Dubai's paid parking is operated by Parkin (formerly RTA Parking). Paid hours are Saturday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM with parking free from 10 PM to 8 AM and all day Friday and on public holidays. Tariffs vary by zone (AED 2–10/hour) and you can pay via SMS, the mParking app, RFID parking card, or the Mahboub WhatsApp chatbot.
Pay parking via SMS (7275 PARK)
Send an SMS to 7275 with this format:
<Plate> <Zone> <Hours>
Example: D12345 1234 2 = plate D12345, zone 1234, 2 hours.
Reply will confirm payment. Cost: AED 0.30 SMS fee + the parking tariff. You can extend by sending the same message again.
Dubai parking zones & tariffs
| Zone Code | Area Type | Tariff (AED/hr) | Max Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Premium) | Downtown, DIFC, Marina core | 4–6 | 30–60 |
| B (Standard) | Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama | 2–4 | 20–30 |
| C (Economy) | Outer residential | 2 | 15–20 |
| F (Multi-storey) | Al Ghubaiba, Al Khail, etc. | 5 | 30 |
| G (Free zones) | Some malls and free areas | 0 | 0 |
| Variable Tariff | Premium areas, peak hours (8–10 AM & 4–8 PM) | up to 10 | — |
Zone numbers and codes are printed on parking signs. Some premium areas use variable tariffs — the per-hour rate doubles during peak hours.
mParking app, parking cards & Mahboub WhatsApp
- mParking app — official RTA app, link credit card / Apple Pay, get reminders.
- Parking card (RFID) — preload AED, tap on meter. Get from RTA centers and select retailers.
- Mahboub WhatsApp chatbot: +971 58 8009090 — message your plate, zone, and hours.
- Coin meter — old single-purchase ticket meters still operate in some zones.
Parking fines
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Not paying parking fee | 150 |
| Parking outside marked spot | 200 |
| Parking on the pavement | 400 |
| Parking in handicapped spot without permit | 1,000 |
| Blocking traffic / fire hydrant | 1,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMS parking number in Dubai?
Send to 7275 (PARK) with format: plate zone hours. Example: D12345 1234 2.
Is parking free on Friday in Dubai?
Yes — RTA parking is free all day Friday and on public holidays, plus weekdays from 10 PM to 8 AM. Some private parking lots and malls operate on their own schedule.
How much is parking in Dubai per hour?
From AED 2 in economy zones up to AED 10 in premium peak-hour zones. Standard zones charge AED 2–4/hour. Multi-storey lots charge AED 5/hour.
Can I extend SMS parking remotely?
Yes. Send another SMS with the same plate and zone before your current parking expires. The meter will combine the time.
Where can I check Dubai parking violations?
Use the RTA Dubai app or rta.ae General Fines Inquiry. Parking fines also appear in Dubai Police records under your traffic file.