With the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) adjusting tariffs to manage growing traffic demands, finding cost-free parking options can save you money while exploring this vibrant metropolis. Based on the latest information as of March 11, 2025, here are the best places and tips to find FREE Parking Spots in Dubai before those new rates hit.
General Free Parking Times in Dubai
Sundays and Public Holidays: The RTA offers free parking in all public paid parking zones (except multi-storey car parks) on Sundays and official public holidays. This citywide perk is a great way to plan your outings without extra costs.
Read: FREE Salik Timings Ramadan 2025
Dubai Malls with Free Parking
Many shopping malls in Dubai provide free parking, either all day or for an initial period:
Dubai Mall: Offers all-day free parking with over 13,000 spaces. However, since July 2024, some areas (Fashion, Grand, and Cinema parking zones) have introduced fees via Salik after 4 hours on weekdays or 6 hours on weekends (Friday-Sunday). Zabeel and Fountain View parking zones remain free.
Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mercato Mall, and Nakheel Mall: These malls provide free parking at all times, making them reliable options for shopping or dining.
Mall of the Emirates: Free on weekends, and up to 4 hours free on weekdays. Additional hours cost AED 20–150 depending on the vehicle and duration.
Dubai Marina Mall: Free parking is available, though it can get crowded during peak times, so arriving early helps.
Dubai Parks and Leisure Attractions
Several popular parks and attractions offer free parking:
Al Mamzar Park: A beachfront park with free parking 24/7.
Safa Park, Zabeel Park, and Burj Park: Free parking is typically available, though small fees might apply on weekends at some locations.
Kite Beach: Free parking in designated areas, but it fills up fast on weekends and holidays.
Global Village, Dubai Parks & Resorts, IMG World, City Walk, Al Seef, and Dubai Frame: These leisure spots generally offer free parking to attract visitors.
Commercial and Business Areas
Dubai Design District (D3): Offers free parking for tenants and visitors, unlike most commercial zones where metered parking costs AED 4 per hour.
Dubai World Trade Centre: Free parking is available in some areas, especially around empty plots or sand lots, despite heavy traffic during events.
Dubai Metro Stations with “Park and Ride”
If you’re using the Dubai Metro, certain stations provide free parking when paired with a valid Nol card:
- Rashidiya Station (Red Line)
- Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station (Red Line)
- Etisalat Station (Green Line)
Scan your Nol card at the parking entrance and use it on the metro to validate free parking. Without metro use, parking costs AED 10 per hour (max AED 50/day).
Other Free Parking Spots in Dubai
JBR (The Beach): Limited free street parking is available near The Beach at JBR, though it’s highly sought after during peak hours.
Dubai Creek Harbour (Marina Parking): Free underground parking, perfect for quieter visits with stunning skyline views.
City Walk and Palm West Beach Parking: Free underground parking options with no gates or open gates usually indicate no charge.
Residential Areas: Free parking is more common in neighborhoods like Al Qusais or Al Nahda, but watch for “Residents Only” or “Private Access” signs to avoid fines.
Tips for Finding Free Parking Spots in Dubai
Look for No-Gate Parking: Multi-storey or underground lots without entry gates or with open gates are often free.
Check RTA Updates: The RTA may announce free parking for special occasions (e.g., Eid Al Fitr), so monitor their official channels.
Avoid Peak Times: Free spots near popular areas like Kite Beach or JBR fill up quickly on weekends or holidays.
With parking fees on the rise starting April 2025, these free parking spots in Dubai will become even more valuable. Always check signage or the RTA website for the latest updates, as policies can shift (like the recent Dubai Mall changes). Get ahead of the increase and enjoy Dubai without the added expense!
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