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If you time things right, you can almost completely avoid parking fees.
Your Quick Guide to Free Parking:
- Most zones are free on Fridays and Sundays.
- There is free parking all over the city every day from 10 PM to 8 AM.
- Public holidays have free parking all over the city (except in some private areas)
- Mall strategies like Ibn Battuta, Festival City, and Mercato never charge.
- Metro stations are free if you really use the trains.
The main point is that Dubai wants people to enjoy the city without spending too much on parking. But you have to be careful about when and where you go. If you don’t pay attention to free hours or zone signs, you could end up with big fines.
Most importantly, always look at the signs in your area and use the RTA app to get updates in real time. Also, have backup payment methods ready in case technology fails at the worst possible time.
When Can You Park for Free Throughout Dubai?
The city has a really smart system now that lets people park for free at different times and places. Also, different places have completely different rules, which can be good for you if you plan ahead.
Daily Free Parking Hours
In Dubai, you get this amazing 10-hour window every day when most parking is free and the whole city is affected from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. You can park anywhere for free for about half the day.
This is great if you want to have dinner in the evening, shop late at night, or do things early in the morning. In addition, brunches on the weekend are much cheaper if you get there before 8 AM and get a free spot.
Weekly Free Parking Schedule
Fridays Is Your Best Day for Free Parking:
- All public parking lots on the street are free.
- Most neighborhoods don’t charge anything.
- Even premium zones like Business Bay and Downtown follow this rule
Sundays Is The Weekend Bonus:
- Most public parking lots let you park for free all day.
- Shopping malls usually let you park for free for longer periods of time.
- Perfect for family outings and leisure activities
Public Holiday Free Parking Bonanza
Dubai goes all out during public holidays. Almost everything becomes free, which makes these days perfect for exploring the city without worrying about parking costs.
Major Free Parking Holidays:
- National Day (December 2nd): Complete city-wide free parking
- Eid Al Fitr (3-4 days): Extended free parking period
- Eid Al Adha (3-4 days): Long free parking weekend
- Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday: One full day of free parking
- Union Day: December free parking opportunity
- New Year’s Day: Start the year without parking fees
However, keep in mind that multi-level car parks and some private parking areas might still charge during holidays. The good news is that street parking and most public areas definitely become free.
Shopping Mall Free Parking in Dubai
Dubai’s shopping malls compete with each other for free parking, which is great for us. Every mall has its own plan, so let’s go over what you can get where.
Always Free Parking Malls in Dubai
| Mall Name | Free Duration | Operating Hours | Notes |
| Ibn Battuta Mall | Always free | 24/7 | No time limits whatsoever |
| Festival City Mall | Always free | 24/7 | Unlimited free parking daily |
| Mercato Mall | Always free | 24/7 | Perfect for Jumeirah area visits |
| Nakheel Mall | Always free | 24/7 | Great for Palm Jumeirah trips |
Limited Free Parking Malls in Dubai
| Mall Name | Free Duration | Weekday Rules | Weekend Rules |
| The Dubai Mall | 4 hours free | Every day | Every day |
| Mall of the Emirates | 4 hours free | Monday-Friday | Completely free on weekends |
| Dubai Marina Mall | Always free | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Pro Tip: Mall of the Emirates lets you park for free all weekend, not just for the usual four hours.
Dubai Metro Stations Free Parking
Metro stations in Dubai have some of the best free parking deals, but there’s a catch here since you have to use the Metro. Still, it’s a great way to park for free while seeing the city by public transportation.
| Metro Station | Free Parking Spots | Location | Special Notes |
| Rashidiya (Centrepoint) | 2,700 spaces | Red Line | Largest free parking facility |
| Jabal Ali | 3,000 spaces | Red Line | Great for Industrial area access |
| Etisalat by e& | 2,300 spaces | Red Line | Central location benefits |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates | 400 spaces | Red Line | Perfect for golf area visits |
| Nakheel Harbour & Tower | Multiple levels | Red Line | Marina area access |
Important Rule: You must use the same NOL card for both parking and Metro travel. Plus, you can’t just park here without taking the Metro because they actually check this stuff.
Tourist Attractions in Dubai with Free Parking
Many of Dubai’s main attractions offer free parking to make visits more affordable, since they know that parking fees can add up quickly.
