Dubai parking is managed by a well-organized system designed to make parking as convenient as possible for residents and visitors alike. The Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) has introduced a range of payment options, including the popular Dubai parking SMS service, which allows users to pay for parking fees directly from their mobile phone.
Parking in Dubai
You can pay for parking in Dubai through: coins, Nol cards, mobile apps, and online platforms. Dubai is divided into different parking zones, each with its own code and parking rates. You can find parking zone information on the RTA website or mobile app.
Special Parking Zones
- Premium Roadside Parking (code AP): 8 AM to 10 PM, Mon–Sat — higher fees
- Standard Roadside Parking (code A): 8 AM to 10 PM, Mon–Sat — moderate fees
- Premium Plots Parking (code BP): 8 AM to 10 PM, Mon–Sat — higher fees
- Standard Plots Parking (code B): 8 AM to 10 PM, Mon–Sat — moderate fees
mParking Dubai (SMS Parking)
mParking is an electronic and SMS-based parking payment service by RTA. It covers all parking zones and can be paid via mobile phones or SMS. To use mParking: send an SMS with your vehicle plate number, parking zone, and space duration in the correct format. After payment, you will receive a confirmation SMS as proof of payment. A reminder message will be sent before the parking ticket expires.
Other Payment Methods
Nol Cards — Multi-functional cards used for transportation payments across Dubai. Can pay parking fees at designated meters and lots.
Mobile and Digital Payments — RTA Dubai app, DubaiNow app, credit/debit cards including Apple Pay and Galaxy Pay, and RFID-enabled bank cards.
WhatsApp Payments — Use RTA's chatbot, Mahboub, to pay for parking via WhatsApp. Send a message in format: [Plate Number] [Zone Number] [Space Duration].
Coins — 1 Dirham and 50 fils coins accepted at parking machines.
Seasonal Parking Cards
- My Parking "General": 3 months AED 1,400 | 6 months AED 2,500 | Yearly AED 4,500
- My Parking "Area": 3 months AED 700 | 6 months AED 1,300 | Yearly AED 2,400
- My Parking "Student": 3 months AED 300
Parking Fees and Fines
Fees range from AED 2 to AED 10 per hour depending on zone type. Premium zones have higher rates; standard zones are more affordable. Pay promptly and select the correct parking duration to avoid fines.