Dubai is a city known for its futuristic skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and convenient infrastructure. Whether you’re renting a car to explore iconic spots like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, or The Palm Jumeirah, understanding how parking works is essential for a smooth driving experience. For tourists especially, navigating parking systems in a new city can be a challenge. Luckily, Dubai has a well-organized and tech-savvy parking system that makes it easy even for visitors to pay for parking.
In this guide by Rent Any Car, we’ll walk you through the different ways a tourist can pay for parking in Dubai, where to park, how much it costs, and some tips to avoid fines.
Understanding Parking Zones in Dubai
Dubai’s public parking is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The city is divided into multiple parking zones (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and I), and each has different pricing based on location and demand.
- Zone A: Commercial areas (e.g., Deira, Bur Dubai)
- Zone B: Non-commercial/residential areas
- Zone C & D: Special areas like Jumeirah and Tecom
- Zone E: Waterfront areas (e.g., Dubai Marina)
- Zone F: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai
- Zone G: Media City, Internet City, etc.
- Zone I: Special seasonal or event-based parking
Each zone has specific rates and time limits. Always check the nearest parking sign to confirm the applicable zone and fee.
Methods to Pay for Parking in Dubai
1. SMS Payment (mParking)
One of the most tourist-friendly ways to pay is through SMS. You don’t need to install any apps. Just use your phone to send a message in a specific format.
How it works:
- Send an SMS to 7275 (PARK).
- Format: [Plate Number] [Zone Number] [Duration in hours]
- Example: N12345 123A 2
This will charge you for 2 hours in Zone 123A. You’ll get a confirmation SMS, and reminders before the session ends.
Note for Tourists: If you’re using a local SIM (like Etisalat or Du), this method works seamlessly. If you’re using international roaming, check SMS charges with your provider.
2. RTA Dubai App
The RTA Dubai mobile app is available on both Android and iOS. It’s a comprehensive tool that allows you to:
- Pay for parking
- Renew sessions
- Check fine status
- Locate the nearest available parking
Steps:
- Download and install the app.
- Create an account using your mobile number.
- Add vehicle details (even rental car plates).
- Select “Pay for Parking” and enter the zone and duration.
This method is ideal for tourists who plan to drive frequently in the city.
3. RTA Website
You can also pay for parking directly on the RTA official website www.rta.ae. It’s a quick solution for those who don’t want to download apps or use SMS.
4. Parking Meters (Pay & Display Machines)
Some areas still have physical parking meters. These accept coins or nol cards (Dubai’s public transport card).
- Insert coins or tap your nol card.
- Print a ticket and display it on your dashboard.
Note: Not all meters accept cash now, especially in modern areas like Downtown Dubai.
5. WhatsApp Payment (New Feature)
Dubai now offers a WhatsApp-based parking payment system.
Steps:
- Add +971 58 8009090 to your contacts.
- Start a chat and follow the prompts.
- Enter vehicle and parking zone details.
This method is convenient and quick, especially if you’re already using WhatsApp while traveling.
Parking Rates in Dubai (2025 Update)
As of 2025, here’s a general idea of parking fees (per hour) in different zones:
| Zone | Rate |
| A | AED 4/hr |
| B | AED 3/hr |
| C | AED 2/hr |
| E | AED 4/hr |
| F | AED 10/hr |
| G | AED 4/hr |
You can usually park for a maximum of 4 hours in one spot (up to 2 hours in Zone F).
Parking Tips for Tourists
- Rent a car with local plates: It’s easier to use SMS or app payments.
- Download RTA Dubai app before arrival to avoid delays.
- Avoid parking in No Parking zones or private lots.
- Always read the signs: They indicate timings, restrictions, and rates.
- Use public parking at night for free (usually after 10 PM till 8 AM).
- Avoid overstaying inspectors are strict, and fines can be issued within minutes.
What If You Don’t Pay?
Unpaid or expired parking sessions result in fines:
- AED 150 for an expired ticket.
- AED 100-500 for illegal parking (e.g., blocking, double parking).
As a tourist, these fines are linked to your rental vehicle and may be deducted from your security deposit. Rent Any Car always recommends paying on time and setting reminders.
Alternatives: Private Parking
In areas like malls, hotels, or residential buildings, private parking is widely available. Most malls offer:
- Free parking for 2-4 hours
- Paid rates after that
- Valet options
Hotels usually provide free parking for guests, and many tourist attractions offer underground parking.
FAQs: Paying for Parking in Dubai as a Tourist
Q1: Can tourists use the RTA SMS parking system?
Yes, as long as you have a local UAE SIM card. You can use Etisalat or Du numbers to send SMS payments.
Q2: What’s the best payment method for a tourist?
The RTA Dubai app is the most reliable and flexible method. It supports credit card payments, tracks sessions, and works well with rental vehicles.
Q3: Do rental cars have special parking rules?
No, rental cars follow the same RTA rules. Just ensure you know the license plate number to use in the payment system.
Q4: Can I park anywhere in Dubai?
No. Only park in designated RTA or private parking areas. Never park on sidewalks or in areas with a red/no-parking sign.
Q5: Is parking free on Fridays or public holidays?
Parking is free on Sundays and public holidays, but always double check as rules may vary by zone.
Q6: Will parking fines affect my rental car booking?
Yes. Fines will be billed to your rental agency, and they may deduct the amount from your credit card or deposit.
Conclusion
Dubai makes it remarkably easy for tourists to drive and park in the city. Whether you’re using SMS, a mobile app, or good old-fashioned parking meters, there’s a method for everyone. At Rent Any Car, we want your Dubai trip to be hassle-free. That’s why we recommend setting up the RTA app in advance, getting a local SIM card, and always following posted signs and parking rules.