Dubai new parking fees: How much more will you pay in 2025?
Peak pricing applies for 6 hours daily in premium parking areas
Dubai’s new variable parking tariff system comes into effect today, April 4, marking a major shift in how motorists will pay for parking in high-demand areas.
The changes, implemented by Parkin PJSC in coordination with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), introduce peak and off-peak pricing structures across the city.
Peak hours will now span six hours daily – from 8AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM – excluding Sundays and public holidays. During these hours, parking fees in certain premium areas will see significant increases, with rates reaching up to Dh6 per hour. Standard parking fees remain unchanged during off-peak hours, ensuring affordability for motorists parking outside busy periods.
Peak vs Off-Peak hours
The newly introduced peak hours have been strategically set to cover morning and evening rush periods, aligning with the city’s busiest commuting times. Motorists parking between 10AM and 4PM, as well as from 8PM to 10PM, will continue to pay the existing standard parking fees, maintaining cost-effective options for those who can adjust their schedules accordingly.
Revised parking zones
Dubai’s paid parking system has undergone a zoning revision, with public parking codes now updated to reflect the new tariff system. Traditional zones A, B, C, and D have been rebranded as AP, BP, CP, and DP. These updates are already visible on new parking signs installed across Dubai’s commercial and residential districts.
Other parking zones, such as those in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Knowledge Village, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, retain their unique codes but have also been integrated into the variable tariff system. Event-specific parking near the Dubai World Trade Centre will now cost Dh25 per hour on major event days.
Premium parking charges
The most noticeable fee increase applies to premium parking zones, identified based on high demand and proximity to metro stations. In areas such as Al Barsha, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai, motorists will now pay:
- Dh6 per hour during peak hours (up from Dh2 per hour in standard zones)
- Dh12 for 2 hours
- Dh18 for 3 hours
- Dh24 for 4 hours
During off-peak hours, these premium areas revert to standard rates, with fees as low as Dh2 per hour.
Multi-storey parking fees
Dubai’s multi-storey parking facilities remain unaffected by the new tariff changes. The current charge of Dh5 per hour applies around the clock, with a maximum daily charge of Dh40 for motorists who park for extended periods.
Grand events parking tariffs
Major events at Dubai World Trade Centre and other key venues will now come with special parking rates. During these events, parking fees will be set at Dh25 per hour, applicable from 8am to 10pm. Notable upcoming events include GITEX in October and The Big 5 in November, both of which are expected to draw large crowds and increase parking demand.
Developer-managed parking
Approximately 35 percent of developer-managed parking spaces in Dubai will now follow the variable tariff structure. This change ensures consistency across all paid parking areas, regardless of whether they are operated by private developers or Parkin.
Why the new tariffs?
Dubai’s transport authorities have introduced these variable tariffs as part of a broader effort to ease congestion and promote more efficient use of parking spaces. By incentivising motorists to park outside peak hours, the system aims to improve traffic flow and reduce the strain on high-demand parking zones.
How to pay for parking
Motorists can pay for parking via multiple methods, including:
- SMS or WhatsApp to 7275 with plate details, zone code, and duration.
- Mobile Apps like Parkin, RTA Dubai, or Dubai Now.
- QR Code Payments available on new parking signages.
- Traditional Parking Meters, accepting Nol cards, cash, and credit/debit cards.
With the new system in effect, Dubai motorists are advised to check updated parking signages and plan their trips accordingly to avoid unexpected costs.