SMS Parking Dubai 2025: The Modern Way to Pay & Park

Modern cities like Dubai have been able to tackle frustrating issues like parking at peak hours. Dubai has come up with a simple but effective method to pay for public parking without needing manual intervention or human surveillance.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what mParking is and how you can use Dubai parking SMS to process the payment immediately.

What Is SMS Parking in Dubai?

The SMS parking system in Dubai, which is also known as mParking, is a text-based payment method for parking in Dubai. mParking has been introduced by the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA). 

The main purpose of mParking is to simplify the payment process for public parking. You just need to send one SMS to 7275 (PARK) in a specific format. Then, you’ll get a virtual ticket back to pay without needing paper slips or meters.

The good news is that the registration process is optional, and anyone can pay without preregistering.

Additionally, you can pay via WhatsApp using “Mahboub”, a chatbot designed by RTA. The number you have to use to contact this chatbot is +971 58 800 9090, where you can save the 30-file SMS fee.

Why Choose SMS Parking in 2025?

You might ask why you have to use SMS to pay for parking. Here are the benefits of using mParking in Dubai:

• Convenience: Using mParking, you can easily pay for parking anytime, anywhere. You don’t need to use cash or a parking meter when using SMS parking in Dubai.

• Time-Saving: It’s the fastest method for parking payments. You just need to send a quick SMS and receive instant confirmation. So, there is no need to walk to a machine or download an app.

• Eco-Friendly: SMS parking helps you eliminate paper tickets to align with Dubai’s sustainability goals.

• Flexibility: mParking allows you to extend your parking time with a simple text, making it a great method for the times your plans change. In fact, you can go out and easily extend your parking time without physical presence.

• Accessibility: It works for both Dubai-registered and non-Dubai-registered vehicles. Even rentals and motorcycles can use this system to pay for public parking.

• No Internet Required: SMS is ideal for people with limited data or in areas with poor connectivity.

How to Use SMS Parking in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of paying for parking in Dubai is really straightforward. Here is how:

1. Find your zone code

Every paid parking area in Dubai has a zone code from A to D. The zone code of the parking is written on an orange “Paid Parking” sign. You have to find this sign and note the zone, like 123A.

2. Learn the Send Format

As said earlier, both Dubai-registered and non-Dubai-registered cars can pay using mParking.

The only difference is the SMS format, which is like:

1. SMS Format for Registered Users

If you register on the RTA website/app, you can create a nickname for your vehicle(s). Then, you can use the nickname instead of the plate number in the SMS. Here is the SMS format:

< Nickname><space> <Zone No.><space><Duration>

Here are some SMS examples for registered users:

• Example 2: Ali1 123A 1/2 
• Example 3: Ali1 123A 2

2. SMS Format for Non-Registered Users

If you’re not registered, you just need to send the plate number via SMS. Here is how:

< Plate No.><space><Zone No.><space><Duration> 

Here are SMS examples for non-registered users:

• Example 2: A00000 123A 1/2 
• Example 3: A00000 123A 2

3. SMS Format for Drivers from Other Emirates/international

Even cars from other emirates can use mParking. Here is the format they have to use:

< Plate Code><space>< Plate No.><space><Zone No.><space><Duration> 

For instance, you have to write an SMS like D5678 1234 2 for parking in zone 1234 for 2 hours with plate D5678.

Some other examples:

• Sharjah: SHJ5678 123A 2
• Abu Dhabi: AUH12345 335A 1
• Saudi Arabia: KSA123ABC 335A 4

3. Send the SMS to 7275

After writing the SMS based on the correct format, you need to send it to the number 7275, which is defined by RTA.

4. Wait for Confirmation

After sending the SMS, you’ll immediately get an SMS confirmation. You need to keep it as proof. Remember that if you don’t get one within a few minutes, you have to try again or call 800-9090.

5. Extending Your Stay

The system will send an automated reminder 10 minutes before expiry. If you want to renew the parking duration, you must follow the guide below:

• To renew for the same duration, reply “Y” to 7275.
• For a different duration, send a new SMS with the new hours.

Dubai Parking Fees in 2025

Now that you’ve learned about the process of using mParking, it’s time to review the parking fees in Dubai. Dubai’s parking fees in 2025 vary by zone, time of day, and type of parking.

We’ve summarized the pricing structure of Dubai public parking in 2025:

Parking Type	Zone	Peak (8–10 AM / 4–8 PM)	Off-Peak (10–4 PM / 8–10 PM)	Event-Based (DWTC, 8–10 PM)
Premium Parking	A, B	AED 6/hour	AED 4/hour	AED 25/hour
Standard Parking	A	AED 4/hour	AED 2/hour	AED 25/hour
Standard Parking	B	AED 4/hour	AED 2–3/hour	AED 25/hour
Standard Parking	C, D	AED 4/hour	AED 2–3/hour	AED 25/hour
Multi-Storey Car Parks	All	AED 5/hour (Max 40/day)	AED 5/hour (Max 40/day)	Not applicable
Special Zones (Event/Trade Center, Code X)	X	AED 4/hour or AED 2/0.5h	AED 4/hour or AED 2/0.5h	Not applicable

Fortunately, Dubai offers free parking at certain times, like:

• 22:00–08:00 (except multi-storey)
• All day Sundays & public holidays

It’s good to know that event-based pricing was introduced in February 2025. It’s applied whenever events are taking place near large centers such as the Dubai World Trade Centre. Remember that each SMS parking transaction charges you a small service fee of 30 fils.

Tips to Avoid Parking Fines

To park without stress, keep these tips in mind:

• Double-Check the Format: Even if you make a single typo in the plate number or zone code, you’ll have a failed transaction and a fine.

• Know Your Zone: Always make sure you know the zone code and verify it using the signboard, as codes vary across Dubai.

• Monitor Your Balance: You must make sure your mobile account has enough credit for both parking fees and SMS charges.

• Save Confirmation Messages: It’s essential to keep the confirmation SMS as proof of payment.

• Extend on Time: If your parking time expires, you’ll face fines. So, you need to reply to the reminder SMS quickly.

• Explore Alternatives: If you don’t receive SMS, try other channels, like the RTA Dubai app, WhatsApp (00971-58-800-9090), or NOL cards at enabled meters.

Other Parking Payment Options in Dubai

It’s good to compare mParking with other parking payment methods to understand its advantages.

Look at the following table to get familiar with other payment methods and choose the one that’s more suitable for you:

Method	How it Works	Best For
SMS (mParking)	Text plate + zone + duration to 7275	Quick, universal, no internet
RTA Dubai App	Pay, track history, earn loyalty points	Smartphone users, frequent drivers
WhatsApp (Mahboub)	Message +971 58 800 9090 with plate + zone	Tourists, casual users
NOL Cards	Tap on enabled meters	Residents, frequent travelers
Seasonal Cards	Unlimited parking in set zones (AED 400–1,200/month)	Daily commuters
Digital Wallets	Apple Pay, DubaiNow via RTA app	Cashless, app-first users

Final Thoughts: Park Smart, Explore Dubai

Dubai offers diverse methods for paying your parking fee. The SMS parking payment system is a reflection of the city’s commitment to smart, sustainable urban living.

It reduces the need for physical tickets and parking meters to cut down on paper waste and speed up the parking process.

Overall, Dubai SMS parking is the best channel for those who don’t want to install any app or register on websites. Of course, if you’re using a parking space frequently, it’s recommended to use the RTA app to manage all the payments within the app.

FAQs