How to pay for parking in Dubai – Your handy guide

• Parking Payment Methods
• Other Options
• FAQs

The Dubai government has developed a massive public parking infrastructure to provide car owners with convenient payment options. From SMS and WhatsApp to Seasonal Cards, there are several ways to pay for parking in Dubai. Our guide covers all available modes, from the latest payment system to more traditional methods.

WAYS TO PAY FOR PARKING IN DUBAI

PAY VIA RTA PARKING WHATSAPP

The Dubai Road and Transport Authority offers a convenient parking payment system called Park & Pay. Through this process, you can pay for parking in Dubai by sending a WhatsApp message to RTA’s Chatbot, Mahboub.

This is how paid parking in Dubai works:

• Add Mahboub to your contact list by saving 00971-58-800-9090 on your phone.
• Go to the WhatsApp app and message Mahboub to pay your public parking fee.
  • ‘Plate code and numberspace>area codespace>time in hours’ is the format. This is what it should look like – A00000 000A 2

MPARKING (SMS)

One of the most popular ways to pay parking fees in the emirate is Dubai RTA parking SMS. This is one of the top solutions for your “how to pay parking tickets by mobile in Dubai” dilemma.

People with Du or Etisalat sims can pay parking charges in Dubai using mParking. The RTA launched mParking Dubai as a special SMS service that allows you to pay your parking fee using your mobile phone in return for a virtual ticket.

Before you use mParking for parking fees payment in Dubai, here’s what you need to do:

• Register your vehicle for the Dubai parking SMS with your vehicle plate number.
• Determine the parking zone and your estimated parking time.
• Create an SMS detailing your registered vehicle, parking zone and intended duration (Dubai parking price is calculated hourly).
• Send the SMS to 7275 (PARK)

Shortly after, you will receive a confirmation SMS that acts as your purchased parking ticket. Do not delete your Dubai RTA parking SMS. If you don’t receive a confirmation message within 5 minutes of making the payment, use an alternative mode of payment or call RTA customer service at 800-9090.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• For unregistered users: Draft your SMS in the following format: Plate number<space>zone number<space>duration
• For registered users: Nick name<space>zone number<space>duration
• A basic 30 fils transaction fee is charged per SMS
• Virtual tickets are valid only for the selected parking zone

RTA DUBAI APPLICATION

Now that you know two different modes of paid parking in Dubai. Let’s look at another alternative to paying through your mobile.

The RTA Dubai app, designed for smartphones, is a smart way to pay parking fees in Dubai via your mobile phone. The app grants you access to several RTA services, including payment of public parking fees in Dubai. When you use the RTA Dubai application to pay Dubai parking charges, the app automatically deducts your fees from your phone balance. 

To pay parking fees in Dubai via the RTA Dubai application, follow these simple steps:

• Download the app. It is available on App Store, Google Play and HUAWEI AppGallery.
• Register your vehicle through the application. 
• Follow the instructions to pay your Dubai parking fees.

COINS

Coins are the traditional way to pay for parking in the emirate. The machines deployed at parking lots in Dubai accept one dirham and 50 fils coins for payment. Insert the coins adding up to the value of your parking fees for the desired time frame, collect the ticket and display it on your car’s dashboard. The only downside to this mode of payment is carrying the coins around – not something people usually do.

NOL CARD

The NOL Card is a smart solution for many transport-related transactions in Dubai. The card allows you to pay for different modes of RTA transportation. Whether you travel via bus, metro, water bus or tram, you can pay for all that without hassle using the NOL Card.

The same NOL Card can be used to pay parking fees in Dubai. The RTA has deployed specified machines across parking lots in Dubai to simplify the process of paying parking charges. These machines read the NOL card to charge parking fees for the duration of the parking. The amount is deducted from your NOL balance, and you are issued a parking ticket. 

SEASONAL CARDS

Parking seasonal cards let you park at various public parking spots without always paying. Just make sure you display the card prominently on the dashboard. These cards come with three-month, six-month and yearly validity options.

Remember that the prices of the parking cards depend on the permit and zones.

Let’s find out how you can get your seasonal card.

Via the RTA website:

• Add the vehicle and card details.
• Select card category and duration.
• Add the information required.
• Confirm and pay.

Via RTA app:

• Log in to RTA and choose the Parking Services tab.
• Click on the ‘Seasonal Parking Card’ tab and proceed.
• Select a permit type and choose the permit category and activation date.
• Click on the ‘Add Your Vehicle’ tab.
• Select the vehicle’s plate number and pay the fees.

OTHER METHODS TO PAY PARKING IN DUBAI

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is the simplest payment method compatible with all the Apple products you use daily. If you’re wondering how to pay parking in Dubai online, this service makes it easy.

Galaxy Pay

Samsung Pay service makes it easier to pay for parking. Due to its MST and NFC capabilities, it is accepted at more locations than any other type of mobile payment.

RFID-enabled bank cards

By choosing the RFID service option, you can pay for parking. Use this service to conduct simple, safe and secure transactions.

FAQS ABOUT HOW TO PAY PARKING IN DUBAI

Is Parking In Dubai Free On Friday?

Note that parking in Dubai is no longer free on Fridays. Since the weekend holidays have switched from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday, parking in Dubai will only be free on Sundays. Regular parking charges apply between 08:00 am and 10:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

How to pay the parking fine in Dubai?

The easiest way to pay a parking fine is online. You can use the RTA or the Dubai Police website to pay for a parking fine in Dubai online.

HOW TO USE MAWAQIF SMS PARKING IN ABU DHABI?

Are you visiting the capital soon? Read our guide on the Abu Dhabi parking SMS process to learn everything you need to know. The payment confirmation will appear after the transaction has been finished. Remember to write down the payment request reference number as confirmation of the transaction.

There you have it—a complete guide on how to pay Dubai parking. Pay on time to avoid fines.

The transport needs of people in Dubai are constantly evolving. This is a major reason the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) constantly develops newer, more efficient processes to streamline the city’s road networks and traffic situation. 

Besides introducing RTA apps and smart payment methods, the authority achieved a milestone when it launched Salik in Dubai – an electronic toll gate system for efficient monitoring of roads and traffic in the city.

Furthermore, if you’re new to the city, ensure you know all the emergency numbers in Dubai in case of accidents and crises. Before you hit the roads, obtain your RTA driving licence for Dubai to avoid legal trouble.

Understanding parking fees in shopping malls can make your trip smoother. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a delightful shopping experience!