How to Pay Parking in Dubai

Dubai’s public parking is managed by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and is organized by zones with different rules and rates. Paying for parking in Dubai is easy using various official methods—SMS, RTA apps/website, parking meters, WhatsApp, and permits. This guide covers each method step-by-step, plus background on parking zones, hours/tariffs, and fines for violations.

RTA Parking Zones in Dubai

Dubai’s RTA parking is divided into zones A, B, C, and D, each covering different areas and fee structures. Zones A and C are on-street parking (roadside bays in busy city areas). These are high-demand spots and generally have higher hourly rates. In contrast, zones B and D are off-street parking lots. These lots usually charge lower rates and often offer flat day passes (24-hour parking) at a fixed fee. In short, “A/C” = on-street (commercial areas) and “B/D” = off-street (parking lots). Always check the posted sign at the bay (a number and a letter code, e.g., “232C”) to identify your zone and use the correct rates.

Parking Hours and Tariffs

RTA enforces paid parking from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily (usually Monday–Saturday). Within these hours there are peak and off-peak periods. Peak hours are 8–10 AM and 4–8 PM, when demand is highest and rates may be highest. Off-peak hours are 10 AM–4 PM and 8–10 PM, when reduced rates apply. Outside the 8 AM–10 PM window, parking is free. In fact, Dubai’s public parking is free outside paid hours and on weekends/public holidays. For example, parking on Friday or Sunday is generally free unless signs specifically say otherwise.

Tariffs vary by zone and time. In busy zones (A/C), expect higher hourly charges; quieter zones (B/D) have lower rates. As a rough range, paid rates can be AED 2–6 per hour depending on zone and peak/off-peak. Many zones offer a discounted 24‑hour day rate (e.g., Zones B/D around AED 20–30) for long stays. Always check the posted tariff table or RTA app for exact fees in your zone.

SMS Payment

One of the simplest ways to pay for parking in Dubai is via SMS (called “mParking”). You must use a UAE-registered mobile number and be signed up for RTA’s SMS parking service. Ensure your phone has enough credit and is registered with the service. Then:

Send SMS to 7275 (short code “PARK”). In the message body, type your vehicle’s license plate number, parking zone code, and duration in hours. For a Dubai plate, use the letter & number format (e.g. A00000). For example, to park car A00000 in zone 444A for 2 hours, send:

A00000 444A 2

• This will deduct the fee for 2 hours in zone 444A on your mobile account.
• Include emirate codes for non-Dubai plates. If your car is registered in another UAE emirate, prefix the plate with its code. For example, AUH13 0000 000A 1 (Abu Dhabi plate) or SHJ2 00000 000A 2 (Sharjah).
• Confirm and extend if needed. You will receive an SMS confirmation within a few minutes showing the parking ticket details. Before it expires, you can extend it by sending a follow-up SMS (usually including the letter “Y” as instructed). The system also sends a reminder about 10 minutes before expiry, so you can top up if needed.

RTA Dubai App (Mobile)

The RTA Dubai app (for Android/iOS) is a smart way to pay for parking. It uses UAE Pass for login. To use it:

1. Download and open the RTA Dubai app. (Available on Apple App Store and Google Play.)
2. Navigate to Parking. Tap the “Parking” service. Choose “Pay Public Parking Fees” (or “Top up Parking Account” if you have a balance).
3. Enter vehicle and zone info. Input your license plate and select your current parking zone. The app may auto-detect your location to pick the zone code.
4. Select duration. Choose the number of hours you wish to park.
5. Pay and confirm. The app lets you pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, or even deduct from your Nol balance. Once paid, you’ll get an on-screen confirmation and SMS receipt.

The app also shows parking maps and remaining time reminders and lets you extend sessions easily. It’s fully in English and Arabic, making it handy for residents and visitors alike.

RTA Website / DubaiNow Portal

You can also pay through RTA’s online portal (or the DubaiNow website/app, which includes RTA services). To do this, log in with UAE Pass or your RTA account. Navigate to the Parking Payment section (often under "Driving"). Enter your vehicle plate, zone code, and desired hours, then pay by card or Nol online. The process mirrors the mobile app steps above. (Exact webpage steps may vary, but the DubaiNow portal essentially provides the same functions as the RTA app.

Tip: Tourists without a UAE phone can still use DubaiNow if they have UAE Pass or a login. Otherwise, the SMS method requires a local SIM.

