Dubai, UAE – The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that a new variable parking fee system will come into effect in Dubai starting April 4, Parkin PJSC, the emirate’s largest paid public parking operator, announced on Friday.
The new system introduces peak-hour pricing for six of the 14 chargeable hours each day, specifically from 8 AM to 10 AM and from 4 PM to 8 PM, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Off-peak rates between 10 AM to 4 PM and 8 PM to 10 PM will remain unchanged.
The variable tariff system, first announced last year, is aimed at optimizing parking availability in high-demand areas while encouraging the use of public transport during peak hours.
Implementation and Tariff Changes
Parkin CEO Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali confirmed in a statement that the company received official notification from the RTA regarding the pricing changes. “The variable pricing structure is designed to enhance parking availability and manage congestion in key areas across Dubai,” he said.
The adjustments mean that some premium parking spaces will see a significant rise in fees during peak hours. For instance, parking in a residential area of Al Barsha, designated as a premium zone with the code 373CP, will now cost:
- Dh6 for one hour (up from Dh2)
- Dh12 for two hours (previously Dh5)
- Dh18 for three hours (up from Dh8)
- Dh24 for four hours (previously Dh11)
During off-peak hours, however, the pricing will remain as:
- Dh2 for one hour
- Dh5 for two hours
- Dh8 for three hours
- Dh11 for four hours
Changes to Parking Zones
Dubai’s paid parking system is divided into four primary zones: A, B, C, and D, which will be renamed as AP, BP, CP, and DP, respectively.
Other zones in commercial areas, such as Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, will also undergo code updates, though tariff pricing will remain unchanged.
Parkin has already begun updating signage in residential and commercial areas to reflect these changes and has sent notifications to customers via its app to inform them about the updated zone codes.
Premium Parking Areas and RTA’s Rationale
The introduction of premium parking zones is based on three key criteria, according to Parkin:
- Proximity to public transport – Areas within 500 meters of a metro station.
- High parking demand – Locations with high occupancy rates during peak periods.
- Density and congestion levels – Commercial activity zones and marketplaces.
While the full list of premium parking areas has yet to be confirmed, Parkin has stated that it remains in close discussions with the RTA to finalize the specifics.
Ramadan Parking Timings Unaffected
Currently, during Ramadan, parking fees are applicable in two periods: from 8 AM to 6 PM and from 8 PM to midnight, with free parking between 6 PM and 8 PM. Sundays remain free of charge during the holy month.
Looking Ahead
The new variable pricing system is set to roll out shortly after the Eid Al Fitr holidays, aligning with broader efforts to enhance traffic flow and parking efficiency in Dubai.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay updated on the changes to avoid unexpected fees and make informed parking decisions.
With Dubai’s continued growth and rising demand for parking spaces, the introduction of variable tariffs is seen as a strategic move to improve accessibility and manage congestion across the city’s bustling districts.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members