Dubai expands paid parking zones in five neighbourhoods

Dubai’s public parking operator Parkin has expanded regulated parking in several neighbourhoods, adding new paid zones and updated tariffs. These changes aim to improve parking availability and traffic flow in busy areas. Below is a summary of the five new or updated parking zones drivers (residents and visitors alike) should know about.

Al Jaddaf (Zones 326C & 326D)

Parkin recently announced new paid parking areas in Al Jaddaf. Two zones were added: 326C (on-street) and 326D (off-street). In Zone 326D (the off-street lot), parking is paid Monday–Saturday, 8am–10pm. Rates are Dh4 per hour during peak times and Dh2 per hour off-peak, with a maximum Dh20 charge for 24 hours.

• Zones: 326C (on-street) and 326D (off-street).

• Hours (326D): Mon–Sat, 8am–10pm.

• Rates (326D): Dh4/hr peak, Dh2/hr off-peak; max Dh20/day.

Al Khail Gate (Zone 365N)

A new 24/7 paid parking zone has been introduced in Al Khail Gate. This is Zone 365N, enforced seven days a week. There is a flat daily rate of Dh30 (applicable 24/7), or you can pay by the hour: Dh4 for the first hour and Dh8 for two hours. These options give drivers flexibility depending on how long they park.

• Zone: 365N (24/7 enforcement).

• Daily rate: Dh30 (per day, anytime).

• Hourly rates: Dh4 for 1 hour; Dh8 for 2 hours.

Al Karama, Al Qusais & Al Kifaf (Zones W & WP)

Parkin also updated fees in several high-demand “W” and “WP” zones. These include areas like Al Karama (318W), Al Qusais (32W), Madinat Dubai (321W) and Al Kifaf (324WP). In Al Kifaf (324WP) – a premium “WP” zone – the new rates are Dh6 per hour during peak (rush-hour) periods and Dh4 per hour off-peak. (The “WP” code indicates a premium parking area, usually near major transit hubs) Drivers should be aware that these zones now cost more during peak times.

• Al Kifaf (324WP): Dh6/hr peak (8–10am & 4–8pm), Dh4/hr off-peak.

• Note: “WP” = premium zone (higher demand, often near metro/bus stations).

Mosque parking (24/7 outside prayer times)

Parkin will take over management of about 2,100 parking spaces at 59 mosques in Dubai. Under the new system, mosque parking is free for the first hour during each prayer time. Outside those hours, parking is charged 24/7 at the usual rates. The mosques are divided into Zone M (41 locations, standard) and Zone MP (18 locations, premium), but the basic rule is one hour free per prayer and paid parking at other times.

• Free: 1 hour of parking around each prayer time.

• Paid: Parking charged 24/7 outside the free period.

• Zones: 41 mosques in Zone M (standard), 18 in Zone MP (premium).

Mirdif (Zones 251C & 251D)

Mirdif now has new regulated parking under Dubai’s variable tariff system. Two zones were added: 251C (on-street) and 251D (off-street). In Zone 251C, parking costs Dh4 per hour in peak times and Dh2 off-peak, with a maximum Dh16 if you park four peak hours (Dh11 for four off-peak hours). Zone 251D is similar: Dh4/hr peak, Dh2/hr off-peak, up to Dh20 for a full day.

• Zones: 251C (on-street) & 251D (off-street).

• 251C rates: Dh4/hr peak, Dh2/hr off-peak; up to Dh16 for 4 peak hrs (Dh11 for 4 off-peak hrs).

• 251D rates: Dh4/hr peak, Dh2/hr off-peak; up to Dh20 for 24 hours.

Whether you drive your own car or plan to rent a SUV Dubai to get around, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with these parking zones and rates in advance. Checking the zone number and peak/off-peak timing when you park can help avoid surprises on the meter or in your parking app.