Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has shared the latest paid parking rules for Ramadan 2026. These changes make it easier for drivers during the holy month, with free parking slots to help avoid fines.
Key Parking Changes
Paid parking now runs Monday to Saturday in two short windows. The first is 8am to 6pm, and the second is 8pm to midnight. Between 6pm and 8pm, parking is free for two hours—this covers peak Iftar time when streets get busy.
Multi-storey car parks stay open and paid 24 hours a day, every day. No changes there, so plan ahead if you need overnight spots. Sundays and public holidays often mean free surface parking all day, but always double-check signs.
Why These Timings Help You
Ramadan 2026 starts around February 18 or 19, bringing more traffic for prayers, shopping, and family meals. The two-hour free window from 6pm to 8pm eases the rush before breaking fast. It cuts congestion near mosques and markets without stopping all fees.
Rates stay simple: expect standard fees like Dh3 or Dh4 per hour in paid zones, with Parkin handling most spots. Peak times might cost more under new rules, but Ramadan splits keep daytime shorter than the usual 8am-10pm. Parkonic zones follow their own signs, so look closely.
Quick Timings Table
| Day | Paid Slots | Free Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Mon-Sat | 8am-6pm & 8pm-midnight | 6pm-8pm, midnight-8am |
| Sun/Holidays | Mostly free (surface only) | All day |
Tips to Avoid Fines
Always read the blue parking sign at your spot—it’s the final rule. Fines hit hard during Ramadan, even in “free” breaks if you overstay. Use the Parkin app or RTA website to pay fast and check zones.
Popular areas like Downtown, Jumeirah, and Deira fill up quick after 8pm. Arrive early for Taraweeh prayers or iftar outings. If near a mosque, note that the new 2025 rules give one free hour for prayers outside Ramadan—Ramadan might extend this.
Free parking myths cause most tickets. It’s not free all day or just for Iftar. Enforcement runs strong in both paid windows.
Other Ramadan Updates
Metro runs longer: Red and Green lines go until midnight most days, 1am Fridays. Salik tolls shift too—peak Dh6 from 9am-5pm weekdays, free 2am-7am. Combo these with parking smarts for stress-free drives.
Plan Your Ramadan Drives
Mark your calendar: shorter paid hours & reduced working hours during Ramadan mean more free time daily. Families heading to Souk Madinat or Global Village save on fees. Delivery drivers and shoppers benefit from the 6pm-8pm break.
Authorities expect these rules to stay steady, like past years. Follow RTA’s social media for any last tweaks before Ramadan hits. Safe travels—Ramadan Mubarak!
Sunita KS is a passionate Blogger, Content Writer, and Digital Marketer. She started her journey in content creation over a decade ago. She brings up-to-date information to help readers explore and enjoy everything Dubai has to offer. Sunita loves discovering hidden gems across the city and sharing tips on places to visit and things to do in Dubai.
