Starting February 1, paid parking is officially active in Dubai’s International City, bringing new rules for both residents and visitors.
What’s Changing in Dubai’s International City?
Parkin, Dubai’s parking operator, confirmed that parking in designated zones will now be chargeable from 8:00 a.m. to midnight daily. Enforcement begins February 1, with signboards already visible throughout the community. Sundays and public holidays remain free.
All drivers must pay to park unless covered by a residential permit or subscription. The designated zone code for International City is 621Q.
التقديم على تصريح مواقف إنترناشيونال سيتي أصبح أسهل عبر UAE PASS
اتّبعوا هذا الدليل خطوة بخطوة لمعرفة كيفية التقديم عبر تطبيق باركن في حال استيفاء الشروطApplying for the International City parking permit is simple with UAE PASS
Follow this step-by-step guide to see how… pic.twitter.com/HYjcwUCSmj— ParkinUAE (@ParkinUAE) January 15, 2026
Free Permit for Residents: What You Need to Know
Each residential unit is eligible for one free parking permit, even in buildings that previously lacked assigned parking. Additional vehicles must pay regular rates or purchase a subscription. Key Permit Facts are as follows:
- 1x free permit per housing unit
- Buildings without parking are included
- Extra vehicles require subscriptions or hourly payments
- Permits apply only within designated zones
- Applications began on January 15, 2026
How to Apply via Parkin App:
For Owners (5 steps):
- Select permit duration
- Enter your Emirates ID and verify via SMS
- Choose your property
- Add vehicle details
- Accept terms
For Tenants (6 steps):
- Select duration
- Enter owner details
- Provide DEWA premises/plot number
- Upload Ejari or title deed
- Add vehicle details
- Accept terms
Apply on the Parkin mobile app or visit parkin.ae.
Parking Rates and Hours
Paid parking operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. The same tariffs apply during peak and off-peak hours. Here’s a breakdown of current parking fees:
| Duration | Tariff (AED) |
| 30 minutes | 2 |
| 1 hour | 3 |
| 2 hours | 6 |
| 4 hours | 12 |
| 5 hours | 15 |
| 6 hours | 18 |
| 7 hours | 22 |
| 16–24 hours | 25 (max) |
No charges apply on Sundays or UAE public holidays.
Available Subscription Options
For residents needing long-term solutions beyond one vehicle, Parkin offers flexible paid subscriptions.
Subscription Durations:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
These allow residents to “pay once and park hassle-free” across designated International City zones.
Conclusion
Dubai’s launch of paid parking in International City marks a major shift for thousands of residents. With clear options for free permits, affordable rates, and flexible subscriptions, the initiative aims to manage congestion and improve parking access across the community.
What do you think about this development? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for the latest sharp insights, exclusive UAE updates, and global automotive trends that matter.