Free parking near Dubai mosques for Ramadan prayers

Dubai - The 45-minute grace period is only in parking areas surrounding mosques and does not apply anywhere else.

Motorists rushing to the nearest mosque for the Maghrib prayers will have a chance to park their cars in the surrounding area for free for at least 45 minutes, an official from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) verified to Khaleej Times on Wednesday.

"Generally we give a grace period of 45 minutes after Azhan (call to prayer) in parking areas surrounding the masjids. Inspectors, however, start their duties at sites after prayers and breaking their fast," an RTA spokesperson said.

RTA clarified that the 45-minute grace period is only in parking areas surrounding mosques and does not apply anywhere else. The RTA also reminded the motorists to park their cars at designated parking slots only.

The RTA earlier announced the tariff on paid parking zones in Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan will apply to all car parks (Zones A, B, C, D, and G) from Saturday to Thursday at two periods: from 8am-5pm, and from 7pm to 12 midnight.

"The break for paid parking is from 5pm until 7pm according to technical studies and users' behaviours during the last years," the RTA official underlined.

Some motorists, however, are calling the RTA to consider changing the current two-hour break from paid parking.

"In my workplace parking is free after 6pm," Mohammad El Fil, who works at a PR agency in Barsha Heights (formerly Tecom) told Khaleej Times. "But at home, everyone is looking for a parking space. Instead of having free parking from 5-7pm, how about 6-8pm or better yet 7-9pm, so worshippers can focus more on praying and not be distracted with getting parking tickets," he said.

angel@khaleejtimes.com

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