs150
Overnight parking (4am – 6am): Dhs200
City Centre Mirdif
Parking is completely free at City Centre Mirdif.
Parking fines in Dubai
Parking fines in Dubai vary on the type of parking violation and the penalty begins from Dhs100.
Currently, the RTA lists the following penalties, which you can pay up here.
Non-payment of parking fees – Dhs150
Exceeding parking time – Dhs100
Exceeding maximum parking hours – Dhs100
Misuse of parking facility – Dhs200
Vehicle is crossing or blocking pavement – Dhs200
Using a forbidden parking – Dhs200
Parking a vehicle that does not have a plate number – Dhs1,000
Parking the vehicle in a reserved parking or not presenting a permit – Dhs1,000
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