Revised Paid Parking for Ramadan 2026 in the Emirates
The UAE authorities have introduced smart, thoughtful changes to paid parking in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. So you can focus on what matters most without worrying about parking tickets.
These revisions give you free parking windows around Iftar, extended evening hours in some places, and clear rules to keep traffic smooth. Knowing them helps you save time, money, and stress while enjoying the holy month fully.
Here’s your simple, up-to-date guide.
Dubai Paid Parking Rules: Ramadan 2026 (RTA)
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has created a perfect split schedule with a 2-hour free window exactly at Iftar time.
Days |
Paid Parking Hours |
Free Parking Hours |
Notes |
|
Monday-Saturday |
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight |
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (daily) |
Standard RTA rates apply (usually AED 2-4 per hour, depending on zone) |
|
Sunday |
- |
All day FREE |
- |
|
Multi-storey parking |
24/7 paid |
None |
Pay as usual |
Abu Dhabi Paid Parking Rules: Ramadan 2026 (Mawaqif / Q Mobility)
Abu Dhabi offers an even longer 3-hour free window in the evening and clear fees.
Days |
Paid Parking Hours |
Free Parking Hours |
Fees |
|
Monday-Saturday |
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM |
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (daily) |
AED 2 per hour (standard) AED 3 per hour (premium) |
|
Sunday |
- |
All day FREE |
- |
Extra help: Darb toll also follows split timings (8-10 AM & 2-6 PM at AED 4, free on Sundays).
Sharjah Paid Parking Rules: Ramadan 2026 (Sharjah City Municipality)
Sharjah has extended evening paid hours but kept Fridays mostly free.
Days |
Paid Parking Hours |
Free Parking Hours |
Notes |
|
Saturday-Thursday |
8:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
After midnight until 8:00 AM |
Standard Sharjah rates apply |
|
Friday |
- |
All day FREE (except blue-sign zones) |
Blue zones & smart parking: paid all week |
|
All days |
- |
1 hour FREE around mosques from Azan (call to prayer) |
Great for Taraweeh & prayers |
Quick Comparison Table
Emirate |
Free Iftar Window |
Free Days |
Evening Paid Until |
Fees (per hour) |
|
Dubai |
6-8 PM (2 hrs) |
Sunday |
12 Midnight |
Standard RTA (AED 2-4) |
|
Abu Dhabi |
6-9 PM (3 hrs) |
Sunday |
2:00 AM |
AED 2 / AED 3 |
|
Sharjah |
1 hr at mosques |
Friday (most zones) |
12 Midnight |
Standard Sharjah |
Smart Tips to Enjoy Worry-Free Parking This Ramadan
- Download apps today: RTA (Dubai), Parkin, or the official Sharjah/Abu Dhabi parking apps.
- Pay before you leave your car: SMS, app, or machine.
- Check signs every time, blue signs in Sharjah mean pay even on Fridays.
- Arrive early for popular Iftar spots and mosques.
- Carpool or use the metro on busy nights to save even more.
- Set reminders for paid shifts so you never get a surprise fine (AED 150+ in Dubai).
FAQs
Q1: When does Ramadan 2026 parking changes start?
From the first day of Ramadan (announced after crescent sighting on 17 Feb 2026). Rules remain in effect until the end of the month.
Q2: Is parking completely free during Iftar in all emirates?
No, but Dubai gives 2 free hours, and Abu Dhabi gives 3 free hours exactly when you need them most.
Q3: Do I pay on Fridays in Sharjah?
Usually no in regular zones, but yes in blue-sign and smart parking zones.
Q4: What about multi-storey or mall parking?
Most remain paid 24/7 (especially Dubai). Always check the specific building rules.
Q5: How do I know the exact fee in my zone?
Look at the parking sign or open your city’s parking app – it shows live rates and timers.
Q6: Will I get a fine if I park during free hours?
No. But if you overstay paid hours without paying, yes. Pay on time!
Q7: Are there any changes for People of Determination or residents with permits?
Special reserved spots remain free as usual. Check with RTA/Q Mobility for any extra Ramadan benefits.