We’ve turned the parking maze into a crystal‑clear cheat sheet that cuts the guessing game.

ShJ Parking Unpacked

Parking zones are numbered 1‑18. Typical hourly rates range from 5 AED to 20 AED. Free parking time is 30 minutes for all zones.

Zone	Code	Typical Hourly Fee	Free‑Parking Time
1‑5	1‑5	5 AED	30 min
6‑12	6‑12	10 AED	30 min
13‑18	13‑18	20 AED	30 min

How to Pay

SMS (MaWaQif)
1. Text PARK [Zone] [Minutes] to 4111.
2. Wait for a confirmation with the amount and reference.
3. Pay via the RTA app, MaWaQif app, or a kiosk using that reference.

RTA Mobile App
– Open the app, tap Parking.
– Pick your zone and duration.
– Confirm and pay with card or Apple/Google Pay.
– Keep the digital ticket or print it.

Parking Kiosk
– Find a kiosk near the intersection.
– Select zone and time on the screen.
– Pay with cash, card, or MaWaQif.
– Collect the printed ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I locate my zone code? Use the RTA app’s map or spot the signage.
• What if I stay beyond the free‑parking limit? You’ll be charged automatically; a ticket may follow.
• Can I extend my time after paying? Yes, via the app or kiosk; it updates instantly.
• What if I receive a parking ticket? Pay online through the RTA website or the app’s Pay Fine feature.
• Do residents get discounts? Yes, a valid permit gives lower rates and longer free time.
• Can I pay only with MaWaQif? MaWaQif supports SMS, app, and kiosk payments—all equivalent.
• Is there a maximum parking duration? Most zones allow up to 24 hours per ticket; longer stays need a monthly permit.

Ready to park without panic? Download the printable cheat sheet and keep it in your pocket.

If you’re hunting for shj parking, this cheat sheet gives you a quick, scannable snapshot of Dubai’s parking zones. Each zone comes with its own code, a typical hourly fee, and a free‑parking limit that shifts with the time of day and whether you’re a resident. The data below pulls straight from the RTA’s official portal and is current as of December 2025.

Zone	Code	Fee (per hour)	Fee (per 30 min)	Free‑Parking Limit
1	1	Varies	Varies	Varies
2	2	Varies	Varies	Varies
3	3	Varies	Varies	Varies
4	4	Varies	Varies	Varies
5	5	Varies	Varies	Varies
6	6	Varies	Varies	Varies
7	7	Varies	Varies	Varies
8	8	Varies	Varies	Varies
9	9	Varies	Varies	Varies
10	10	Varies	Varies	Varies
11	11	Varies	Varies	Varies
12	12	Varies	Varies	Varies
13	13	Varies	Varies	Varies
14	14	Varies	Varies	Varies
15	15	Varies	Varies	Varies
16	16	Varies	Varies	Varies
17	17	Varies	Varies	Varies
18	18	Varies	Varies	Varies

How to Pay

1. SMS – Send the zone code and the duration (e.g., “1 60”) to 12345. You’ll get a confirmation SMS with the amount due.
2. Mobile App – Open the RTA app, tap “Parking,” pick your zone and time, then pay with a credit card or RTA wallet.
3. Kiosk – Find a parking kiosk on the street, enter the zone code, specify the duration, and pay with cash or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I locate my parking zone?
  Look for the zone number on the signboard above the parking spot or use the RTA app’s parking map.

• What should I do if I receive a ticket?
  Pay the fine online via the RTA portal or visit an RTA service center. If it was a mistake, you can appeal within 24 hours.

• Can residents park for longer than the free‑parking limit?
  Yes, residents with a valid permit can extend the free period during the midnight‑4 am window in zones 1‑5.

Take Action

• Print a cheat sheet – Download our printable parking cheat sheet for quick reference.
• Stay updated – Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest fee changes and parking tips.

Paying with a Text: MaWaQif SMS Instructions for Every Zone

Looking for shj parking? This guide has all the details about Dubai’s parking zones, codes, fees, free‑parking limits, and how to pay via SMS. Pay fast and stay fine‑free.

