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Dubai parking fees: Some residents save up to Dh500 monthly by using public transport
According to RTA, dynamic toll and parking systems have helped ease congestion; traffic volumes have dropped by 2.3 per cent
- PUBLISHED: Tue 13 May 2025, 1:59 PM
The introduction of a dynamic parking tariff system in Dubai is changing the way residents move around the city. Many are leaving their cars behind and turning to public transport instead.
From rising private parking costs to hourly rate hikes at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) parkings, residents and business owners say driving every day no longer makes sense, especially in areas like Deira, Al Ras, or near the city centre.
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According to RTA, dynamic toll and parking systems have helped ease congestion; traffic volumes have dropped by 2.3 per cent while public transport use is up by 1 per cent.
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But on the ground, people are adjusting their daily routines just to manage these costs.
‘I park at the metro station’
Hameed Gani, a wholesale rice trader in Al Ras who lives in Al Warqa, said he can’t afford to park near his office anymore. “I used to drive straight to work every day. But now, even RTA parking for Dh6 an hour feels expensive when I park for four hours daily,” he said.
“Moreover, it is very difficult to get parking in Al Ras or Deira. We have to drive in circles to search for parking for nearly an hour,” added Gani.
To cut costs, Hameed now parks his car at the Rashidiya metro station, which offers free parking, and takes the metro to his office. “It’s slightly more time-consuming, say 15 to 20 minutes. But when I add the time taken to search for a parking, I save more time and Dh24 to Dh36 a day. That’s nearly Dh500 a month,” he said.
'So much easier'
Rameez Kottamal, a cafeteria owner in Ajman, visits the Deira market fortnightly to shop for items required for his business. “I often go to Deira market to buy cups, tissues, casseroles, containers, packaging items, and other supplies. Earlier, I used to drive from Ajman and bring everything back in my car,” said Rameez.
However, due to rising parking fees, including private parking charges, Rameez has switched to public transportation. “I now take an RTA bus, which drops me at Union Metro Station, and then I travel by metro to Al Ras,” he said.
After placing his order, Rameez returns using public transport, and his goods arrive at the cafeteria the next day. “There are many aggregators who offer delivery services. I hire someone to deliver my order. Earlier, I used to spend money on petrol, parking, and hours in traffic. Now, it’s so much easier for me.”
Driving only when necessary
Waseem Ahmed, a resident of Al Ras who works near Deira City Centre, owns a car but doesn’t use it every day anymore. “I have access to private parking near my home, but it now costs Dh400 a month for me. So, I have parked my car in my office parking and take the metro to work,” he said.
Since he doesn’t need his car daily, he prefers using the metro or bus most of the week. “I only use my car when I need to carry something or travel late at night. Now, parking is free for me, and I have taken a monthly public transport pass.”
Ahmed added that the cost savings have been significant, and public transport has made life less stressful. “I actually enjoy the ride now. I read or listen to lectures, and save money at the same time.”
As more people look for alternatives, public transport seems to be gaining popularity not just for environmental reasons but financial ones too.
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
