A Comprehensive Guide To Free Parking In Dubai — Timings, Locations & More

Finding free parking in Dubai can be challenging, but knowing where to look makes things easier. Here’s a detailed guide covering various areas and scenarios.

Free Parking Timings

Dubai offers free public parking during specific hours each day and week. These timings are useful for residents and visitors looking to avoid parking fees without breaking any rules.

• Overnight: Free parking is available from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily in most public parking zones.
• Sundays: Many areas offer free parking all day, depending on the zone.
• Fridays: Public parking is generally free across most of the city.
• During Ramadan: Free parking is provided for two hours during Iftar.**: Free parking is provided for two hours during Iftar.

1. Shopping Malls

Dubai malls typically offer convenient and free parking:

• Dubai Mall: Unlimited free parking daily, with over 13,000 parking spots.
• Mall of the Emirates: First four hours free on weekdays; entirely free on weekends. Charges apply after this period depending on vehicle type. Learn about new mall parking fines
• Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mercato Mall, Nakheel Mall: Provide free parking at all times.

2. Dubai Metro Stations

Several Metro stations provide free parking, but only for commuters:

• Centrepoint (Rashidiya) Metro Station: Offers 2,700 free parking spots.
• Jabal Ali Metro Station: Approximately 3,000 spaces available.
• Etisalat by e& Metro Station: Around 2,300 spaces.
• Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station: Provides about 400 parking spaces.
• Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station (Red Line): Also offer free parking under the Park-and-Ride scheme.

Important: To park for free at Metro stations, you must use the Metro and the same Nol card for parking and commuting. Non-Metro users or those overstaying the allowed parking time can face fines.

3. Public Parks and Attractions

Many popular destinations offer free parking to attract visitors:

• Global Village: Over 18,000 free parking spaces available.
• Dubai Parks & Resorts, Al Seef, Downtown Dubai: Offer free parking to enhance visitor convenience.
• Burj Park, Safa Park, Zabeel Park, Dubai Aquarium: Provide either free or reduced-price parking.
• Small neighbourhood parks: Typically offer free parking throughout the week.
• Dubai Frame, IMG Worlds of Adventure, City Walk: Offer free parking facilities.

4. Commercial Areas

• Dubai Design District: Offers free parking without a token requirement.
• Dubai World Trade Centre: Mostly paid parking due to frequent events.

For a detailed overview of parking zones and charges, read this complete guide.

5. Hotels and Restaurants

• Many restaurants and hotels offer free parking for their guests.
• Some provide stamped valet cards to validate parking.

6. Special Days For Free Parking

Dubai provides free parking on specific days and times:

• Public Holidays: Parking across Dubai is typically free, except in multi-storey car parks.
• Fridays: Public parking is generally free throughout the city.
• Sundays: Street parking is usually free all day.
• Overnight: Daily from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, parking is free in most street parking zones.
• During Ramadan: All parking zones offer two hours of free parking during Iftar.
• National Day & Eid Al Adha: RTA offers free parking on these occasions. See RTA’s latest parking and Salik updates

7. Special Permits and Categories

• People of Determination: Eligible for special parking permits with free access, including at Dubai Airport (free for two hours).
• UAE Nationals aged 60+: Can apply for free parking permits.

For long-term parking options, you can explore seasonal parking cards.

Tips for Avoiding Parking Fines

• Always check local signage carefully for specific restrictions or payment rules.
• Use the RTA smart parking system or mobile apps for real-time updates.
• Be cautious about parking zone categories to avoid penalties.

For the latest information and detailed rules, always check the official RTA parking services website.

Also, check Dubai Airport parking options if you’re travelling.

By understanding these options, you can conveniently manage parking and avoid fines during your stay in Dubai.

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