Normally, it's necessary to pay for public parking in Dubai. The good news is that at certain times and in specific areas, parking is free. It's essential to obey the strict parking rules to avoid getting a fine. In this article, we'll inform you about the parking charge, parking spaces, and overall specifics of car parking in Dubai. It's vital to memorize the parking rules in Dubai if you are planning to rent a vehicle.
Free Parking Timings in Dubai
The free time for parking vehicles in Dubai includes:
- Free parking periodinDubai on Sundays and Fridays
- Public holidays — we'll name the days of free public parking in the next part of the article
- Selected parking zones in Dubai at night – you might be able to benefit from street parking at no charge from late evening until early morning
There can be exceptions to this parking management rule. Sometimes, it might be necessary to pay for parking a vehicle on Sundays and public holidays. To elude parking fines in Dubai, always check the signage.
Public Holidays with Free Parking
Drivers are freed from the parking fee payment on the Islamic New Year and National Day. Plus, you can enjoy parking in Dubai during Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr at no cost.
The free parking days policies can be different each year. Check out the RTA updates regarding the parking rules on public holidays.
Areas with Free Parking in Dubai
In selected Dubai city areas both in the public and private sector, you can benefit from free parking regardless of the timing. Others can charge for public parking lots but provide additional free hours. The third option with commercial parking is that they don't charge you for the first hour – and then, be ready to pay for parking on an hourly basis. Each of the paid parking zones can have its individual tariffs.
The Dubai government realizes well the importance of creating parking facilities for tourists. That's why it's not always mandatory to pay parking fee close to the major sights. Otherwise, the fee can be lower, compared to standard parking. You might not need to pay for car parking in shopping malls, residential neighborhoods, and such popular destinations as the Global Village, IMG World, or City Walk.
Check the RTA Dubai app to find out about the timing and the available parking spots.
Hopefully, our guide to parking came in handy for you! The key thing to remember is the presence of different parking zones. The parking rates depend on the date and time of the day. The local parking management system is well-thought-out and it shouldn't take you long to get accustomed to it.