Parking Meters (Cash, Card, Nol Card)

Dubai’s street parking meters are widely available. Each meter displays instructions and lets you pay on the spot. Most accept three methods: coins (cash), credit/debit card, or the Nol Card (Dubai’s public transit card). Here’s how to use them:

• Nol Card: Find a meter with a Nol card reader. Tap or insert your Nol card into the slot, then select the number of parking hours on the screen. The meter will deduct the fee from your Nol balance. Wait for the confirmation and receipt printout, then place the ticket on your dashboard.

• Credit/Debit Card: At a meter, follow the prompts to enter your vehicle plate and zone. Insert or tap your credit/debit card when prompted, and confirm the transaction. The machine will print a parking ticket. (Many metros and parking apps pay similarly via contactless payment.

• Cash (Coins): If you have coins, use them at the meter. Enter your license plate and zone, then put coins (1 AED or 50 fils) into the slot until you reach the amount needed. The machine will then print the parking ticket. (Coins are less common nowadays but available in most zones.)

Always take the printed ticket and display it on your dashboard as proof of payment. Modern meters often double as credit card terminals and will give change for coins if needed.

WhatsApp Chatbot Payment

Dubai RTA offers a WhatsApp payment option via its chatbot Mahboub. This lets you pay through the WhatsApp app on your phone. To use it:

Add RTA on WhatsApp. Save and start a chat with +971 58 800 9090 (RTA’s “Mahboub” chatbot).

Send a parking request. In the chat, type a message with your PlateNumber, ZoneCode, and Duration (hours), separated by spaces. For example:

C00000 000C 3

1. (This means plate C00000 in zone 000C for 3 hours.)
2. Receive confirmation. Mahboub will reply with a confirmation of your parking ticket. You can then extend by sending another message later if needed (no fees for a short SMS).

You save the SMS short-code fee by using WhatsApp, and the process is very similar to the SMS method. The WhatsApp option is great for those who use messaging apps often.

Seasonal and Virtual Parking Permits

For frequent or long-term parking needs, RTA offers seasonal (monthly/yearly) parking permits for designated zones. Residents and businesses can apply for these permits via RTA’s website or app. Steps include choosing your vehicle and zone, selecting the permit duration (often 1, 3, 6, or 12 months), and paying online. Once issued, you display the physical permit card on your dashboard (or register it digitally via UAE Pass) whenever you park in the permitted zone.

Seasonal permits usually cost more upfront but save money over daily parking in high-demand areas (up to 30–50% savings according to RTA). For example, a one-year permit in a zone might be only a few hundred dirhams. Keep your permit visible or activated via the app to avoid tickets.

Virtual permits (no physical card) are also available for eligible users (e.g., UAE nationals and GCC residents). These are linked to your license plate via the RTA system. Check RTA’s e-services or DubaiNow for “Parking Permit for GCC ”National”—once approved, parking in the permit zone is free without needing a ticket.

(Note: People of Determination and senior citizens get free permits, and GCC nationals can get virtual permits linked to their plates.)

Fines for Non-Payment

It’s important to pay correctly to avoid penalties. RTA enforcement is strict:

• No valid ticket displayed / No payment: AED 150 fine.
• Exceeding paid time (overtime): AED 100 fine.
• Exceeding maximum daily hours: AED 100 fine.

Always park within the time you’ve paid for. If you need more time, extend by SMS/WhatsApp or pay again via app/meter before your time runs out. The RTA system does send reminders (by SMS/app) near expiry, but ultimately it’s the driver’s responsibility to avoid overstay.

Failure to pay or display a ticket can incur the AED150 fine immediately upon inspection. To challenge any ticket, you must lodge a dispute through RTA or DubaiNow (but note that ignorance is not considered a valid excuse).

Tips for Paying Parking in Dubai

• Know your zone code: Always check the bay’s sign (usually blue/orange) for the exact ZoneNumber+Letter. Entering the wrong zone will invalidate your payment.
• Keep balance: If using SMS, ensure your mobile account has credit. If using a Nol or prepaid card, top it up in advance.
• Save confirmations: The SMS/app confirmations are proof of payment. The meter ticket should be visible on the dash.
• Use apps for reminders: The RTA Dubai or DubaiNow app can store your parking session and send you alerts before it expires.
• Language: All RTA services (app, SMS, website) work in English and Arabic.