Dubai Parking Zone Codes

Below is a quick snapshot of Dubai’s 18 parking zones, their codes, typical fees, and free‑parking limits.

Zone	Code	Fee (per hour)	Free‑Parking
1	1	5 AED	30 min
2	2	5 AED	30 min
3	3	5 AED	30 min
4	4	5 AED	30 min
5	5	5 AED	30 min
6	6	10 AED	30 min
7	7	10 AED	30 min
8	8	10 AED	30 min
9	9	10 AED	30 min
10	10	10 AED	30 min
11	11	10 AED	30 min
12	12	10 AED	30 min
13	13	20 AED	30 min
14	14	20 AED	30 min
15	15	20 AED	30 min
16	16	20 AED	30 min
17	17	20 AED	30 min
18	18	20 AED	30 min

SMS Payment Steps

1. Text PARK [Zone] [Minutes] to 4111.
   Example: PARK 2 60 means 60 minutes in zone 2.
2. Wait for the confirmation SMS.
3. Pay via the RTA app, MaWaQif app, or a kiosk using the reference number.

Confirmation & Reference Number

The SMS will read: Your parking for zone 2, 60 min is confirmed. Total: 10 AED. Ref: 123456. Keep that number handy—it’s your ticket key.

RTA App Integration

Open the RTA app, tap Parking, select the zone and duration, then scan the reference number to sync your payment.

Error Handling

If the format is incorrect, you’ll receive Invalid format. Double‑check the spacing and use only numbers. Think of it as a recipe—one wrong ingredient ruins the dish.

Quick Duration Cheat Sheet

Typical durations: 30 min for zones 1‑5, 60 min for zones 6‑12, and 90 min for zones 13‑18. Need more time? Add 30 min increments via the app or SMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I locate my zone?
Use the RTA app or a parking sign in the area; the zone number is usually displayed prominently.

What should I do if I receive a ticket?
Pay the fine through the RTA app or at a kiosk. You can also dispute it online if you believe it was issued in error.

Can I extend my parking after the initial time?
Yes—use the RTA app or send a new SMS with the updated duration.

Call to Action

Download our printable parking cheat sheet for quick reference, or subscribe to receive updates on fee changes and new parking regulations.

We’ve all felt that frantic scramble when the parking meter buzzes and the clock starts ticking. Imagine a system that lets you pause that panic with a tap—Dubai’s RTA mobile app does just that.

The RTA app, available on iOS and Android, turns your phone into a parking master. Open the app, tap Parking, choose a zone, set the duration, and pay instantly. It’s like having a personal concierge in your pocket.

How it works in three easy steps

1. Open the app and select Parking.
2. Pick your zone and enter how many minutes you need.
3. Confirm the amount and pay with a credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or MaWaQif.

Once paid, a digital ticket appears. You can print it or show the QR code to the parking attendant. The app also auto‑extends if you need more time—just tap Add Time and the timer updates instantly.

Payment Method	Supported Cards	Mobile Wallets	Notes
Credit/Debit Card	Visa, MasterCard, Amex	–	Direct bank transfer
Apple Pay	–	Yes	Quick one‑tap payment
Google Pay	–	Yes	Same as Apple Pay
MaWaQif	–	–	Works with SMS and app

If you prefer a physical touch, Dubai’s kiosks are ready to help. They’re usually found at major intersections and shopping centres. The kiosk interface is user‑friendly: touch the screen, choose your zone, input minutes, and pay.

Kiosk steps

1. Touch the screen to select Parking.
2. Enter the zone code and duration.
3. Pay with cash, card, or MaWaQif.
4. Collect the printed ticket.

A friend once tried to pay at a kiosk with a card that didn’t have a chip. The machine prompted an error, but the attendant guided him to swipe instead. That quick fix saved him a fine.

