Dubai Mosques Introduce Paid Parking Signs to Prioritize Worshippers
- Publish date: Saturday، 30 August 2025 Reading time: two min read
Dubai introduces paid parking at mosques to ensure space for worshippers and curb long-term space misuse.
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Dubai has rolled out new paid parking signs around mosques in a move to prioritise worshippers and prevent long-term misuse of mosque parking spaces.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), through Parkin, has installed new M and MP signs at 59 mosques across the city, covering more than 2,100 parking spaces. Under the system, worshippers will continue to enjoy one hour of free parking during prayer times, while the rest of the time the spaces will be subject to paid parking.
Zone M designates standard parking, while MP refers to premium parking. The new signage aims to bring order and ensure availability for worshippers while discouraging drivers from leaving their cars for extended periods for other activities.
Residents Welcome Change
Residents across Dubai have praised the initiative, saying it will make mosque visits smoother and reduce congestion.
Mohammed Aatif, a resident of Garhoud, said: “I won’t have to park a few hundred meters away from the mosque or drive around endlessly searching for a spot.”
He added that some drivers had previously misused mosque parking: “I’ve seen people leave their vehicles in mosque parking and then catch the metro, thinking no fines would be issued. With the new signs and Parkin monitoring, that should now be reduced.”
In Karama, resident Mohammed Ashfaq agreed that the changes will give worshippers priority. “Sometimes I arrive early for prayers only to find all spaces taken. Later, I realise many of those cars belonged to people who had gone shopping or to nearby offices,” he said.
For Sara, a resident of Abu Hail, the signs will also improve road discipline: “Sometimes, people leave their cars blocking exits or double-park near mosques because they don’t find parking nearby. Clear signs and rules will encourage discipline. Knowing there is free parking for one hour will reduce stress.”
A System for Order and Accessibility
With the introduction of the new managed parking system, officials hope mosque parking zones will remain accessible for worshippers, especially during busy prayer times, while also preventing outsiders from treating them as free parking lots.