A beginner’s guide to parking in Dubai

Have you ever found yourself driving around in circles, waiting for a parking space to become available outside the Bur Dubai? Or given up on a trip to Kite Beach because there simply wasn’t anywhere close by to leave your car?

Yeah, us too. 

Parking in Dubai can be a real pain. And with so many different zones to get your head around, each with different fee structures, there’s a lot to learn and fast. In this guide, we’ll give you a whistle-stop tour of the best places to park in Dubai, close to popular destinations. We’ll tell you how much you should expect to pay (and what happens if you accidentally outstay your welcome!).

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The best parking for Dubai Marina & JBR

First, we will provide full information about the best parking in Dubai Marina & JBR.

Dubai Marina Mall

Did you know that mall visitors can enjoy free parking for the first 3 hours at the Dubai Marina Mall?

If you plan to stay longer, extended parking fees apply based on the mall’s current tariff. Be sure to check the latest posted rates, as they are subject to periodic updates.

###Paid public parking Paid public parking is widely available around Dubai Marina. You’ll find free parking on Sundays, public holidays, and overnight from 10 PM to 8 AM — unless otherwise indicated on local signage.

###Green Parking JBR For the eco-conscious amongst us, GreenParking’s recently upgraded parking lot is a great choice. With paperless tickets, using their “smart and sustainable ParkChip technology”, you never have to worry about finding the ticket machine either!

The best parking for Jumeirah

Second, do you wanna know the best areas for parking in Jumeirah? invygo got you!

Public parking in Beach Road & Al Wasl Road

Between Beach Road (Jumeirah Street) and Al Wasl Road, you’ll find tons of parking options, perfect for visiting Jumeirah Beach.

You can even find free parking on Al Mehemal St, Zaghoor St and Al Bateel St — but, as you can imagine, the spaces will be limited. Not to worry: RTA parking and pre-paid smart parking lots are dotted around the area, too.

Parking near Kite Beach

There are some free parking spots near Kite Beach, but spaces are very limited, so be prepared to get there early or wait around for someone else to leave! Otherwise, GreenParking’s Kite Beach lot is conveniently located right next to the beach.

3 top tips for public parking in Dubai (including how to handle parking tickets)

Know your zones

Dubai’s parking is now divided into standard and premium zones, with updated peak and off-peak pricing.

Paid hours: 8 AM – 10 PM (Mon–Sat) Free: Sundays + public holidays + overnight (10 PM–8 AM)

Peak hours:

8 AM – 10 AM

4 PM – 8 PM

Off-peak hours:

10 AM – 4 PM

8 PM – 10 PM

Rates:

Premium zones: AED 6/hr (peak), AED 3/hr (off-peak)

Standard zones: AED 4/hr (peak), AED 2/hr (off-peak)

Day caps:

Premium areas: up to AED 40 per day

Standard areas: up to AED 30 per day

If you get a parking ticket — pay it immediately!

There are no less than 6 ways to pay for parking in Dubai, including seasonal parking cards and via SMS. So, there’s not a lot of reason to skip out on paying for your space.

If you do end up with a ticket though, you shouldn’t delay in getting it sorted.

Fines vary depending on the type of violation and are updated periodically. It’s best to check current penalties through the RTA or Dubai Police app.

You can pay for parking tickets online or at a police station

You can pay a parking fine either online or by visiting one of the many police stations around Dubai.

If you want to do it online, you can go to the Dubai Police website or the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority website — both organisations have an app you can pay via, too.

You’ll need your vehicle and license information, plus the reference for your fine and traffic file (which will be on your ticket).

But, with this beginner’s guide to parking in Dubai, you won’t be getting any fines, will you? Good luck!

Conclusion:

Parking in Dubai doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you're a daily commuter, a visitor, or considering a flexible car subscription with invygo — which allows you to skip the long-term commitments — mastering the parking game in this dynamic city can save time, money and stress.

FAQ:

How do I pay for parking in Dubai by SMS?

First, you need to follow these steps: 1- Compose an SMS in the format: “<Plate No.> <space><Zone No.> <space> <Duration>”. 2- Send this message to 7275 (PARK).

Is parking free in Dubai now?

Parking is free overnight (10 PM to 8 AM), on Sundays, and on public holidays in most RTA zones. Some malls, beaches, and parks offer free or time-limited free parking, but policies vary by location.

How much does parking cost in Dubai?

invygo presents a full guide for the parking cost in Dubai.