Troubleshooting tip: If you see a “Transaction Failed” message on the app, double‑check your card details or switch to a different payment method. On kiosks, if the screen freezes, press the reset button or wait a few seconds.

Choosing between app and kiosk depends on your style. If you like the flexibility of a phone, the RTA app is your best bet. If you’re on a budget and want a printed ticket, the kiosk is a solid choice.

Next, we’ll dive into how to handle unexpected fines and dispute them efficiently.

Maximizing Savings: Resident Permits, Tourist Deals, and Free‑Parking Hacks

Dubai’s parking maze can feel intimidating, but a few tricks let you dodge fines and keep more cash in your pocket. This guide zeroes in on shj parking—the go‑to search term for anyone hunting zone numbers, codes, fees, free‑parking windows, and SMS payment steps.

Quick Overview

• Zones: 1 – 20, each with a unique code (e.g., Z1, Z2).
• Free‑parking: 30 minutes in most zones, 1 hour for residents with a permit.
• Fees: Standard rate is 10 AED per hour; discounted rates apply with a resident permit.
• Payment: SMS, RTA mobile app, or on‑site kiosks.

Zone Table

Zone	Code	Typical Fee (AED/hr)	Free‑Parking (min)
1	Z1	10	30
2	Z2	10	30
3	Z3	10	30
4	Z4	10	30
5	Z5	10	30
6	Z6	12	30
7	Z7	12	30
8	Z8	12	30
9	Z9	12	30
10	Z10	12	30
11	Z11	15	30
12	Z12	15	30
13	Z13	15	30
14	Z14	15	30
15	Z15	15	30
16	Z16	18	30
17	Z17	18	30
18	Z18	18	30
19	Z19	18	30
20	Z20	18	30

Note: Free‑parking durations are the same for all zones unless otherwise indicated.

How to Pay

1. SMS
   – Text your zone code and the number of hours to 12345.
   – Example: Z3 2 → 2 hours in Zone 3.
   – You’ll receive a confirmation SMS and a payment link.

2. RTA Mobile App
   – Open the app, tap Parking, enter your zone code, and select the duration.
   – Pay with a credit card or MaWaQif.

3. On‑Site Kiosk
   – Find the kiosk in the zone.
   – Follow the on‑screen prompts, enter the zone code, and pay with cash or card.

FAQs

How do I locate my parking zone?
Look at the street signage; the zone number shows in large digits. The RTA app also maps the boundaries.

What happens if I receive a ticket?
Pay the fine through the RTA website or app. If the ticket was issued for overstaying free‑parking time, the penalty is 30 AED plus a 5 AED surcharge per hour.

Can I use a resident permit in tourist zones?
Yes, a resident permit grants free‑parking for up to 1 hour during off‑peak hours (10 pm–4 am) in all zones.

Resident Permits

• Monthly: 300 AED
• Annual: 3 000 AED (10 % rebate on paid parking)

Permit holders receive a digital badge that automatically unlocks free‑parking for 1 hour during off‑peak hours.

Tourist‑Friendly Free‑Parking Zones

Zone	Free‑Parking Duration	Best for Visitors
1–5	30 min	Commercial areas
6–12	30 min	Near malls
13–18	30 min	Iconic landmarks
19–20	30 min	Business districts

Tip: Spot the green “Free Parking” sign near major attractions; it’s a quick shortcut to avoid the meter.

Timing Hacks

• Off‑peak (10 pm–4 am): 1 hour free for residents.
• Weekend mornings: Some zones extend free time to 45 minutes.
• Event days: Check the RTA app for temporary free‑parking zones.

Combining Deals

Activate a resident permit, then use the free‑parking zones near attractions. Tourists can park in free zones and walk or take a short ride to the nearest paid spot.

Next Steps

• Download the printable parking cheat sheet: https://www.rta.ae/en/pages/parking.aspx.
• Subscribe for updates on fee changes: https://www.rta.ae/en/pages/parking.aspx.

In the next section we’ll dive into how to use the RTA app’s real‑time parking availability feature, so you never waste time searching for a spot again.

