Complete Guide: Parking Rates and Zones in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah

Navigating Dubai's winding roads or Abu Dhabi's bustling avenues requires knowledge of parking zones to steer clear of penalties.

Imagine this scenario: You've paid for parking, followed all the rules, and left within the allotted time, only to receive a fine notification. How did this happen? The answer lies in the various parking zones scattered across the Emirates, each with its own set of rules.

As a fellow driver, I've faced my fair share of parking challenges. From the complex streets of Dubai to the lively roads of Abu Dhabi, understanding the different parking zones is crucial to avoid fines.

So, here's a comprehensive breakdown of codes and colors, from the elusive 'Premium Zones' to the simple 'Standard Zones' in the UAE.

Paid parking in Dubai

Dubai's parking zones are split into three categories, totaling 11 zones labeled A to K. These zones are further classified into commercial, non-commercial, and special areas. Each zone has its own set of parking rules and fees that drivers must know before parking their vehicles.

Side parking (code A): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
30 minutes	Dh2
1 hour	Dh4
2 hours	Dh8
3 hours	Dh12
4 hours	Dh16

Plots parking (code B): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
1 hour	Dh3
2 hours	Dh6
3 hours	Dh9
4 hours	Dh12
5 hours	Dh15
24 hours	Dh20

Side parking (code C): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
1 hour	Dh2
2 hours	Dh5
3 hours	Dh8
4 hours	Dh11

Plots parking (code D): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
1 hour	Dh2
2 hours	Dh4
3 hours	Dh5
4 hours	Dh7
24 hours	Dh10

The Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City (code F): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 6:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
1 hour	Dh2
2 hours	Dh5
3 hours	Dh8
4 hours	Dh11

Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay area and Dubai Health Care City area (code G): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
1 hour	Dh4
2 hours	Dh8
3 hours	Dh12
4 hours	Dh16

Dubai Silicon Oasis (code H): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Parking duration	Fees
30 minutes	Dh2
1 hour	Dh4
2 hours	Dh8
3 hours	Dh12
4 hours	Dh16

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT): Mon to Sat 8:00am - 10:00pm

Codes	30min	1hr	2hrs	3hrs	4hrs	5hrs	6hrs	7hrs	8-12hrs
I	—	Dh10	Dh20	Dh30	Dh40	—	—	—	—
J	Dh2	Dh4	Dh8	Dh12	Dh22	—	—	—	—
K	Dh2	Dh4	Dh8	Dh12	Dh16	Dh20	Dh24	Dh28	Dh32

Please be aware that parking in Dubai is free on Sundays and public holidays. When paying through SMS, an additional 30 fils is deducted from the customer's balance. However, there are no extra fees for payments made through the smart application or WhatsApp. It's important to note that Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) implements strict parking rules and imposes fines on violators.

Paid parking in Abu Dhabi

Mawaqif is the public parking system managed by the Department of Transport in the Capital. In Abu Dhabi, all public parking zones require payment. However, parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. There are two types of parking zones in Abu Dhabi.

Parking type	Colour	Fees	Max stay time	Schedule
Premium	White and Blue	Dh3 per hr	4 hours	8am to 12am
Standard	Black and Blue	Dh2 per hr / Dh15 for 24hrs	24 hours	Free on Sundays and Public Holidays

Residents parking spaces

Residents’ parking spaces are standard parking spaces found in residential areas. They are identified by a blue line or "Resident Permit Only" Mawaqif signage. These permits are enforced from 9pm to 8am.

Outside of these times, the same parking spaces may be used by the public (non-permit holders) after paying the required parking fees.

Fee structure for apartment and villa residents:

Fee for UAE nationals in apartments – Free for four vehicles
Fee for UAE nationals in villas – Free

For non-UAE nationals residing in villas and apartments:

First vehicle: Dh800
Second vehicle: Dh1,200

Paid parking in Sharjah

Paid parking is available on most major roads in Sharjah, including Al Nahda 5, Abu Shagarah, Al Abar, Al Budaniq, Al Fisht, Al Ghuwair, Al Jubail, Al Khan, Al Khezamia, Al Layyeh, Al Mahatah, Al Mamzar, Al Manakh, Al Meraijah, Al Musalla, Al Nabaah, Al Nad, Al Nahda 1, 2, 3, 4, Al Nahdha – Industrial 1, Al Nasserya, Al Qulayaah, Al Ramtha, Al Rifaah, Al Ruqa Al Hmra, Al Shahba, Al Soor, Al Ghubaiba, Al Yarmook, Al Majarah, Al Majaz-1, 2, 3, Al Sheyookh, Al Showaihiyeen, Bu-Tina, Central Souq, Commercial Muaileh, Industrial Area 12, 13, 15, 17, Industrial Area 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Maysaloon, Samnan, and Um Altaraffa, as well as Warehouse Lands.

Parking is permitted from 8am to 10pm, and the parking fee mentioned below is applicable to all paid parking zones in Sharjah.

Hours	Fees
1 hour	Dh2
2 hours	Dh5
3 hours	Dh8
5 hours	Dh12
Whole day	Dh15

In Sharjah, parking is free on Fridays and public holidays.

Various public parking subscription options are available for individuals and establishments. Subscribing to a parking service grants the subscriber the right to use designated parking spaces within Sharjah city according to the subscription's terms.

Below is the list of parking fine in Sharjah: