The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to roll out variable parking fees in various areas classified as premium parking starting on April 4, 2025. As confirmed by Parkin Company PJSC, the new policy is designed to effectively manage parking demand in areas where access to public transport is high, such as congested, multi-dwelling, and heavily populated regions.
According to the new regulation, public and developer parking spaces will be subject to the new parking tariff policy. Full off-peak pricing and peak hourly will be among the public parking systems and approximately 35% of developer spaces under this system. After consultations between Parkin and the RTA, it was revealed that almost 40% of all public parking bays would be classified as premium as opposed to the earlier figure of 35%. The other bays will be designated standard parking.
According to the new policy, premium parking will mostly be available at strategic high-demand zones – near metro stations, major commercial zones and markets and high vehicle density during peak periods. Proximity to public transport, occupancy level in peak periods and level of density or congestion are the three factors that determined these designated areas. Furthermore, the new special parking zones will be well-marked with specific signage to indicate the fee structure that will allow parking before the driver knows what he pays.
Variable Parking Fees for Different Zones
For the new scheme, peak tariffs will take effect for 6 out of a possible total of 14 chargeable hours each day, with the designated time ranging between 8:00 am-10:00 am and 4:00 pm-8:00 pm without affecting Sundays and public holidays. The off-peak times remain fixed between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and again between 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, as stipulated by the Variable Parking Fees:
Zone A
- Standard parking: Dh4 an hour during peak and off-peak times.
- Premium parking: Dh6 an hour during peak times and Dh4 off-peak.
Zone B
- Standard parking: Dh4 an hour during peak times and Dh3 off-peak. Day rates are Dh30.
- Premium parking: Dh6 an hour during peak times and Dh3 off-peak. Day rates are Dh40.
Zone C
- Standard parking: Dh4 an hour during peak times and Dh2 off-peak.
- Premium parking: Dh6 an hour during peak times and Dh2 off-peak.
Zone D
- Standard parking: Dh4 an hour during peak times and Dh2 off-peak. Day rates are Dh20.
- Premium parking: Dh6 an hour during peak times and Dh2 off-peak. Day rates are Dh30.
This is one more step in a series of measures undertaken by the city in its efforts to manage the urban environment. At the same time, Parkin has also revamped its application and website to give the driver instant access to real-time information regarding parking availability and pricing.
During Ramadan, Parkin already had its timings adjusted to two chargeable periods from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and again from 8:00 pm to midnight for premium parking. Full implementation of the new variable parking pricing is likely to be done next month, indicating that a true shift is occurring within Dubai regarding the management of parking resources in its busiest zones.
