How To Find Parking Zone In Dubai | A Full Guide

  Meta: How to find parking zone in Dubai? It may seem tricky but with enough knowledge of the RTA app and regulations, it is a simple process.   Navigating Dubai’s vibrant streets and securing a convenient parking spot can seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, it’s surprisingly easy. The city’s advanced infrastructure is supported by the innovative parking system and the digital RTA (Road & Transport Authority) services. Let’s break down how to find parking zone in Dubai. 

1. Understand the types of parking services:

Dubai offers two main categories of parking services; paid and free. To opt in for one of the free parking services, you have to apply for A Parking Permit for an Emirati Citizen. This service enables you to park for free in the public parking across your place of residency within a 500-metre radius. Additionally, several malls and attractions in Dubai offer a free parking service for your convenience. For instance,

• Dubai Mall
• Mall of Emirates (For the first 4 hours)
• Dubai World Trade Centre
• The Global Village
• Dubai Frame
• Several Metro Stations such as Rashidiya Station, Etisalat Station on the Green Line and Tower Station and Nakheel Harbour on the Red Line.

However, the RTA mobile app is responsible for regulating those as well as regulating the paid parking zones. So, downloading the app is a necessity for any person driving a car in Dubai; think of it as a complementary app to the car rental app in Dubai.

2. Use the RTA Dubai app:

The Road & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai launched this mobile application to help regulate how to find parking zone in Dubai. Through the app, you can search for parking zones by location, view the parking rates and timing availability and pay digitally via credit card or SMS. Follow the following steps to use the RTA app:

• Go for the “Parking” menu.
• Click on “Search For Parking”
• Select either “Multistory Parking” or “Public Parking”
• A colour-coded map will appear with “Red” meaning fully occupied, “Orange” meaning moderately occupied, and “Green” meaning little occupied.
• Place the pin, and add the car’s plate number and the arrival timing. 
• If the parking spot is paid, complete the transaction according to the fare of the zone.

3. Understand the RTA parking zones and signboards:

Dubai’s parking areas are divided into zones, with signboards displaying the relevant parking code as an indication of the pricing. If you want to know how to find parking zone in dubai, you must first understand their differences. The zones differ in the fare per hour, the duration you can park in and the timing. There are 7 zones and multi-storey service and we quote the following illustration table from the RTA official website:  

zone	Timing	½ hour	1 hour	2 hours	3 hours	4 hours	5 hours	24 hours
A	8:00 - 22:00	2	4	8	12	16
B	8:00 - 22:00		3	6	9	12	15	20
C	8:00 - 22:00		2	5	8	11
D	8:00 - 22:00		2	4	5	7		10
E	8:00 - 23:00		4	8	12	16
F	8:00 - 18:00		2	5	8	11
G	8:00 - 20:00		4	8	12	16
Multi- storey	24 hours	5 Dhs per hour

4. Payment methods for parking in Dubai:

To finalise your journey of how to find parking zone in Dubai, we have to discuss your payment options. Dubai, as an innovative city, provides a list of payment methods for your convenience. This list includes:

• Coins where one Dirham and half Dirham coins are accepted

• RTA mobile app

• Apple Pay

• Samsung Pay is the most used method

• Nol Card

• Seasonal Parking Permits

• Bank Cards with RFID

• NFC on smartphones

• SMS through using the bilingual mParking Service

5. Free, discounted and paid parking lots:

If you are not sure whether a lot is free, paid or following flexible regulations, ask prior to parking to avoid any fines. For instance, the free parking of the Mall of Emirates is free for the first 4 hours. After that, the hour will cost between AED 20 and 150 according to the vehicle’s type; luxury car rental Dubai comes at a cost! Dubai offers Park-and-Ride facilities encouraging visitors to park their vehicles in the stations and use the metro to reach out for the city’s attractions. However, if you are caught parking in those lots and not using the metro, you will be fined. Finally, you can use the help of other apps such as Parkopedia and Mawaqif to find parking spots in high-traffic areas. These apps are particularly helpful when looking for last-minute parking options during busy weekends.

FAQs about how to find parking zone in Dubai:

1. What is mParking?

mParking is an e-service by the RTA that allows drivers to pay for Dubai’s paid parking. Payment is fulfilled through an SMS from their phones with the parking zone code.

2. How to find parking zone in Dubai during holidays and weekends?

Finding a parking spot can be scarce on weekends, holidays and seasonal events. So, it is recommended that you book your parking spot and arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3. Do any facilities provide free parking zones in Dubai?

Actually yes, most of the public facilities such as parks provide free parking lots. Additionally, hotels, restaurants and resorts offer free parking areas as a privilege.

4. How much is the fine for violating parking rules?

According to the violation the fine is determined. For example, exceeding the maximum parking hours has an AED 100 fine, parking in forbidden parking spots has an AED 200 fine and unauthorised use of special needs parking has an AED 1,000 fine.