Parkin Subscription or Pay as You Go?
Dubai’s public parking costs between Dh2.10 and Dh6.30 an hour in most paid zones, and premium areas are higher (Jumeirah Lakes Towers can reach Dh10.50 an hour). Parkin monthly subscriptions start from Dh262.50 and vary by location and type. Whether a subscription saves money depends on how many hours a month you park in the same place.
A worked Zone A example
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Zone A hourly rate | Dh4.20 |
| 8 hours a day, 5 days a week | Dh33.60 a day, Dh168 a week |
| Monthly cost, pay as you go | Dh672 |
| Zone A monthly subscription | Dh525 |
| Saving | Dh147 a month |
The break-even point at Dh4.20 an hour is 125 hours a month (Dh525 divided by Dh4.20). Park less than that in Zone A and pay as you go is cheaper. Park more and the subscription wins. Check your own zone’s hourly rate and subscription price on the Parkin subscription map, because only the Zone A subscription price is used here.
When a subscription does not pay off
- You park for one or two hours a day.
- You park in cheaper areas where the hourly rate is low.
- You use many different locations, because a subscription covers the area you buy.
What is available
- Subscription lengths of one, three, six or 12 months.
- Roadside and plot parking across Zones A, B, C and D.
- Plots-only subscriptions for parking plots in Zones B and D.
- Location-specific options, including some malls, communities, business parks and educational establishments.
A subscription can reduce the risk of fines from forgetting to start or renew a session, but it does not let you park anywhere. You must park only in the area your subscription covers.
Before you buy
- Find your regular parking spot on the Parkin subscription map at parkin.ae/subscription-map.
- Multiply your hours a month by the hourly rate, then compare it with the subscription price.
- Confirm the zone, parking type and subscription length before you pay.
For the latest hourly rates and the VAT change, see our guide to Dubai parking fees.
