UAE Parking Rules & Fines 2026
UAE parking rules explained: paid zones, RTA tariffs, disabled bays, resident permits and the fines for illegal parking in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
How paid parking works
Dubai and Abu Dhabi both run metered on-street parking. In Dubai, the system is managed by RTA under the brand mParking. In Abu Dhabi, the system is called Mawaqif. Both charge by the hour, and rates depend on the zone your car is parked in. Parking in a paid zone without a valid ticket or SMS confirmation will result in a fine, even if you are only away from the car for a few minutes.
Sharjah operates limited paid parking in commercial areas, while Ajman, RAK, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have minimal or no metered street parking as of 2026.
Dubai paid parking zones
Premium (Zone A)
AED 4/hr
8 AM – 10 PM
Dark blue sign — Bur Dubai, Deira, Downtown trade areas
Standard (Zone B)
AED 2/hr
8 AM – 10 PM
Light blue sign — Residential areas, outer commercial streets
Commercial (Zone C)
AED 3/hr
8 AM – 10 PM
Green sign — Mixed-use zones, newer developments
Free parking days
RTA paid parking in Dubai is free on Sundays and public holidays. Overnight parking is free in most zones from 10 PM to 8 AM. Always check the sign at the bay — some zones near airports and hospitals have 24-hour charging.Abu Dhabi Mawaqif parking
Abu Dhabi uses the Mawaqif system, identified by coloured kerb markings rather than stand-alone signs. There are two main zone types:
Premium (blue kerb)
AED 3/hr
Maximum stay 2–4 hours. Common in Corniche area, high-traffic commercial streets and around government buildings.
Standard (grey kerb)
AED 2/hr
Residential and mixed-use areas. Some zones allow longer stays. Black kerbs mean no parking at any time.
Abu Dhabi Mawaqif is free on Fridays and public holidays. Pay via the Darb app, SMS to 3009, or at ticket machines.
How to pay for parking
SMS
Send zone code to 7275 (Dubai) or 3009 (Abu Dhabi). Fastest method. Charges appear on your phone bill or are deducted from a prepaid parking balance.
RTA / Darb app
Use the RTA Dubai app or Abu Dhabi Darb app to start and extend parking sessions. Supports credit card and Apple Pay. Shows remaining time.
Parking meter
Physical meters accept coins (AED 1, 0.50 dirham) and some accept NOL cards (Dubai). Insert coins for the time you need; the meter prints a receipt to display on your dashboard.
NOL card (Dubai)
Tap your NOL card at the meter. The parking fee is deducted from the card balance. Works with Silver, Gold and Blue NOL cards.
Kerb colours and what they mean
Kerb paint colours are a quick visual guide to parking rules in the UAE. Understanding them prevents unnecessary fines.
| Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Black and yellow | No parking at any time. Commonly found near intersections, fire hydrants and bus stops. |
| Yellow | No parking. Loading and unloading may be permitted for a short period — check signage. |
| White | Free parking allowed during the hours shown on the adjacent sign. |
| Blue (Abu Dhabi) | Paid Mawaqif parking — premium rate. |
| Grey (Abu Dhabi) | Paid Mawaqif parking — standard rate. |
| Black (Abu Dhabi) | No parking at any time. |
Disabled parking
Disabled parking bays are marked with the international wheelchair symbol in blue paint. Parking in a disabled bay without a valid disability parking card carries one of the highest parking fines in the UAE — AED 1,000 and 6 black points. Disability parking cards are issued by the Ministry of Community Development and must be displayed visibly on the dashboard.
Resident parking permits
Some residential areas in Dubai offer resident parking permits through RTA. A resident permit allows free or discounted parking in designated zones near your home — useful in older neighbourhoods where on-street bays are limited.
- Apply through the RTA website or Dubai REST app.
- You must provide proof of residence (DEWA bill or tenancy contract) in the zone.
- The permit is linked to your vehicle registration — one permit per car.
- Annual fee is typically AED 800–1,200 depending on the area.
Parking fines
Parking violations are enforced by RTA inspectors in Dubai and municipal inspectors in Abu Dhabi. Fines are added to your vehicle registration and must be paid before renewing.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Parking in a disabled bay without permit | AED 1,000 | 6 |
| Parking in a fire lane or emergency access | AED 1,000 | 6 |
| Parking on a yellow line | AED 500 | 0 |
| Double parking | AED 500 | 0 |
| Parking against traffic flow | AED 400 | 4 |
| Blocking a driveway or entrance | AED 400 | 0 |
| Parking on a pavement or pedestrian area | AED 400 | 0 |
| Parking in a bus stop zone | AED 500 | 0 |
| Expired parking meter | AED 150–200 | 0 |
| Leaving car in a paid zone without ticket | AED 150–200 | 0 |
Vehicle impoundment
Repeated or serious parking violations (such as blocking emergency access) can result in your vehicle being towed and impounded. Retrieval costs AED 500+ plus storage fees per day. Tow trucks operate 24/7 in Dubai.Parking rules — frequently asked questions
How do I pay for parking in Dubai?
Use the RTA mParking SMS service (send the zone number to 7275), the RTA Dubai app, or pay at the physical parking meter with coins or a NOL card. Payment is per hour and must cover the full time you plan to stay.
Is parking free in Dubai on Fridays?
No. RTA paid parking in Dubai is free on Sundays and public holidays — not Fridays. Saturday is a regular paid day. In Abu Dhabi, Mawaqif parking is free on Fridays and public holidays.
Can I park on the pavement or sidewalk?
No. Parking on pavements, pedestrian walkways or cycle lanes is illegal and results in a fine of AED 400. Park only in designated bays or areas with white kerb markings.
What are the resident parking permit rules?
Some Dubai residential areas offer permits through RTA for AED 800–1,200 per year. You need proof of residence in the zone. Apply via the RTA website or Dubai REST app. The permit covers one vehicle.
What happens if I get a parking fine?
The fine is added to your vehicle registration record. You can check and pay fines through the Dubai Police or RTA app, or at service centres. Unpaid fines must be cleared before you can renew your vehicle registration.
Is mall and multi-storey parking free?
Most Dubai malls offer 2–4 hours of free parking. After that, rates vary — typically AED 10–20 per hour. Underground and multi-storey public car parks in commercial areas are usually paid from the first hour.