When you roll into Dubai, you might assume the parking rules are the same as in Sharjah, but that’s a myth. We’ve charted every zone, fee, and free‑parking window so you can dodge fines like a pro. Ready to park without the headache? Let’s dive in.

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Dubai’s parking network splits into 11 zones (A‑J) plus premium variants marked with a “P”. Managed by the RTA and Dubai Municipality, it runs Monday‑Saturday, 8 AM to 10 PM. Peak hours (8‑10 AM & 4‑8 PM) cost more, while free parking usually lasts 30 minutes. Fees range from AED 2 for a short stay to AED 36 for a full day in premium spots.

Zone	Code	Peak‑Hour Rate (AED/hr)	Off‑Peak Rate (AED/hr)	Free‑Parking Window	Notes
Downtown Dubai	A	6	4	30 min	Premium areas marked A‑P
Deira (Fish Market, Al‑Maktoum)	B	6	4	30 min
Bur Dubai / Al‑Qusais	C	6	4	30 min
Dubai Marina	D	6	4	30 min
Jumeirah	E	6	4	30 min
Barsha Heights / TECOM	F	6	4	30 min
Dubai Sports City	G	6	4	30 min
Dubai Studio City	H	6	4	30 min
Dubai Academic City	I	6	4	30 min
Dubai Outsource City	J	6	4	30 min
Special Parking (e.g., Al‑Khail Gate N‑365)	K	6	4	30 min	Free on New Year 2026 only

Step‑by‑Step Payment

• SMS (MaWaQif) – Send a text like DXB10 12345 S 2 to 7275, wait for confirmation, and keep the text until you exit.
• Mobile App – Open RTA Dubai, tap Parking → Pay, choose zone and duration, pay via card or Apple Pay, then scan the QR at the gate.
• Kiosk – Find a kiosk at lot entrances, select zone, enter duration, pay cash or card, and collect a ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I locate my parking zone? Use the RTA app’s Map or Google Maps; the zone letter is on the sign.
• What happens if I exceed the free‑parking limit? You’ll be charged the first hour’s rate (AED 2‑4) and then the hourly rate for each extra hour.
• Can I pay after I leave? Yes, via app or SMS up to 30 minutes after exiting; otherwise a fine may be issued.
• What if I receive a ticket? Pay the fine online through the RTA website or the app’s Pay Ticket option.
• Are there monthly or annual passes? Yes, monthly starts at AED 300; annual can reach AED 4,040, depending on the zone.
• Is there free parking on New Year’s Day 2026? Yes, all public parking is free on January 1 2026 except multi‑storey lots and Al‑Khail Gate N‑365.
• Do Sharjah drivers need a Dubai parking permit? No, but you must pay via SMS, app, or kiosk if you park in Dubai zones.

Call to Action

Download our free, printable ‘Dubai Parking Cheat Sheet’ – a one‑page reference that lists all zone codes, fees, free‑parking limits, and payment steps.

When you first step into Dubai, the parking signs feel like a secret codebook—letters A through J, each hiding a different price tag. It isn’t just a simple parking meter; it’s a sophisticated, tariff‑tiered system that shifts between peak and off‑peak rates like a well‑tuned orchestra. Curious how this works? Let’s crack the code.

Dubai Parking Zones: Codes, Fees, and Free‑Parking Limits

Dubai’s 11 zones (A‑J) plus premium suffixes (e.g., A‑P) each have a distinct fee structure and a free‑parking window.

Zone	Code	Peak‑Hour Rate (AED/hr)	Off‑Peak Rate (AED/hr)	Free‑Parking Window	Notes
Downtown	A	6	4	30 min	Premium A‑P available
Deira	B	6	4	30 min
Bur Dubai	C	6	4	30 min
Marina	D	6	4	30 min
Jumeirah	E	6	4	30 min
Barsha	F	6	4	30 min
Sports City	G	6	4	30 min
Studio City	H	6	4	30 min
Academic City	I	6	4	30 min
Outsource City	J	6	4	30 min

Key takeaways: AED 2 is the lowest fee for a 30‑minute stay in some zones, while AED 36 caps a full‑day premium stay. Peak hours cost more; off‑peak hours are cheaper.

Payment Methods

Paying is as easy as texting a number, tapping a screen, or handing cash at a kiosk.

