The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new Dh25 per hour parking fee in designated areas surrounding major event venues in Dubai. The policy, which came into effect this week, aims to regulate parking demand and improve traffic flow during high-profile events.
New Parking Fee Implementation
The revised tariff was first enforced at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) during the Gulfood event, one of the region’s largest trade exhibitions. The move is expected to reduce congestion, encourage the use of public transportation, and ensure that parking spaces remain available for those attending major events.
The Dh25 per hour fee applies to select locations near major event venues and will only be active during designated event hours. Outside of these hours, normal parking rates will resume.
Why the Change?
Dubai’s increasing number of international exhibitions, conferences, and large-scale events has led to significant parking challenges. Many visitors drive their own vehicles, leading to overcrowded parking lots and excessive traffic congestion in key areas.
The RTA has stated that this dynamic pricing model is designed to:
- Prevent long-term occupancy of parking spaces during events.
- Encourage the use of metro, buses, and ride-sharing services.
- Ensure fair access to limited parking spots near event venues.
Public and Business Reactions
While some residents and event-goers have expressed concerns over the higher parking fees, others recognize the benefits of reducing traffic congestion. Businesses around the event venues believe that this policy will help prevent unauthorized long-term parking, making spaces more available for genuine visitors.
Many event organizers have also welcomed the move, stating that it encourages attendees to plan transportation in advance and opt for sustainable mobility options like the Dubai Metro.
Alternative Transportation Options
To ease the transition, the RTA has increased public transport services around major venues:
- Extended metro operating hours during major events.
- Additional feeder buses to and from parking zones.
- Discounted ride-sharing promotions with partner companies.
Future Plans
The RTA is expected to expand this parking pricing strategy to other key event locations across Dubai in the coming months, based on the success of the initiative. Further improvements to public transport connectivity around major venues are also in the pipeline.
For more details on parking zones and alternative transport options, visit the official RTA website or use the Dubai Parking app for real-time updates.