Dubai is a city of technology, innovation, and modern architecture. Also, the city has grown prodigiously in the past few decades while attracting millions of tourists every year. So, parking remains a top concern for residents and tourists in this city of plenty. The question of how to pay parking in Dubai is a growing concern as the competition for parking intensifies.
There are different parking zones and methods on how to pay Dubai parking available at all times. SMS, online payment, RTA parking payment, and more ways are available to provide the convenience drivers are looking for. However, it is important to always pay your parking on time to avoid inconvenience and hefty fines. Here’s what you need to know:
Different Methods of Paying for Dubai Parking
1: How to Pay for Parking in Dubai with an NOL Card
If you are looking for convenient solutions on how to pay parking in Dubai, the NOL card method is one of the best solutions. These are versatile and provide solutions for multiple transportation needs. Follow the steps below to pay for Dubai parking with a NOL card:
- Find a parking meter that is equipped to accept NOL cards. Meters usually display the payment methods they accept.
- Insert your NOL card and place it into the designated slot on the meter.
- From the menu, select your parking duration. Simple prompts will appear, and you can choose your desired option.
- Once you have selected your parking duration, the meter will deduct the parking fee from your NOL card balance.
- Next, you can print the ticket and display it on your vehicle’s dashboard.
2: Use Your Seasonal Parking Cards
In Dubai and the UAE, you can get seasonal parking cards. These are ideal for people who park in certain places often. Here’s how to pay Dubai parking with your seasonal parking card:
- Head to an RTA-authorized dealer or the RTA website to purchase a seasonal parking card.
- This card is an accepted form of proof of payment for parking. Also, it will have automatic payments that will eliminate the need for daily transactions.
- Display the seasonal parking card on your vehicle’s dashboard to avoid trouble.
3: How to Pay Parking in Dubai by SMS – the mParking Method
mParking service is available and is a very easy option provided by the RTA. If you are looking for an option on how to pay for parking in Dubai by SMS, the mParking Method is the best solution.
- Send an SMS from your phone to 7275 (PARK). Write your registration plate number and the parking zone code in the SMS.
- Next, you will get a prompt asking for the parking duration. Select the right option and follow the instructions to pay with your bank account or mobile banking service.
- You will get a confirmation message in around five minutes. If you do not receive the confirmation message, call 800-9090 and speak with the RTA customer service.
- Vehicles registered in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman can extend their parking time online as well.
4: How to Pay Dubai Parking with WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the most accessible solutions when looking for ways how to pay parking in Dubai online. The simple way to pay for your parking via WhatsApp includes the following steps:
- Send a message to the RTA’s automated chatbot on +971 58 8009090.
- In the chat, you will get prompted for your license plate number, the parking zone, and the parking time required.
- Next, you will get the option to select the right payment method. Options will include your bank account and other forms of payment.
- You will get a confirmation message that includes the parking information associated with the license plate of your car.
5: How to Pay for Parking in Dubai with the DubaiNow App
The DubaiNow app is one of the best solutions when looking to pay for your parking in the city. It offers a comprehensive solution for parking payments.
- Download the DubaiNow app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
- Sign in to the app using your UAE pass. Also, new users can create an account on the app as well.
- Find the “Driving” tab and select this option to continue.
- Enter your parking information here. Select the parking location and enter the car registration number with the parking zone code.
- Click confirm and complete the payment process to receive a confirmation message.
If you are looking for options on how to pay parking in Dubai for Abu Dhabi plate or how to pay parking in Dubai for Sharjah plate, this Method can be used for both. In fact, the DubaiNow app can be used to pay for parking in Dubai for a vehicle registered anywhere in the UAE.
6: Use the RTA Dubai App to Pay for Parking
Another very efficient way to pay for parking in Dubai is by using the RTA Dubai app. It is a very intuitive way once you have downloaded the app on your smartphone.
- Head to the service category and tap on “Parking.” Choose “Pay Public Parking Fees” or “Top Up Parking Account depending on the service you need.
- Enter your vehicle details and also the Dubai parking zone code.
- Next, you will need to select the location of your vehicle by navigating to your location section. This way, your vehicle’s location will coincide with the selected zone code.
- From there, you can select the desired hours of parking and also your vehicle’s registration number with ease. The vehicle number should appear in the app section.
- Next, you can pay the parking fee using all regular payment methods. Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Account Balance, or SMS are all accepted options.
When you use the RTA Dubai app, you will have information on the available parking spots as well. Also, a reminder message about how much parking time you have left is useful.
7: How to Pay for Parking in Dubai with Credit or Debit Cards
If you wish to pay for parking in Dubai with your debit or credit card, you can find an RTA meter or use the RTA app. Enter vehicle details at the meter or in the app, including registration, plate code, and number. Complete the payment using your credit or debit card.
8: How to Pay Dubai Parking with Coins
The good old method of paying for parking in Dubai with coins has not gotten old yet. If you have a few 1 Dirham and 50 Fils coins lying around in your car, you can use a parking machine to pay with them. Select your required parking durations and insert the coins. The parking machines are automatically configured for the parking zone they are in. Collect your ticket and display it on the dashboard.
9: Use Your Digital Wallets to Pay for Parking in Dubai
Open your digital wallet app like Apple Pay or Google Pay. In the app, tap the payment machine and hold your phone against the NFC-enabled parking payment machine. You can simply complete the transaction like any tap-and-pay transaction. This is arguably the quickest Method to pay for parking in Dubai.
Understand Dubai Parking Fees and Avoiding Trouble
Parking fees in Dubai are based on the parking zone, location, duration of your stay, and day of the week. The city is divided into multiple parking zones. Each zone has its own parking fee structure. Premium parking zones will be more expensive. Fees can range from AED 2 to AED 10 per hour in different parking zones. Generally, parking near shopping malls, business districts, and other busy areas will cost more.
Also, multi-story parking buildings and underground parking lots are more expensive to park. It is essential to develop a good understanding of the parking zones. Also, be informed on how to pay parking in Dubai and avoid trouble. Failure to pay for parking in Dubai will result in hefty fines and other legal measures if fines are not paid on time. So, stay ahead and pay for parking on time.