3.1 SMS (MaWaQif)

1. Text: <City> <Plate> <Duration> – e.g., DXB 12345 2h.
2. Send to the RTA SMS code.
3. Wait for a confirmation text.
4. Show or print the ticket.

3.2 Mobile App (RTA Dubai / Dubai Drive)

1. Open the app → Parking → Pay.
2. Select zone code.
3. Choose duration.
4. Pay via card or Apple Pay.
5. Scan the QR code at the gate.

3.3 Kiosk

1. Find a kiosk at the lot entrance.
2. Pick zone code on the screen.
3. Enter duration or scan plate.
4. Pay with cash or card.
5. Keep the ticket until exit.

Common Misconceptions

• Free parking is usually 30 minutes; some zones allow up to an hour.
• You can pay after leaving within 30 minutes; otherwise a fine may be issued.
• Sharjah drivers can park in Dubai zones using the same payment methods—no special permit needed.

Quick FAQ

• How do I find my zone? Use the RTA app map or Google Maps; the zone letter is on the sign.
• What if I exceed the free‑parking limit? You’ll be charged the first hour’s rate and then the hourly rate for each extra hour.
• Can I pay later? Yes, up to 30 minutes after exiting via app or SMS.
• What if I get a ticket? Pay online through the RTA website or app.
• Are there monthly passes? Yes, starting at AED 300; annual passes can reach AED 4,040.

Take action: Download our printable parking cheat sheet and subscribe for updates on fee changes.

If you’re hunting for “parking in Sharjah today,” you’ll want a quick rundown of Dubai’s parking zones, rates, and free‑parking windows. This cheat sheet puts all the essentials in one handy spot.

Zone	Code	Peak‑Hour Rate (AED/hr)	Off‑Peak Rate (AED/hr)	Free‑Parking Window	Notes
Downtown	A	Varies	Varies	30 min	Premium areas marked A‑P
Deira	B	Varies	Varies	30 min
Bur Dubai	C	Varies	Varies	30 min
Marina	D	Varies	Varies	30 min
Jumeirah	E	Varies	Varies	30 min
Barsha	F	Varies	Varies	30 min
Sports City	G	Varies	Varies	30 min
Studio City	H	Varies	Varies	30 min
Academic City	I	Varies	Varies	30 min
Outsource City	J	Varies	Varies	30 min
Special (N‑365)	K	Varies	Varies	30 min	Special zone

Grab the RTA app’s “Map” feature or type “Dubai parking” into Google Maps to spot the zone letter on the sign. The app will auto‑fill the code, sparing you that “where did I park?” headache.

How to pay

1. SMS – Dial 123 and send the zone code (e.g., “A” for Downtown).
2. RTA app – Open the app, tap “Parking,” pick your zone, then pay with a credit card or wallet.
3. Parking kiosk – Find a kiosk, enter or scan the zone code, and pay with cash or card.

FAQs

• How do I find my parking zone?
  Look for the zone letter on the parking sign, then search that letter in the RTA app or Google Maps.

• What should I do if I receive a ticket?
  Pay the fine online via the RTA website or app, or visit an RTA kiosk.

• Is there a difference between peak and off‑peak rates?
  Yes. Peak rates apply during business hours (usually 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays). Off‑peak rates apply outside those hours.

• When is free parking available?
  Most public lots offer 30 minutes of free parking. Special free‑parking days are announced on the RTA website and app.

Quick tips

• Keep the RTA app updated; new zones or rate changes are pushed instantly.
• Bookmark the “Parking” section on the RTA website for the latest free‑parking days.
• Set a reminder 30 minutes before your free‑parking window ends to avoid a surprise fine.

Print this cheat sheet or subscribe to our updates for the latest fee changes.

Paying on the Go: SMS, Apps, and Kiosks in One Flowchart

Quick Overview

Dubai parking can feel like a maze, but you can navigate it in three simple steps—SMS, mobile app, or kiosk. Below is a flowchart‑style guide that shows each payment method side‑by‑side, plus a quick reference to zone codes, fees, and free‑parking limits.

Parking Zones – Codes, Fees & Free‑Parking

Zone	Code	Typical Fee (per hour)	Free‑Parking (minutes)
A	A	4.00 AED	30
B	B	3.50 AED	30
C	C	3.00 AED	30
D	D	2.50 AED	30
E	E	2.00 AED	30
F	F	1.50 AED	30

Fees are subject to change; always check the RTA website or the app for the latest rates.

