How to pay parking in Dubai is a problem faced by people coming to Dubai from outside. Especially for tourists coming from other emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, etc., and for new Dubai residents. When I come to Dubai with my friends, I often spend a lot of time wandering around without knowing how to pay the parking fee. The purpose of this post is to solve that. How to pay RTA parking using SMS, apps, or other methods with non-Dubai plate number. Dubai residents can also continue this method.
The first thing to understand is that paid parking in Dubai is divided into zones. Colored zones, codes, and digital payments are used. Blue and orange signs display a zone number and letter (e.g. “234C”), which indicates the hourly rate and the allowed parking time.
Most zones are free on Sundays from Saturday evening to Monday morning
From 2024–25, Dubai will have completely ticketless parking – no need to display a paper ticket as payments are recorded electronically.
This guide explains each payment method step by step, with specific tips for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman (and other non-Dubai) number plates.
Table of Contents
Dubai Parking Zones & Fees
Parking areas in Dubai are divided into zones (codes A, B, C, D, etc.) with different rates. For example, Code A zones (commercial areas) charge up to AED16 for 4 hours
While Code B zones charge from AED3 to AED20.
Residential zones (C, D) have their own rates. zone C refers to non-commercial parking. All roadside parking in residential areas falls under Zone C parking. This zone is suitable for those looking for parking in residential areas.
For major landmarks and certain districts (Downtown, Dubai Silicon Oasis, JLT, etc.), there are zone codes (F–K) with separate fee tables.
Always check the zone number and code when parking; it shows the current rates and parking times.
*Fees vary by exact area and time of day. All paid zones are free on Friday (and after Saturday evening until Monday morning) source: gulfnews.com
Easy Ways to Pay for Parking in Dubai (With Steps)
Before paying, register your mobile number with RTA for parking services. Tourists or newcomers can usually register online using a UAE visa or Emirates ID.
For SMS parking, registration is mandatory to use the service. If you are not registered (or are using a visitor’s car), use the RTA app or WhatsApp method below instead.
How to Pay Parking in Dubai by sms
1. mParking via SMS
We will discuss about how to pay parking in dubai by sms. Dubai’s MParking can be done as a text message. Do as the saying goes:
- Find the zone number: Check the nearest orange/blue parking sign or curb paint.
- SMS: Send a text to 7275 with your plate, zone, and hour
For example,
a Dubai-plate car (e.g. “D 12345”) parking 2 hours in zone 336A:
D12345 336A 2
Non-Dubai plates: Prefix the SMS with the emirate code.
Examples:
- Sharjah car (SHJ): SHJ5678 336A 2
- Abu Dhabi car (AUH): AUH13 5678 335A 1
- Ajman car (AJM): e.g. AJM12345 335A 3 (use “AJM”)
- Send & Confirm: SMS to “7275” and wait for a confirmation reply. This confirms your payment. (If there is no reply, check your SMS balance or call 800-9090.) Extend or End: To extend before it expires, send another SMS in the same way or reply “Y” to the confirmation
Cost: AED0.30 SMS fee applies (Free if using WhatsApp or the app).
| Plate Origin | SMS Format Example |
|---|---|
| Dubai | D5678 315A 2 |
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) | AUH13 5678 335A 1 |
| Sharjah (SHJ) | SHJ5678 1234 2 |
| Ajman (AJM) | AJM5678 335A 3 |
Be sure to use capital letters and no punctuation. The confirmation text is your proof of payment.
How to Pay Parking in Dubai Online
2. Parkin App
Personally, the most comfortable way for me is to pay through the parkin app. Parkin is the largest provider of paid parking facilities and services in Dubai. The parkin app is very easy to use.
This is the parkin app interface. Visible options like:
- “Ready to park & pay” (map icon + search box)
- Enter the nearest parking location or zone code.
- Click on the parking here button.
- Choose the parking duration, vehicle and payment method.
- Click on pay button
- You’ll get an on-screen confirmation.
3. RTA Dubai / DubaiNow App
These 2 apps are the answer to how to pay parking fees online in Dubai through the app. 1st lets see with RTA Dubai app.
- Install and open this app then Select the UAE Pass for login or continue as guest option. Click on the one that says pay public parking fees at the top.
