UAE Parking System Overview
Parking in UAE cities is managed by colour-coded zone systems. Dubai uses RTA's mParking zones (A, B, C), Abu Dhabi uses Mawaqif (Red, Gold, Silver), and Sharjah has its own city parking authority. Each emirate has different hourly rates, operating hours, and payment methods. Generally, Sundays and public holidays are free parking days in most paid zones.
Tip: Always check the parking sign near your spot — it shows the zone code, operating hours, maximum stay duration, and any special restrictions. Ignoring the sign is no excuse for violations.
Dubai (RTA) — Parking Zones
| Zone | Rate | Operating Hours | Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A (City Centre) | AED 4/hour | 8am–10pm (Sat–Thu), 2pm–10pm (Fri) | DIFC, Downtown, Business Bay, Karama |
| Zone B (Secondary Areas) | AED 3/hour | 8am–10pm (Sat–Thu), 2pm–10pm (Fri) | Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Deira residential |
| Zone C (Outer Areas) | AED 2/hour | 8am–10pm (Sat–Thu), 2pm–10pm (Fri) | Muhaisnah, Al Qusais, Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Free Zones (Green) | Free | All day | Residential zones, public parks, outer suburbs |
How to Pay for Parking
SMS to 7275 (Dubai Parking)RTA Dubai App (mParking)Physical parking meters (card/coins)Parkt appSiri/Google voice
Parking Violation Fines
| Parking without payment in metered zone | AED 150–200 |
| Parking in disabled bay without permit | AED 1,000 |
| Blocking a fire hydrant | AED 500 |
| Parking on yellow lines | AED 200 |
| Double parking | AED 500 |
| Parking on pedestrian crossing | AED 500 |
| Blocking entrance/exit | AED 500 |
Free Parking Rules
- 🏙️ DubaiFree on Sundays & public holidays. Fridays: free until 2pm, paid 2pm–10pm.
- 🏛️ Abu DhabiFree on Fridays, Saturdays & public holidays in most Mawaqif zones.
- 🌇 SharjahFree on Fridays & public holidays in most zones.
- 🛑 School ZonesParking near schools restricted during drop-off & pick-up hours in ALL emirates.
Parking Pro Tips
- 📱 Use the RTA Dubai App for mParking — easiest digital method in Dubai
- ⏰ Set reminders on your phone for when your parking time expires
- ♿ Never park in a disabled bay — AED 1,000 fine, no exceptions
- 🟡 Yellow lines = no parking at any time, ever
- 🏎️ Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates: free parking with validation (spend AED 200+)
- 🌅 Some metered zones near beaches have 2-hour maximum stay limits
- 📍 Use Parko or Parkilo apps to find nearby free parking areas
- 🏗️ Construction zone parking restrictions are dynamic — check signage daily
FAQs
Pay via SMS to 7275 with your vehicle plate and duration, the RTA Dubai app (mParking), physical parking meters (card/coins), or apps like Parkt. Always pay before your time expires to avoid fines.
Parking is generally free in Dubai on Sundays and public holidays. On Fridays, paid parking typically starts at 2pm. Always check posted signage as rules can vary by zone.
Parking in a designated disabled bay without a valid permit carries a fine of AED 1,000 in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — one of the highest parking fines in the UAE.
RTA & Mawaqif Verified
• RTA Dubai mParking: mparking.rta.ae
• Abu Dhabi Mawaqif System: tamm.abudhabi