Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that new variable parking fees will come into effect from April 4, resulting in higher charges during peak hours in select premium zones. The update was disclosed by Parkin PJSC, Dubai’s largest public parking operator, in a market filing posted on the Dubai Financial Market on Friday.
Parkin CEO Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali stated,
“We have received official communication from the RTA regarding the implementation of variable tariff pricing.”
The revised system introduces peak-hour charges for six out of the 14 daily chargeable hours: from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Off-peak hours – 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm – will continue to follow the current fee structure.
The new system is expected to roll out after the Eid Al Fitr holidays, with full implementation starting April 4.
Ramadan Timing in Effect
Until then, Ramadan parking timings remain in place, with two paid periods from 8am to 6pm and 8pm to 12 midnight, Monday to Saturday. Parking remains free between 6pm and 8pm, and all day on Sundays. Multi-level parking buildings continue to operate 24/7.
New Signage and App Notifications
Parkin has already begun updating signage in various residential and commercial areas to reflect the upcoming changes. Customers using the Parkin app were notified that zone codes have been updated (e.g., ‘A’ is now ‘AP’), although tariffs remain the same for now.
Parking Zones Explained
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. These zones are classified as standard or premium, each with different rates.
Additional zones include:
- E, I, J, K, L – Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
- F – Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City
- G – Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Hills
- H – Dubai Silicon Oasis
- X – Around Dubai World Trade Centre, where rates can reach Dh25 per hour during events
Impact on Premium Areas
Under the new system, premium zones will see increased rates during peak hours. For example, in Al Barsha’s residential zone 373CP:
During Peak Hours (8am–10am, 4pm–8pm):
- Dh6 for 1 hour (currently Dh2)
- Dh12 for 2 hours (currently Dh5)
- Dh18 for 3 hours (currently Dh8)
- Dh24 for 4 hours (currently Dh11)
During Off-Peak Hours:
- Dh2 for 1 hour
- Dh5 for 2 hours
- Dh8 for 3 hours
- Dh11 for 4 hours
What Defines a Premium Parking Area?
Parkin explained that premium areas were identified based on:
- Proximity to public transport, particularly within 500 meters of metro stations
- High occupancy rates during peak times
- Density and congestion levels, such as markets and commercial hubs
Parkin is currently in final discussions with the RTA to confirm outstanding elements of the new tariff structure, which was first announced in November 2023.
News Source: Khaleej Times