Entertainment Destinations
| Attraction | Free Parking Spaces | Location | Additional Benefits |
| Global Village | 18,000+ spaces | Dubai Land | Massive free parking area |
| Dubai Parks & Resorts | Multiple lots | Jebel Ali | Theme park convenience |
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | Large facility | City of Arabia | Indoor theme park parking |
| Al Seef | Waterfront parking | Dubai Creek | Traditional area charm |
| City Walk | Street-level parking | Al Safa | Trendy dining and shopping |
Public Parks and Recreation
| Park Name | Parking Type | Location | Best For |
| Al Safa Park | Always free | Al Safa Road | Family activities and jogging |
| Zabeel Park | Always free | Za’abeel | Central location convenience |
| Burj Park | Always free | Downtown | Burj Khalifa area access |
| Dubai Creek Park | Always free | Al Riyadh Street | Waterfront recreation |
| Al Mamzar Park | Always free 24/7 | Near the Sharjah border | Beach and picnic facilities |
| Kite Beach | Limited free spots | Jumeirah | Beach activities |
Business and Commercial Areas Free Parking in Dubai
- Dubai Media City: There are a lot of free parking areas around the complex, especially in places that aren’t close to the main buildings. It is great if you need to go to an office or just want to park in the middle of town to explore the area.
- Dubai Design District: The area has several places to park without a token. Parking is easy to find and often free in this area because it is still being built.
- Dubai Internet City: Some parts of the complex offer free parking, particularly in the residential areas. But during busy times, the main business areas might charge.
Free Parking in Dubai for Special People
People with Determination:
- Dubai is a great place for people with disabilities to get help:
- Parking spots with special signs near the entrances to buildings
- Free parking for people with valid RTA permits
- Two hours free at Dubai Airport
- Access to top-tier locations at no extra cost
People over 60 who are UAE citizens:
- Can get special free parking passes
- Good in more than one zone
- RTA made the application process easier.
Special Hours for Ramadan: During Ramadan, Dubai offers 2 hours of free parking in most public parking areas during Iftar time, which is when families break their fast, usually around sunset. This special deal is only for street parking areas and standard zones. Private parking lots and multi-level car parks usually keep their regular prices even during the holy month.
Residential Area Free Parking in Dubai
Parking rules are much more relaxed in some residential areas than they are in commercial areas. In these areas, street parking is often free or free at certain times.
The best places to park for free in residential areas are:
- Al Barsha South: Street parking is always free.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis: A tech community with easy-to-find parking
- Arabian Ranches: villa communities with parking for guests
- Motor City: Automotive-themed community with ample parking
- Dubai Sports City: Golf community with visitor-friendly parking
Overnight Free Parking in Dubai
Most of Dubai turns into a free parking paradise every day from 10 PM to 8 AM. This includes:
- All street parking zones
- Most residential areas
- Public parking near attractions
- Beach area parking
This timing works perfectly for:
- Late dinner reservations
- Evening entertainment venues
- Early morning beach visits
- Night photography sessions around the city
Smart Timing Tips for Maximum Free Parking
Best Days for Free Parking:
- Friday: Almost everything is free
- Sunday: Most zones don’t charge
- Public holidays: City-wide free parking
- During Ramadan: Extended Iftar free hours
Best Times for Free Parking:
- 10 PM – 8 AM daily: Overnight free window
- Weekend mornings: Less crowded, often free
- Holiday periods: Extended free parking days
Areas to Avoid for Free Parking:
- Downtown Dubai during peak hours
- Business Bay weekday mornings
- Dubai Marina on weekend evenings
- Mall parking during sale seasons
FAQs
Every Friday and Sunday, RTA lets people park for free in most public areas in Dubai. Also, you can park for free every day from 10 PM to 8 AM, as well as on all public holidays like Eid and National Day. But most of the time, multi-level car parks still charge during these free times.
Yes, most of the time, parking on the street in Dubai is free on Sundays. It involves places where people live, regular parking lots, and a lot of public places. Some high-end areas and private parking lots may still charge, so always look for signs before you leave your car.
You can find out about parking changes every day by using the RTA Dubai app or going to their official website. Additionally, keep an eye out for local news about holidays and other important events. On big holidays like Eid or National Day, parking is free all over the city, but some private areas might still charge.
Saturday follows regular paid parking rules in Dubai since it’s a working day. Most zones charge from 8 AM to 10 PM, and the prices vary by area. However, you can still park for free after 10 PM, and some malls, like Mall of the Emirates, offer free parking on the weekends.
Dubai Mall has free parking for the first 4 hours of every day, which is enough time for most shopping trips. After 4 hours, regular rates apply based on the parking zone you choose. Pro tip here is that Parking on Fashion Avenue gives you those free hours, and parking at the movies gives you four free hours if you show your movie ticket.
Yes, for sure! Every day from 10 PM to 8 AM, most street parking in Dubai is free. This includes high-end areas, standard areas, and neighborhoods where people live.
