Dubai International City has always been a “find-a-spot-and-park” kind of community — until the 2026 paid parking rollout changed the daily routine of residents, visitors, and delivery drivers.
From February 1, 2026, paid parking enforcement applies in International City under Parkin, with the community parking code 621Q. Paid hours run 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), while Sundays and UAE public holidays are free.
Now the big question most tenants ask is:
“I don’t have Ejari yet — how can I park without getting fined?”
This guide breaks down every realistic option (free + paid), and what works best depending on your situation.
Quick Reality Check: Why Ejari Matters for “Free Resident Permits”
International City offers one free residential parking permit per housing unit (mainly for buildings without internal parking). But for tenants, the system typically treats Ejari as the proof that you’re the legal occupant.
So if you’re a tenant without Ejari, you usually fall into one of these categories:
- You can’t apply as a tenant yet
- You need the owner/primary tenant to apply
- You choose a paid subscription instead
- You temporarily pay hourly until the paperwork is done
The good news: you still have workable paths — you just need to choose the right one.
Option 1: Use a Paid Parking Subscription (No Ejari Needed in Most Cases)
If you want the simplest “set it and forget it” solution, a paid subscription is often the fastest route — especially if you:
- just moved in,
- are sharing an apartment,
- are waiting for Ejari processing,
- or your landlord is slow to cooperate.
Why this works
A paid subscription is not a “resident proof” benefit — it’s a paid access plan. In most cases, you’re essentially paying for long-term parking rights in the zone.
Best for
- Tenants without Ejari
- Couples/flatmates where Ejari is under someone else’s name
- Anyone with a second vehicle (even if one free permit exists)
Option 2: Pay Hourly Using Zone Code 621Q (Temporary Fix)
If you need parking today, don’t risk it. Use zone code 621Q and pay normally until you sort out your long-term option.
2026 International City tariffs (commonly displayed)
- 30 mins: AED 2
- 1 hour: AED 3
- 2 hours: AED 6
- 4 hours: AED 12
- 5 hours: AED 15
- 6 hours: AED 18
- 7 hours: AED 22
- Up to 16 hours (cap during chargeable hours): AED 25
Best for
- New move-ins (first few days)
- Visitors, short-term stays
- People are waiting for the landlord documents
For a deeper, step-by-step look at how Dubai’s paid parking system works — including how to get a subscription via the Parkin app — check out our detailed guide on how to get a parking subscription in Dubai using the Parkin app
Option 3: Ask the Owner (or Ejari Holder) to Apply — Then Link Your Vehicle
This is the most common “no Ejari” workaround that actually stays within the system rules.
How it usually works
If your landlord (or the person whose name is on the tenancy/Ejari) applies for the free first permit, they can typically link a vehicle to that permit.
If you’re parking your car, you’ll need:
- Your plate details
- Cooperation from the owner/Ejari holder for verification steps (often OTP/UAE Pass confirmations)
Some systems allow switching the linked vehicle, but there may be limits (example, a waiting period between vehicle changes). That means this method works best when one main car uses the permit most of the time.
Best for
- Tenants who have a cooperative landlord
- Families/roommates using one main vehicle
Option 4: Get Ejari Done Fast (So You Can Apply Properly)
If you’re planning to stay long-term, it’s worth fixing Ejari anyway — because it impacts more than parking:
- DEWA/account updates
- visa/document address proofs
- household service connections
- future disputes or tenancy renewals
When to prioritize Ejari immediately
- You’re the main tenant paying rent
- Your car is used daily
- You’ve already had 1–2 near-misses with fines
- You live in a high-demand cluster where parking gets tight after 7 PM
Tip: If the delay is because of landlord paperwork, your fastest route is usually getting everything ready and pushing the owner to sign/submit quickly (or handling it via your building management if they assist).
Option 5: Rent a Private Spot (If Your Building/Cluster Has Options)
Not everyone knows this, but in International City, some buildings/owners rent out:
- internal parking bays
- covered spaces
- reserved spots
Even if you pay a bit more monthly, it can save daily stress — especially in peak hours.
Best for
- Daily drivers
- Households with two vehicles
- People working late hours who return after 10 PM
To save on parking charges when you’re not in International City or waiting for permits, here’s a guide outlining free parking spots and tips for parking in Dubai.
How to Choose the Best Option (Simple Decision Guide)
If you need parking today
✅ Pay hourly using 621Q
✅ Or take a paid subscription if you want instant long-term peace
If your landlord is responsive
✅ Ask the owner/Ejari holder to apply and link your vehicle
If you’re staying long-term
✅ Fix Ejari, then apply properly as a tenant
If you have two cars
✅ Use the free permit for one vehicle (if eligible)
✅ Use a subscription or rented private spot for the second car
Mistakes That Get People Fined in International City
Avoid these common slip-ups:
- Parking during paid hours, thinking, “it’s still free here”
- Entering the wrong zone code (International City is 621Q)
- Assuming Friday is free (it’s paid unless it’s Sunday or public holiday)
- Parking overnight and forgetting charges restart in the morning
- Clicking random payment links or scanning unofficial QR codes
Safety tip: Always pay through the official app/SMS/authorized channels. Fake QR scams have been reported in Dubai parking areas — so be cautious.
FAQs
Can I get a free International City permit without Ejari?
If you’re applying strictly as a tenant, usually Ejari is required. Without it, your best routes are: paid subscription, owner applies, or hourly payment until Ejari is done.
I’m sharing a room, and Ejari is in someone else’s name. What do I do?
Either:
- The Ejari holder applies and links your vehicle (if they agree), or
- You take a paid subscription for your car.
Is Sunday free in the International City paid parking?
Yes — typically Sundays are free all day, and public holidays are free.
What time is paid parking active in International City?
Commonly 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight).
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.
