Dubai International City to Introduce Paid Parking From February 2026
New parking tariffs aim to ease congestion and improve space availability for residents
Paid parking is set to come into effect in Dubai International City from February 1, 2026, marking a major update for one of the emirate’s busiest residential and commercial hubs. Notices have already been posted across several clusters announcing the shift from free parking to a paid system.
Although meters are yet to be installed, paid parking signs are now visible in the France and China clusters, signalling the start of implementation. According to Parkin, International City will operate under Parking Code Q from 8am to midnight, with tariffs starting at Dh2 for 30 minutes and reaching Dh25 for 16 hours, as listed on the official Parkin website.
Residents hopeful for better parking access
Parking congestion has long been a challenge in International City, particularly during evenings when commuters return home. Residents say that the change may bring much-needed relief.
“It’s quite a tough task for me to find a parking space during the evening because I go to work in the morning and return home late. The introduction of paid parking tariffs will ensure more parking spaces available for residents when they return to their homes after work,” said Waqas Khan, a delivery worker.
International City is one of Dubai’s last major communities with free public parking. Many residents often compete with rent-a-car fleets, transport companies, and business trucks for spots due to the district’s affordability and dense population.
Najam Ahmed, an apartment owner who relocated to Al Qusais due to limited parking availability, said the update may encourage him to move back.
“Definitely, parking is one of the reasons that I moved to Al Qusais. As a businessman, I return home around 10 to 11pm. By then, it is well-nigh impossible to get a parking space... Now with the introduction of paid parking tariffs in International City, I can think of relocating to my apartment because I’ll be able to find parking there now,” he added.
Parkin expands citywide coverage
The move is part of Parkin’s ongoing expansion of paid parking zones across Dubai. The company rolled out new paid zones in International Academic City and Sports City in November, shortly after launching similar systems in Studio City and Outsource City.
Earlier this year, on April 4, 2025, Dubai adopted the Variable Parking Tariff Policy, applying peak pricing from 8am–10am and 4pm–8pm, excluding Sundays and public holidays. The policy aims to reduce congestion, encourage higher vehicle turnover and support smoother traffic across high-demand neighbourhoods.
Off-peak hours (10am–4pm and 8pm–10pm) continue under standard rates, ensuring pricing remains consistent for non-peak use.
With thousands of vehicles vying for parking each day, the transition marks a significant step toward improving parking efficiency in International City as the community continues to grow.