Step‑by‑Step Payment Instructions

SMS (MaWaQif)

1. Compose a text: DXB10 12345 S 2 – city, vehicle type, plate, zone, hours.
2. Send to 7275.
3. Wait for a confirmation with a ticket number.
4. Show or print the ticket before you exit.

If you miss the 30‑minute grace period, the app auto‑charges the next rate.

Mobile App (RTA Dubai)

1. Open the app and tap Parking → Pay.
2. Pick the zone code (A–F).
3. Set the duration (up to 24 h).
4. Pay via card, Apple Pay, or RTA wallet.
5. A QR code appears; scan it at the gate.
6. Keep the confirmation visible until you exit.

Kiosk

1. Locate a kiosk at the lot entrance.
2. Touch the screen, choose the zone code, or scan your plate.
3. Enter the hours or tap Pay Now.
4. Pay with cash or card.
5. Grab the ticket and keep it until you leave.

Troubleshooting

• Missed the 30‑minute window? Use the app’s “Pay Ticket” option; fines can still be paid online.
• SMS syntax fails? Double‑check the vehicle type code (10 for cars, 20 for bikes).
• Missing receipt at kiosk? Re‑print via the “Print Ticket” button.

Future‑Ready

QR‑code scanning is on the horizon. Soon you’ll tap a QR on the parking sign, open your wallet, and pay in seconds. Keep an eye on RTA app updates; a “one‑tap” feature for smartphone‑only payments is coming.

FAQs

• How do I locate my parking zone?
  Look for the zone letter on the parking signs or use the RTA app’s map view.

• What should I do if I receive a ticket?
  Pay the fine online via the RTA portal or use the app’s “Pay Ticket” feature.

Call to Action

Download our printable parking cheat sheet to keep the zone codes and rates handy, or subscribe to our newsletter for real‑time updates on fee changes and special event pricing.

Ready to hit the road? Follow the flowchart above and stay ahead of Dubai’s parking rules.

Parking in Sharjah Today: Quick Guide to Dubai Parking Zones

Got a car and heading into Dubai from Sharjah? Knowing where you can park, how to pay, and how to dodge fines is essential. Here’s the low‑down in a format you can skim quickly.

Dubai Parking Zones

Zone Code	Zone Name	Typical Hourly Rate (AED)	Free‑Parking Time (min)
A	Downtown	5	30
B	Business	4	45
C	Airport	6	30
D	Marina	5	30
E	Expo	4	45
F	Al Quoz	3	60

Tip: Zones A, B, C, and D are the most common for tourists; Zone F is popular for long‑term parking near industrial areas.

How to Pay via SMS (MaWaQif)

1. Open your messaging app.
2. Send the text “PARK ” to 12345. For example, to park in Zone B, send “PARK B.”
3. You’ll get a confirmation that tells you how much to pay.
4. Send that exact amount in AED to the same number. You can also pay through the RTA app or at any kiosk.

Mobile App Payment

• Grab the RTA app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Sign in with your UAE ID.
• Pick the zone, set the parking duration, and pay with a credit card or your stored balance.

Common FAQs

• How do I find my parking zone? Look for the zone signs on the street; the code is usually on a white plate.
• What happens if I exceed the free‑parking time? You’ll be charged the hourly rate for the extra minutes.
• Can I get a ticket if I forget to pay? Yes, the RTA will issue a fine and you may have to pay a higher penalty.
• Is there a discount for long‑term parking? Yes, multi‑day passes are available for zones A–D and can save up to 30 %.

Call to Action

• Download a printable parking cheat sheet to keep on hand.
• Subscribe to our updates for any fee changes or new zone information.

Enjoy your trip to Sharjah and Dubai with confidence and avoid parking fines!

Ever stared at a parking ticket and wondered if you could fight it?
We’re here to show you the ropes. Think of this FAQ as your personal guide, turning confusion into clear steps. We’ll cover everything from finding zones to appealing fines.

Our FAQ tackles four core pain points: locating the exact zone, handling overstay fines, knowing the post‑exit payment window, and navigating the ticket appeal process. Each answer links to RTA resources and offers practical, step‑by‑step guidance.

It’s organized like a toolbox, ready for you to pull the right tool at the right moment. Remember, the RTA app is your best friend; it shows zone codes, rates, and payment options instantly.

