Dubai Parking Zone Codes: Your Master Guide to Never Get a Fine

Have you ever stood at a Dubai parking meter, staring at a confusing sign, wondering “What is my Dubai parking zone code?” You type something into the SMS machine, cross your fingers, and hope you don’t come back to a 150 AED fine. You’re not alone. Dubai’s zone code system is logical, but only if you know the secret. This guide is your ultimate decoder ring. We’ll map every major area to its code, explain how the system really works, and give you pro tips that even long-term residents miss. Stop guessing and start parking with confidence.

The Big Picture: What Are Dubai Parking Zone Codes & Why They Matter

In Dubai, paid public parking is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The city is divided into numbered parking zones. Each zone has a unique code (like D18, M01, S01). To pay for parking via SMS or app, you must input your vehicle plate and the correct zone code.

Get the code wrong = Payment fails = You get a fine. It’s that simple.

Dubai’s Parking Zones Decoded: Color, Cost & Time

First, understand that zones are also color-coded, which tells you the priority and price.

Zone Color	What It Means	Typical Cost (Sat-Thu, 8 AM – 10 PM)	Max Stay
Commercial (Red)	High-demand commercial areas. Highest tariff.	AED 5 per hour	Often 2 or 4 hours
Non-Commercial (Black)	Residential & lower-demand areas. Standard tariff.	AED 2 per hour	Often 3 or 4 hours
Extended (Teal/Green)	Special areas with extended paid hours (e.g., up to midnight).	AED 2-4 per hour	Varies

The Golden Rule: The zone code is on the parking sign. Always look for the bold letter and number (e.g., C04, M22). The color tells you the price; the code tells the system where you are.

The Master List: Dubai’s Most Common Parking Zone Codes by Area

Bookmark this section. This is your quick-reference cheat sheet.

Downtown Dubai & Business Bay Area (High Demand – Mostly Commercial/Red)

Downtown Dubai (Around Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall): D18 (Commercial), D19
Business Bay: H22, H23, H24 (Mix of Commercial and Non-Commercial)
Financial Centre Road, Sheikh Zayed Road (Downtown stretch): D18, M27

Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR (High Demand)

Dubai Marina Walk & Streets: J01, J02, J03 (Commercial)
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), The Walk: N04, N05 (Commercial – Often AED 5/hour)
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT): JLT Cluster Codes (e.g., G01, G02 for different clusters) – Check your specific cluster sign.
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street: N04, M34

Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim (Residential – Mostly Non-Commercial/Black)

Jumeirah 1, 2, 3: B01, B02, B03, B04 (Non-Commercial)
Jumeirah Beach Road (General): B-series and N-series codes.
Umm Suqeim 1, 2, 3: N01, N02, N03 (Near Burj Al Arab, Madinat)
Al Manara, Al Wasl, Al Satwa: C-series codes (e.g., C04, C05)

Deira & Bur Dubai (Historical Areas – Mix of Zones)

Deira (Near Gold Souk, Naif): A01, A02, A03, A04 (Commercial)
Bur Dubai (Meena Bazaar, Al Fahidi): F01, F02, F03, F04 (Commercial)
Al Karama, Al Mankhool: E01, E02, E03 (Commercial)
Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat: D01, D02 (Commercial)

Sheikh Zayed Road (Corridor – Varies by Section)

Trade Centre 1 & 2, World Trade Centre: M27, M28
Al Quoz Industrial (Sheikh Zayed Road frontage): Q01, Q02 (Often Non-Commercial/Black)

Other Key Areas

Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha Heights (Tecom): K01, K02, K03 (Mix)
Internet City, Media City, Knowledge Village: T01, T02 (Often specific codes per building cluster)
Motor City, Sports City: W01, W02 (Often Non-Commercial)
Dubai Silicon Oasis: U01, U02 (Internal RTA zones)
International City: R01, R02 (Per cluster)

How to Pay Using Your Dubai Parking Zone Code: Step-by-Step

Method 1: SMS Parking (To 7275)

This is the most common method. Format is critical.

Find your Zone Code on the nearest parking sign.
Compose a new SMS to 7275.
Type: AE <Plate Number> <Zone Code>
- Example for plate ABC123 in zone D18: AE ABC123 D18
- Example for plate D 12345 in zone B02: AE D12345 B02 (Remove the space in the plate).
You will receive a confirmation SMS with your parking end time. SAVE THIS.

Method 2: RTA Dubai App / mParking App (Easiest & Best)

Download the “RTA Dubai” or “mParking” app.
Register with your vehicle details.
Open the app, it will use your location OR let you select your zone from a map.
Choose duration and pay. The app automatically knows the zone code.

Method 3: Parking Meter

Enter your vehicle plate number.
It will automatically detect the zone code.
Select time, pay by card/coins, and place the ticket on your dashboard.

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid with Zone Codes

Assuming One Code for a Whole Area: Codes can change block by block. Always check the sign on your specific street.
Confusing Similar Letters: D18 (Downtown) is not the same as B18 (Jumeirah). Typo = Fine.
Not Including ‘AE’ in SMS: The SMS format must start with AE for private vehicles.
Forgetting About “Maximum Stay”: Paying for 5 hours in a 2-hour max zone will still get you a fine after hour 2. The sign states the max stay.
Ignoring the Shift to Free Parking: Paid hours are Saturday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Parking is FREE from 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM and all day Friday & Public Holidays. No SMS needed in free times.

The Smart Parker’s FAQs

Q1: How can I find my zone code if the sign is missing or unclear?
Use the RTA Dubai App. The map view shows colored zones and their codes. Alternatively, look for the nearest other parking sign on the same street.

Q2: I paid via SMS but still got a fine. What happened?
First, check your SMS confirmation. Did you:

Get the plate number wrong?
Use the wrong zone code?
Park in a “Residential Permit Only” bay during restricted hours?
If all was correct, you can appeal the fine via the RTA or Dubai Police app with your SMS receipt as proof.

Q3: Are there free parking zones in Dubai?
Yes, but they are usually in outer industrial or residential areas (e.g., parts of Al Quoz, Jebel Ali Village). They will be marked with white parking signs. In central areas, always assume it’s paid unless you see a “Free Parking” sign.

Q4: What does a “Permit Holders Only” sign mean?
This is Residential Parking. During the times listed (e.g., 8 AM – 10 PM), only cars with a resident’s permit for that specific zone can park. Outside those hours, anyone can park for free.

Q5: Do zone codes apply in mall parking lots?
NO. Mall parking (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, etc.) is privately managed. RTA zone codes and SMS payment do not work there. Follow the mall’s own rules and payment systems.

Pro-Tip: The One App You Need

Delete all other parking apps. Download the official “RTA Dubai” app.

It shows you a live map of all parking zones and their codes.
It lets you pay and extend parking remotely.
It notifies you before your time expires.
It integrates with Salik and fine checking.

Final Word: Park Smart, Save Money

Mastering Dubai parking zone codes is a fundamental life skill in the city. It saves you from unnecessary fines and stress. The system is efficient and predictable: Find the code on the sign, use the correct payment format, and respect the timings.

Remember this simple mantra: “See the sign, note the code, pay the right way.” Do this, and you’ll never dread parking in Dubai again.