Parking Cost Calculator UAE 2026 β Dubai RTA & Abu Dhabi Mawaqif
Calculate your parking costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the latest 2026 rates. Covers all Dubai RTA zones (including the new April 2025 variable peak/off-peak tariffs), Abu Dhabi Mawaqif premium and standard zones, monthly commuter cost comparisons, parking fines, and the complete free parking schedule.
π ΏοΈ Parking Cost Calculator β UAE 2026
π ΏοΈ Session Cost
π If You Park Here Regularly
Dubai Parking Rates β April 2025 Variable Tariffs
On April 4, 2025, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) β now managed by Parkin β introduced a major overhaul of the parking tariff system. For the first time, Dubai uses variable pricing with different peak and off-peak rates to manage demand and reduce congestion during rush hours.
Peak vs Off-Peak Hours
| Period | Hours | Premium Rate | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | 8:00β10:00 AM & 4:00β8:00 PM | AED 6/hr | AED 4/hr |
| Off-Peak | 10:00 AMβ4:00 PM & 8:00β10:00 PM | AED 2β4/hr | AED 2β4/hr |
The variable pricing applies Monday through Saturday. Sundays remain free for most zones.
Dubai Parking Zones Explained
Dubai's parking is divided into multiple zone types, each with different pricing and rules:
| Zone | Type | Peak Rate | Off-Peak | Daily Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | Standard on-street | AED 4/hr | AED 4/hr | No cap (4hr max stay) |
| Zone A Premium | Near metro/high-demand | AED 6/hr | AED 4/hr | No cap (4hr max stay) |
| Zone B | Standard off-street | AED 3/hr | AED 3/hr | AED 20 |
| Zone B Premium | Off-street premium | AED 6/hr | AED 2/hr | AED 30 |
| Zone C | On-street | AED 6/hr | AED 3/hr | AED 40 |
| Zone D | Off-street | AED 4/hr | AED 2/hr | AED 20 |
| Zone F | Al Sufouh 2 | AED 4/hr | AED 4/hr | AED 32 |
| Zone W | Standard | AED 4/hr | AED 4/hr | β |
| Zone WP | Premium | AED 6/hr | AED 4/hr | β |
| Multi-Level | Garages | AED 5/hr | AED 5/hr | AED 40 |
| Grand Events | DWTC area | AED 25/hr | β | β |
Free Parking in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Understanding when parking is free can save hundreds of AED per month:
| When | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Sundays | Free all day β | Free all day β |
| Public holidays | Free all day β | Free all day β |
| Night hours | Free 10 PM β 8 AM | Free 12 AM β 8 AM |
| Ramadan | Adjusted: 8AMβ6PM & 8PMβmidnight | Normal schedule |
Exceptions: Al Khail Gate (Zone N.365) in Dubai has no free parking β it operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Multi-storey car parks also run on 24-hour paid schedules.
Abu Dhabi Mawaqif Parking System
Mawaqif is Abu Dhabi's official parking management system. It's simpler and more affordable than Dubai's system:
| Zone | Rate | Max Stay | Daily Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium (white & turquoise) | AED 3β4/hr | 4 hours | β |
| Standard (black & turquoise) | AED 2/hr | 24 hours | AED 15 |
| Multi-storey | AED 2/hr | 24 hours | AED 15 |
Mawaqif parking operates Monday to Saturday, 8 AM β midnight. Sundays and public holidays are free.
Abu Dhabi Parking Permits
Mawaqif offers several permit options for daily parkers:
| Permit Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Residential β 1st car (non-UAE) | AED 800/year |
| Residential β 2nd car (non-UAE) | AED 1,200/year |
| Residential β UAE nationals | Free |
| Public pass β Monthly | AED 391 |
| Public pass β 3 months | AED 1,174 |
| Public pass β 6 months | AED 2,348 |
| Public pass β Annual | AED 4,695 |
| Multi-storey β Annual | AED 5,475 |
How to Pay for Parking in the UAE
Dubai Payment Methods
- mParking (SMS): Send
<Plate> <Zone> <Hours>to 7275 (PARK). Surcharge: 30 fils per SMS - RTA Dubai App / Dubai Drive App: Official apps with zone finder and payment
- Dubai Now App: Government partner app for parking and all services
- Mahboub Chatbot: WhatsApp at +971 58 8009090
- Self-service machines: Accept coins, NOL cards, or bank cards
- NOL card: Tap at parking meters
Abu Dhabi Payment Methods
- Mawaqif SMS: Send
<Plate> <Zone> <Hours>to the designated number - DARB App: Abu Dhabi Mobility app for parking and tolls
- Parking meters: Accept coins and cards
Dubai Parking Fines
Parking violations in Dubai carry fines from AED 100 to AED 1,000:
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| No valid ticket / expired meter | AED 150 |
| Overstaying paid duration | AED 100 |
| Parking in non-designated area | AED 200 |
| Incorrect parking / obstructing traffic | AED 200 |
| Double parking | AED 200β500 |
| Blocking pedestrian crossing | AED 400 |
| Parking on sidewalk | AED 400 |
| Blocking behind vehicles | AED 500 |
| Disabled space without permit | AED 1,000 |
| Blocking fire hydrant | AED 1,000 |
| Damaging parking equipment | AED 1,000 |
Fines can be paid via the Dubai Police app, RTA apps, or mobile banking. Use our Traffic Fine Calculator for a comprehensive fine lookup.
Tips to Save on Parking
- Park during off-peak: Save 33β67% in premium zones by avoiding 8β10 AM & 4β8 PM
- Use Zone B: AED 20 daily cap β cheapest all-day parking in Dubai
- Combine with metro: Park at outer stations and ride the metro to your destination
- Check for daily caps: Some zones cap daily charges even if hourly rates seem high
- Mawaqif passes: Abu Dhabi monthly pass (AED 391) saves money if parking >18 days/month in premium zones
- Use mParking SMS: Only 30 fils surcharge vs higher app-based fees
- Park on Sundays: Free in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Night parking: Free after 10 PM (Dubai) or midnight (Abu Dhabi) in most zones
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi Parking β Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dubai (RTA/Parkin) | Abu Dhabi (Mawaqif) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest hourly | AED 2 (Zone D off-peak) | AED 2 (Standard zone) |
| Most expensive | AED 25 (Grand Events) | AED 4 (Premium zone) |
| All-day cheapest | AED 20 (Zone B) | AED 15 (Standard/multi-storey) |
| Variable pricing | Yes (since April 2025) | No |
| Free day | Sundays | Sundays |
| Free nights | 10 PM β 8 AM | 12 AM β 8 AM |
| Monthly pass | Not available | AED 391/month |
| Residential permit | N/A (zone-based) | AED 800β1,200/year (expats) |
Residential Parking in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's Mawaqif designates residential parking zones marked with turquoise lines:
- UAE nationals: Free permits β up to 4 vehicles for apartments, 10 for villas
- Non-UAE nationals: AED 800/year (1st car), AED 1,200/year (2nd car)
- Hours: Permit holders park free 24/7 in their zone. Non-permit holders pay standard rates except 9 PM β 8 AM (restricted)
- Villa visitors: UAE nationals park free; non-UAE pay AED 2/hour (free until 2 AM)