- Then select the location or enter the zone code of the place where you are going to park your car. eg: 123A
- Selct your duration then You can add plates from any emirate (just tap to change the default “DXB” code).
- Then click on confirm & pay button pay via credit/debit card, Apple/Google Pay, or Nol credit.
- You’ll get an on-screen confirmation.
ow let’s see how to pay parking fees through the Dubai Now app.
- Click on the pay for parking service on the home page. Log in with your UAE Pass.
- Then enter the nearest zone code. Or set the location.
- Enter the vehicle plate details.
- Select the parking duration.
- Click the continue button and make the payment.
- You’ll get an on-screen confirmation.
4. WhatsApp Payment
Dubai now supports parking payments via WhatsApp. You can text RTA’s chatbot, “Mahboub,” on +971 58 800 9090.
- Start a chat by typing “Hi”. then click on the popular services.
- Choose the 2nd option as Pay Public Parking Fees.
- Select the apply now option.
- Enter the zone code nearest you to the chat bot’s question, “What is the parking zone code?”
- If your number is not registered in mParking wallet, you will be prompted to do so.
- Select as Vehicle and choose the amount to pay then pay.
I have tried these 4 ways. There are also options to pay through Parking Machines and Nol Card. You can also try that.
Real-Life Scenarios (Visitor Examples)
Sharjah family visit: A Sharjah-plated car parks downtown. The meter won’t take coins, and they don’t have a Nol card. Solution: Send SMS as SHJ12345 402A 1 or use WhatsApp (SHJ12345 402A 1), receiving instant confirmation (saving the SMS fee).
Abu Dhabi tourist: Forgot to top up phone credit. Instead, he adds his AUH-plate in the parkin app to pay by app
Visitor from Ajman: Needs parking late at night when no kiosks open. She texts WhatsApp to Mahboub with AJM98765 102B 3 and pays remotely
These scenarios show using the right tool: SMS/WhatsApp or the app solves problems of registration, or machine issues.
Common Problems & Fixes
- Forgot to register SMS: If your SMS isn’t accepted, register online first. Otherwise use the RTA/DubaiNow app or WhatsApp, which don’t require prior mobile registration.
- SMS format error: Double-check plate spelling and zone code. Look carefully at the letter in the zone (e.g. “123A”). Even one wrong digit or missing space causes failure.
- Wrong zone/overpay: If you enter the wrong zone, you can’t refund. Always verify the zone number on the parking sign. (When in doubt, use the app with location detection
- No SMS credit: Use WhatsApp or the app instead; they work without SMS balance.
- Machine/Card refused: Some machines only take Nol cards or have limited tech. Carry a Nol card (recharge at metro/Nol outlets) or use app/WhatsApp as backup.
- Expiry reminder missed: Set your own phone alarm before leaving. SMS parking sends a 10-min reminder, but apps will also notify you.
Summary Table: Payment Methods Comparison
| Method | Works for Non-Dubai Plates | Requires Registration? | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | AED 0.30 SMS fee |
| ✅ Yes | ❌ No | No extra cost | |
| Parkin App | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Requires internet |
| RTA App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Guest login available | Requires internet |
| Nol Card | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Works only at machines |
| Coins | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | Rare now |
| Digital Wallets | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Not all meters accept |
FAQ’s
How to pay for parking in Dubai?
You can pay for parking in Dubai via SMS, apps like parkin, Dubai Now, RTA Dubai or WhatsApp.
How to pay parking in Dubai for Abu Dhabi plate?
Use the SMS prefix for your emirate (e.g. SHJ for Sharjah, AJM for Ajman, AUH for Abu Dhabi). The mobile apps and WhatsApp method accept any GCC plate equally.
What if you need more time?
Extend via SMS (reply “Y” to confirm), or open the app/WhatsApp and pay for the extra hours before your time is up.
Which app should I use?
The official RTA Dubai app, DubaiNow or Parkin are both good. I think parkin app is very easy to use for pay parkin in Dubai.
Related Links
Conclusion
I have tried these 4 ways I discussed above. There are also options to pay through Parking Machines and Nol Card. You can also try that.
