Dubai’s fast pace means parking can be tricky, especially during peak hours. In 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) moved all official parking services into the RTA Dubai app, replacing the old Dubai Drive app.
But that’s not your only option. Several other apps also let you find, pay for, and reserve parking in the city. Here’s the complete guide.
How Can I Find and Reserve Parking in Dubai Through the RTA App in 2025?
The RTA Dubai app is now the main official tool for parking in Dubai.
It offers:
- Real-time parking availability
- Smart Parking Reservation
- AI-based occupancy predictions
- Multiple payment options (cards, mobile wallets, NFC)
Steps to reserve a parking spot:
- Download the RTA Dubai app from Apple App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery.
- Log in using your UAE Pass.
- Open Smart Parking Reservation in the Parking Services section.
- Choose your parking area — the app shows available spaces and tariffs.
- Enter your vehicle plate number.
- Top up your parking balance (AED 10–500).
- Tap Reserve Now, review details, and confirm.
- You’ll receive a notification confirming your booking.
What Are the Updated Parking Rules, Zones, and Tariffs in Dubai for 2025?
From April 2025, the Variable Parking Tariff Policy applies (new variable parking charges in Dubai):
- Peak hours (8–10 AM, 4–8 PM): Premium zones (AP): AED 6/hour; Standard zones (A, B, C, D): AED 4/hour
- Off-peak hours: AED 4/hour for premium zones and AED 2/hour across other zones
- Free parking: 10 PM–8 AM, Sundays, public holidays (Read free parking in Dubai for more details)
- Mosque parking: Free for 1 hour during prayer time, standard rates before and after
- Event pricing: Up to AED 25/hour near major event venues
- Monthly subscriptions: From AED 100 with added benefits (seasonal parking card in Dubai)
Exceeding the 24-hour limit may lead to a fine of AED 1,000. For a detailed breakdown of zones and charges, see our ultimate guide to parking in Dubai.
Which Parking Apps Work Best in Dubai Besides the RTA Dubai App?
While RTA Dubai is the official choice, you can also use these apps:
- Parkin – Manage parking schedules, view history, pay fines, and top up wallets.
- Parkonic – A smart, ticketless system covering thousands of Dubai’s parking spaces.
- Park Key – Book private or public parking spots, like Airbnb for parking.
- Park+ – Quick parking sessions, auto-renewal, and instant payments.
- iPark – Locate parking, pay on the go, and extend sessions easily.
- Dubai Parking App – Pay for parking, track time, and get expiry alerts.
- Parkopedia, JustPark, Bayut, ParkMe, Parking Finder, ParkUAE – Compare parking prices and availability.
- Google Maps / Waze – Get parking availability hints, difficulty levels, and save locations.
- SMS Parking (RTA) – Pay without an app by texting your plate number and zone code (how to pay parking in Dubai by SMS).
What Are the Top Parking Tips for Tourists Visiting Dubai in 2025?
- Use SMS parking if you don’t want to download an app.
- Look for mosque parking during prayer times for free short-term parking.
- Check event days for higher tariffs around popular venues.
- Avoid parking in unmarked or sand areas — fines are common.
- If you’re flying in, see our Dubai Airport parking guide for details on short-term and long-term options.
What Common Parking Mistakes Should Drivers Avoid in Dubai?
- Forgetting to top up your balance before reserving a spot.
- Not checking zone codes — 2025 uses AP, BP, CP, DP instead of A–D.
- Staying beyond your reserved time without paying for an extension.
- Ignoring event pricing near stadiums and exhibition centres.
- Parking in mosque zones outside prayer times without paying.
What Are the Key Parking Facts, Free Hours, and Fines in Dubai for 2025?
Dubai Parking at a Glance (2025)
- Main app: RTA Dubai
- Peak tariff: AED 6/hour (AP zones)
- Off-peak: AED 4/hour (most zones)
- Free: 10 PM–8 AM, Sundays, public holidays
- Max stay: 24 hours (fine AED 1,000 if exceeded)
- Subscriptions: From AED 100/month
For the most up-to-date and reliable parking in Dubai, use RTA Dubai. But if you want more options — like private spots, price comparisons, or quick payments without an app — the alternatives above can be just as useful.
FAQ
How can I find and reserve parking in Dubai through the RTA app in 2025?
Log in to the RTA Dubai app, choose Smart Parking Reservation, select your area, add your plate, top up, and confirm.
What are the updated parking rules, zones, and tariffs in Dubai for 2025?
Peak: AED 6/hour (AP), AED 4/hour (BP–DP). Off-peak: AED 4/hour. Free: 10 PM–8 AM, Sundays, holidays.
Which parking apps work best in Dubai besides the RTA Dubai app?
Popular options: Parkin, Park Key, Park+, iPark, Google Maps, Waze, SMS Parking.
What are the top parking tips for tourists visiting Dubai in 2025?
Use SMS parking, try mosque parking at prayer times, check event days, and avoid unmarked areas.
What common parking mistakes should drivers avoid in Dubai?
Not topping up, wrong zone code, overstaying, ignoring event rates, and unpaid mosque parking.
What are the key parking facts, free hours, and fines in Dubai for 2025?
Main app: RTA Dubai. Peak: AED 6/hr. Off-peak: AED 4/hr. Free: nights, Sundays, holidays. Max stay: 24 hrs. Fine: AED 1,000.
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Also Read:
- Guide To Mawaqif Abu Dhabi Parking
- Tips For Highway Driving In The UAE
- Guide to UAE Traffic Signs & Road Markings
Dubai’s fast pace means parking can be tricky, especially during peak hours. In 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) moved all official parking services into the RTA Dubai app, replacing the old Dubai Drive app. But that’s not your