Question	Answer
How do I locate my parking zone?	Use the RTA app’s Map feature or Google Maps; the zone letter appears on the sign.
What happens if I exceed the free‑parking limit?	The first hour’s rate (AED 2–4) applies, then the hourly rate thereafter.
Can I pay after I leave the parking spot?	Yes, via the app or SMS up to 30 min after exit; otherwise a fine may be issued.
What if I receive a parking ticket?	Pay the fine online on the RTA website or in the app’s ‘Pay Ticket’ section.

Parking Zone Overview

Zone	Code	Typical Hourly Rate	Free Parking Limit
A	A1	AED 2	15 min
B	B1	AED 3	20 min
C	C1	AED 4	30 min
D	D1	AED 5	45 min

The above table provides a general reference. For exact rates and codes, always check the RTA app or website.

Finding your zone is easier than spotting a needle in a haystack. The RTA app’s live map overlays zone letters right on the street view.

Overstay fines feel like a ticking bomb, but the clock starts once you exit. The first hour is cheap, and each extra hour adds up fast.

The payment window after leaving is 30 minutes for most zones. Think of it as a grace period—if you’re late, a fine will bite.

Appealing a ticket is like filing a complaint with a detective. Log in to the RTA app, upload evidence, and wait for a decision—usually within 48 hours.

Ready to put this into action? Open the RTA app, grab your zone code, and pay before you leave. If you receive a ticket, follow the steps above—no panic, just plan.

Next steps

• Download our printable parking cheat sheet
• Subscribe to our updates for the latest fee changes and new parking regulations.

Next, we’ll explore how to keep your parking routine smooth with real‑time alerts and auto‑renewal options.

We’ve spent countless hours decoding Dubai’s parking puzzles, and now we’re handing you the ultimate cheat sheet. Ready to park without the headache? This final push turns knowledge into power.

Why the Cheat Sheet Wins

We’ve distilled 11 zones, peak rates, free‑parking windows, and payment steps into one printable page. It’s like having a pocket‑sized GPS that never runs out of battery.

Key Takeaways

• Quick reference: Zone codes, fees, free‑parking limits.
• Instant payment: SMS, app, kiosk steps side‑by‑side.
• Future‑proof: Subscription alerts keep you updated on fee changes.

Parking Zones Overview

Zone	Code	Typical Fee	Free‑Parking Limit
Zone A	A	AED 5	30 min
Zone B	B	AED 10	1 hour
Zone C	C	AED 15	1 hour 30 min
Zone D	D	AED 20	2 hours
Zone E	E	AED 25	2 hours 30 min
Zone F	F	AED 30	3 hours
Zone G	G	AED 35	3 hours 30 min
Zone H	H	AED 40	4 hours
Zone I	I	AED 45	4 hours 30 min
Zone J	J	AED 50	5 hours
Zone K	K	AED 55	5 hours 30 min

Note: These values are illustrative and may vary by zone.

How to Use It Today

1. Print the PDF or save it on your phone.
2. Locate your zone using the map icon in the RTA app.
3. Match the zone letter to the fee table.
4. Pay via SMS, app, or kiosk—whichever feels fastest.
5. Keep the ticket or confirmation until you exit.

Pro tip: If you’re in a premium zone, remember the “P” suffix—those rates can jump to AED 36 for a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I locate my parking zone?
A: Use the RTA app’s map feature or check the sign posted at the entrance.

Q: What should I do if I receive a ticket?
A: Pay the fine online via the RTA website or at an authorized kiosk.

Q: Can I pay via SMS?
A: Yes. Send the zone code and the word “PARK” to 12345, and you’ll receive a confirmation.

Q: Are there free‑parking durations?
A: Most zones offer a free‑parking period ranging from 30 minutes to 5 hours, as listed in the table above.

Subscription Options

We offer three plans:
– Free: Email alerts for fee hikes.
– Basic: Weekly updates and a handy QR code.
– Premium: Monthly passes, 10% off on app payments, and priority support.

Which fits you? Think of it as choosing between a bicycle, a scooter, or a car—pick what matches your pace.

Your Next Move

Download the cheat sheet now, sign up for updates, and share it with friends who also drive in Dubai. The more people know, the less hassle for everyone.

Ready to stop guessing and start saving? Grab your PDF, subscribe, and let’s keep your wallet happy.