From April 4, 2025, parking in Dubai will cost more in certain areas and during specific hours. The change comes as Parkin, the city’s official parking operator, rolls out a new structure that includes peak-hour pricing and premium zones. This move is aimed at improving traffic flow, encouraging public transport use, and making parking availability fairer in busy areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the new Dubai parking system and how it affects you.
What’s Changed in Dubai Parking Fees?
Parkin has introduced variable parking tariffs, with a focus on premium parking zones. The biggest shift is the introduction of peak and off-peak rates for both standard and premium parking spaces.
Previously, parking fees were more uniform, but the new system means some drivers will pay more depending on where and when they park.
What Are Premium Parking Zones?
Premium parking areas have been identified based on three main factors:
- Located within 500 metres of Dubai Metro stations
- High occupancy during busy hours
- Situated in commercial or business hubs
In these premium zones, peak-hour parking costs Dhs6 per hour, while off-peak parking remains at Dhs4 per hour.
These zones are close to metro stations, malls, and dense commercial districts like Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Deira.
Peak vs Off-Peak Hours Explained
Understanding when you’ll pay more is crucial. Parkin has clearly defined peak and off-peak hours:
Peak Hours:
- 8am to 10am
- 4pm to 8pm
(Monday to Saturday)
Off-Peak Hours:
- 10am to 4pm
- 8pm to 10pm
- All day on Sundays and public holidays
During off-peak hours, regular parking charges apply and remain unchanged in most areas.
Parking Rates by Zone
Zone A (On-Street Parking)
- Standard: Dhs4 per hour (flat rate across all hours)
- Premium (Peak): Dhs6 per hour
- Premium (Off-Peak): Dhs4 per hour
- Charges increase progressively for longer durations up to four hours.
Zone B (Off-Street Parking)
- Standard (Peak): Dhs4 to Dhs16 (1-4 hours)
- Standard (Off-Peak): Dhs3 to Dhs12
- Premium (Peak): Dhs6 to Dhs24
- Premium (Off-Peak): Dhs3 to Dhs12
- Day Rate: Dhs30 for standard, Dhs40 for premium
Zone C (On-Street Parking)
- No flat day rate available
- Standard (Peak): Dhs4 to Dhs16
- Premium (Peak): Dhs6 to Dhs24
- Off-Peak (Standard & Premium): Dhs2 to Dhs11
Zone D (Off-Street Parking)
- Standard (Peak): Dhs4 to Dhs16
- Premium (Peak): Dhs6 to Dhs24
- Off-Peak: Dhs2 to Dhs7 for both standard and premium
- Day Rate: Dhs20 for standard, Dhs30 for premium
Multi-Storey Parking Remains Unchanged
For those using multi-storey car parks, there’s good news. The hourly rate stays at Dhs5, and you’ll be charged a maximum of Dhs40 for any 24 hours if you park for eight hours or more. These fees apply all year round, including weekends and public holidays.
New Event-Based Pricing Near DWTC
A separate parking fee has been introduced around the Dubai World Trade Centre during large-scale events to manage congestion. Parking will cost Dhs25 per hour between 8 am and 10 pm for designated event days.
Some major events under this rule in 2025 include the following:
- GITEX (October 13–17)
- Beautyworld Middle East (October 27–29)
- Gulfood Manufacturing (November 4–6)
- The Big 5 (November 24–27)
- Automechanika Dubai (December 9–11)
This pricing only applies to the immediate vicinity of DWTC.
Why the Change?
According to officials, the aim is to:
- Encourage the use of public transport
- Reduce traffic congestion in high-demand areas
- Improve the availability of parking spots during peak times
By aligning fees with demand, Parkin expects to promote smarter parking behaviour across Dubai.
The updated Dubai parking fee structure introduces a more dynamic and demand-based approach to parking in the city. With clear distinctions between premium and standard parking areas and a detailed peak-hour schedule, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan to avoid higher fees.
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