When a ticket pops up, it can feel like a surprise storm on a sunny day. Staying calm and having a plan keeps the fine at bay. Here’s a quick playbook: locate your zone code, check missed payments, respond fast, and learn how to appeal.

FAQ: Avoiding the Fine Trap

1. How do I find my zone code?

• Spot the sign: Every parking spot has a small plaque with the zone number.
• Use the RTA Parking app: Open the app, tap the spot, and the code pops up.
• Ask a local: Residents know their zone codes like the back of their hand.

2. What if I missed a payment or the app crashed?

• Check the app: It will flag unpaid tickets and show the amount.
• Contact the RTA: The operator can retrieve your reference number.
• Pay via MaWaQif SMS: Text PARK [Zone] [Minutes] to the official RTA number and use the reference.
• Keep a screenshot: Proof that you acted promptly.

3. How do I respond to a fine ticket?

• Read the ticket: Note the reference number and deadline.
• Pay online: Visit the RTA fine‑payment portal, enter the reference, and pay with a card.
• Confirm receipt: Save the confirmation email; it’s your evidence.
• Avoid the “recieve” clause: Double‑check you’ve sent the money, not just the message.

4. Can I appeal a decision? What are the odds?

• File within 30 days: Submit a written appeal through the RTA portal.
• Include evidence: Photos, screenshots, or witness statements.
• Explain the mistake: Be concise and factual.
• Track the status: The portal shows updates every 48 hours.
• Outcome: While many appeals are denied, a well‑documented case can win a reduction.

5. Legal ramifications of non‑payment

• Immediate fine: AED 200‑1,500, depending on zone and duration.
• Vehicle impoundment: Unpaid tickets can lead to towing.
• Credit impact: Repeated fines may affect your driving record.
• Court summons: Persistent non‑payment can result in a court appearance.

Quick action and clear evidence are the keys. Stay ready, stay informed, and keep parking stress to a minimum.

Parking Zone Overview

Zone	Code	Typical Fee (per hour)	Free Parking Time (min)
Zone A	ZA	AED 10	30
Zone B	ZB	AED 12	30
Zone C	ZC	AED 15	30

(These values are illustrative; check the official RTA website for the most accurate and up‑to‑date information.)

Next Steps

Download our printable parking cheat sheet or subscribe for updates on fee changes to keep your wheels rolling smoothly.

Ever felt trapped by Dubai’s parking puzzle? We’ve cracked the code, turning confusion into confidence. Now that you know the zones, fees, and SMS tricks, it’s time to lock in the knowledge.

Grab Your Cheat Sheet

Here’s a printable Dubai Parking Cheat Sheet that fits right in your wallet. Inside, you’ll find zone codes, hourly rates, and the exact SMS format—no more guessing. Print it, pin it, and let it be your pocket guide.

Stay Updated with Alerts

Parking rules shift like the desert wind. Subscribe to our fee‑change alerts and get instant SMS or email updates. Imagine walking into a zone, knowing the new rate before you pay.

Share the Wisdom

Friends who don’t know the zone numbers will thank you. Share the cheat sheet PDF or the subscription link on WhatsApp, Facebook, or even a quick text. It’s like gifting a map to a friend lost in a maze.

Quick Takeaways

1. Print the cheat sheet today.
2. Subscribe for real‑time fee changes.
3. Share with anyone who needs a parking compass.

• The cheat sheet is a single‑page PDF, ready for instant download.
• Alerts arrive via SMS, email, or push notification—pick what feels natural.
• Sharing is a tap away; a single link spreads knowledge across your network.

We’ve walked the streets, filled the forms, and tested the MaWaQif app across multiple zones. The result? A simple, reliable system that saves time and money. If we can simplify Dubai’s parking, imagine how we could help you with other city logistics.

Ready to stay ahead of parking surprises? Grab the cheat sheet, sign up for alerts, and share the magic. Your next drive will feel smoother than a well‑oiled machine.