If you drive in Dubai, parking is part of your everyday routine. From quick grocery runs in Al Karama to long workdays in Business Bay, paid parking is simply unavoidable in many areas. Now, residents may need to prepare for another change.
Parkin, the city’s largest public parking operator, has officially submitted a proposal to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) requesting adjustments to parking tariffs and seasonal card structures. If approved, this move would lead to a Dubai parking fees increase across public parking zones.
At the moment, nothing has been finalised. The RTA has confirmed it received the proposal and will review it in detail before taking it to Dubai’s Executive Council for final approval.
Still, the possibility alone is enough to get daily commuters talking.
The Reason Behind the New Pricing Request
To understand this, it helps to look back at last year.
In April 2025, Dubai introduced a variable parking tariff system. Peak hours became more expensive in busy areas, while off-peak timings offered some relief. The idea was simple — manage demand better and reduce congestion in high-traffic zones.
The impact was immediate. By the third quarter of 2025, the weighted average hourly parking rate increased to Dh3.03, up from Dh2.01 during the same period the year before. That marked a 51 per cent jump.
Now, Parkin says further adjustments are needed.
According to the company, the proposed changes aim to reduce “price arbitrage.” In simple terms, some motorists use lower-priced seasonal cards in higher-demand zones, creating a mismatch in pricing. The new structure would better align seasonal permits with the variable tariff system introduced earlier.
The company has also stated that the existing discount framework would be preserved to maintain long-term fairness for customers, the operator, and the regulator.
What Motorists Should Prepare For?
For many Dubai residents, parking costs are already part of their monthly budget — just like fuel and Salik.
A potential Dubai parking fees increase could affect:
- Office-goers park daily in commercial districts
- Residents living in older neighbourhoods without private parking
- Small business owners relying on customer access
- Visitors heading to busy areas during peak hours
In places like Deira, Bur Dubai, JLT, and Business Bay, parking demand rarely slows down. Anyone who has circled a block twice looking for a spot knows how competitive it can get.
Even a small increase per hour may not seem like much at first. But over a month, especially for those who park daily, it adds up.
For seasonal cardholders, changes in pricing structure could mean re-evaluating whether a yearly or quarterly permit still offers value.
Expansion Plans: More Spaces Across Dubai
It’s not just about higher fees.
Parkin has also shared its outlook for 2026, and expansion is part of the plan. The company expects to add between 5,500 and 7,500 new public parking spaces this year.
This could bring relief to overcrowded zones, especially in residential communities and mixed-use districts. More spaces may reduce the time spent searching for parking — something many drivers would welcome.
Financially, the public parking segment is projected to generate between Dh560 million and Dh610 million in 2026, compared to Dh524.5 million in 2025. The company also reported a net profit of Dh625.5 million for 2025, reflecting a strong 48 per cent increase year-on-year.
Dubai’s growth continues at a fast pace. With new developments, more residents, and increasing commercial activity, parking demand is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
The Approval Process Explained
For now, it’s a waiting game.
The RTA will conduct a detailed review of the proposal before approaching the Executive Council for guidance and final approval. Until then, current parking tariffs remain unchanged.
Drivers are advised to keep an eye on official announcements. Any confirmed changes will likely be communicated well in advance.
Parking policies in Dubai have evolved significantly in recent years. From digital payments to variable pricing and zone restructuring, the system continues to adapt as the city grows.
For residents, staying informed is key — especially when daily expenses are involved.
As soon as there’s official confirmation on the Dubai parking fees increase, residents will need to reassess their monthly transport budgets. Until then, it’s business as usual across public parking zones.
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