Dubai’s new parking rates: How a monthly subscription will save you money

Save money on parking in Dubai with a subscription as new peak-hour rates come into force

Dubai: Dubai’s public parking operator, Parkin, has introduced a new variable tariff system to all public parking areas in the city. Under the revised policy, parking currently costs Dh6 an hour during peak hours of 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays, but not on weekends or public holidays. Under this significant adjustment, numerous frequent users of public parking are currently seeking means to reduce parking expenses daily. One of the most convenient and cost-saving options is a parking subscription, which allows you to park as frequently as you like during the day and save money. Here’s how it works

Do parking subscriptions save money in Dubai?

One of the key benefits of a parking subscription in Dubai is convenience. If you are using public parking often and commute around the city every day for meetings or work, a subscription means you can park as many times throughout the day as you need, in different parking lots, without having to pay every time. This can be time- and money-saving.

Furthermore, a parking subscription will save you from parking time, renewal time, or fines. Taking a subscription for zones A, B, C, and D can be more convenient. If you frequently park, especially in peak times, the Dh500 monthly subscription is most probably going to prove cost-effective.

To make up your mind, work out your average monthly parking costs. If they are more than Dh500, a subscription might be paid. Otherwise, hold on to pay-per-hour.

Types of parking spaces

Roadside and plots

Roadside and plot parking subscriptions begin at Dh500 a month. These enable you to park in coded A, B, C, and D zones in several areas of Dubai.

• Convenient parking spots available alongside streets and roads
• Usually controlled by parking meters or areas (A and C) of specified time
• Best suited to short-term car parking, shopping, or drops to close places

Plots only

Based on Parkin, drivers could save as much as 48 percent in a plot-only parking subscription for Dubai.

• Rights to allocated car parking areas (B and D)
• Controlled by meters or areas with predetermined time limits
• Best for short-term parking in visiting close spots

Subscription charges

Plots only subscription:

• One month: Dh250
• Three months: Dh700
• Six months: Dh1,300
• 12 months: Dh2,400

Roadside and plots subscription:

• One month: Dh500
• Three months: Dh1,400
• Six months: Dh2,500
• 12 months: Dh4,500

Points to remember

1. The subscription only applies to parking plots with codes B and D.
2. A maximum of three cars can be included in the same Dubai traffic file, but just one car at a time will be active.
3. You can interchange cars every 30 minutes.
4. If the traffic file is from abroad, another nation, or under a company’s registration, a single vehicle alone can be added.
5. Fees for subscriptions are not refundable.
6. Trucks, buses, and pickups are not allowed.
7. You can switch from a plot-only subscription to a roadside and plots package by adding a fee.
8. Changing vehicle details associated with your subscription charges AED 100.
9. The subscription is not accepted in other coded zones like A, C, H, J, or K.
10. Parking can be done for a maximum period of 24 consecutive hours.

How to obtain a parking subscription in Dubai

1. To make an application, go to the Parkin website at parkin.ae/subscription
2. Select the type of subscription and press ‘Next.’
3. Press ‘Apply Now’ and choose your preferred package (e.g., one month, three months, etc.) and press ‘Start Now.’
4. You can use your UAE Pass or RTA account to log in. Alternatively, you may continue as a guest if you don’t have either.
5. Choose your start date and end date for the subscription (If you apply between 10 pm and the next morning, the subscription will start the following day).
6. Provide your contact information – name, mobile number, email address, and Emirates ID number.
7. Add a vehicle to your subscription by filling in the vehicle details (emirate, plate category, plate code, and number). You can register a maximum of three vehicles against the same Dubai traffic file, but only one can be live at a time. Changing vehicles can be managed through the Parkin app or website.
8. Once you have checked all the details, go ahead and make the payment through your credit or debit card.
9. You will be notified when the subscription is activated.