Take note of these new variable parking fees…
New parking fees are rolling out across five more areas in Dubai, now falling under Zones W and WP. The updated tariff applies to key locations including:
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- Al Karama (318W)
- Al Qusais First (32W)
- Madinat Dubai and Al Melaheyah (321W)
- Al Kifaf (324WP)
Parking fees in the W Zone, classified as a standard zone, are fixed at AED 4 per hour throughout the day — with no difference between peak or off-peak hours. Areas falling under this zone include:
- Al Karama
- Al Qusais First
- Madinat Dubai
- Al Melaheyah
So, whether you’re parking at rush hour or mid-afternoon, the rate stays consistent. Just make sure to check the zone codes on signage or the Parkin app to avoid confusion.
The WP Zone (premium zone) in Al Kifaf has slightly higher parking fees. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Peak Hours (8 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM): AED 6 per hour
- Off-Peak Hours: AED 4 per hour
So, expect to pay more during the busy periods, while off-peak times offer a more affordable option. As always, make sure to check for signage to confirm the applicable rates.
Premium parking spaces are typically found in high-traffic areas such as metro stations, business hubs, and shopping districts. These zones tend to experience higher demand due to their prime locations, meaning more foot traffic and vehicle turnover compared to other areas. As a result, parking rates in these spots are usually higher to reflect the increased demand and convenience.
A premium parking space is defined by three key factors:
- Proximity to Metro Stations: Located within 500 meters of a metro station for easy access to public transport.
- High Occupancy During Peak Hours: These areas experience high demand, especially during rush hours.
- Dense Commercial Surroundings: Situated in areas with heavy commercial activity, such as business districts or shopping hubs, attracting a lot of traffic.
These factors make premium spaces more valuable, which is reflected in the higher parking fees in these locations.
All of this falls under the newly introduced Variable Tariff Parking Policy, rolled out earlier this month. Under this updated system:
- Premium parking spaces are now charged at AED 6 per hour
- Standard public paid parking spaces are set at AED 4 per hour
These rates apply specifically during peak hours — 8 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM — in an effort to manage demand and reduce congestion in high-traffic zones. It’s a move toward smarter, more dynamic parking management across the city.
During off-peak hours — from 10 AM to 4 PM and 8 PM to 10 PM — parking fees remain unchanged, holding steady at the regular rates. And here’s the sweet spot: parking is completely free overnight, from 10 PM to 8 AM, and all day on Sundays.
These changes are being rolled out by Parkin, Dubai’s largest public parking operator, as part of a broader strategy to ease traffic flow and cut down on congestion across the city. Smart, dynamic parking is clearly the way forward in a city that never slows down.
