Dubai Implementing Variable Parking Rates Beginning April 4, Including Daily High-Priced Spots for Six Hours
In a move aimed at managing demand and improving parking efficiency, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will implement new variable parking fees starting from April 4. These changes will primarily affect premium parking areas, identified by Parkin PJSC, across the city.
Premium parking zones have been designated in selected areas with increased tariffs during peak periods. These zones, which cover high-demand, strategic locations such as key commercial, business, and tourist areas, will see a rise in parking fees during peak hours.
The peak hour tariff for premium parking starts at AED 6 per hour, significantly above the standard parking zones' AED 4. The fees scale proportionally with longer durations to encourage turnover. For instance, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and other prominent commercial districts, the standard parking fee is AED 8 per hour, indicating nearby premium zones with even higher fees.
Premium parking areas often have specific rules on parking duration, payment methods, and enforcement, all managed by the RTA. The designation of a premium parking area is not just about tariff levels but also the location’s significance, availability of parking infrastructure, and demand pressure.
The new system will roll out after the Eid Al Fitr holidays. During off-peak hours in premium zones, the hourly rate will be AED 2, 2-hour rate AED 5, 3-hour rate AED 8, and 4-hour rate AED 11.
Peak-hour charges will be introduced for six out of 14 daily chargeable hours, from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Dubai's public parking is categorized into zones A, B, C, and D, which will be renamed to AP, BP, CP, and DP under the new scheme.
Customers using the Parkin app were notified that zone codes have been updated (e.g., 'A' is now 'AP'). It's important to note that multi-level parking buildings continue to operate 24/7, and until then, Ramadan parking timings remain in place.
During peak hours in Al Barsha's residential zone 373CP, the hourly rate will be AED 6 (currently AED 2), 2-hour rate AED 12 (currently AED 5), 3-hour rate AED 18 (currently AED 8), and 4-hour rate AED 24 (currently Dh11). Additional zones include E, I, J, K, L (Jumeirah Lakes Towers), F (Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City), G (Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Hills), H (Dubai Silicon Oasis), and X (around Dubai World Trade Centre, where rates can reach AED 25 per hour during events).
The new tariff structure was first announced in November 2023, and the details are currently in final discussions with the RTA. Premium parking areas are defined by a combination of location, tariff level (with peak tariffs significantly above standard rates), and regulatory designation by the RTA, implemented through parking management partners like Parkin. Premium parking areas are also defined by proximity to public transport, high occupancy rates during peak times, and density and congestion levels such as markets and commercial hubs.
