How to dodge higher Salik and parking costs with smart timingLast updated: June 01, 2026 | 15:123 MIN READGulf News ArchivesDubai Parking: Five per cent VAT introducedImportant note: The base parking tariffs have not increased. However, the five per cent VAT is added to the final amount you pay at the meter, via SMS, or through the app.The VAT applies to all parking categories, including:On-street parkingOff-street parkingSeasonal parking cardsParking permits and reservationsGet updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
New Dubai parking rates breakdownBecause of the five per cent VAT addition, your usual parking fees will look slightly different. Here is how the new pricing breaks down:Parking Zone TypeOld Rate (Base)New Rate (Including 5% VAT)Premium Parking (Peak Hours)Dh6.00 / hourDh6.30 / hourStandard ParkingDh4.00 / hourDh4.20 / hourLower-Tariff Zone (A)Dh3.00 / hourDh3.15 / hourLower-Tariff Zone (B)Dh2.00 / hourDh2.10 / hourWhen is parking free in Dubai?You can avoid these charges entirely if you time your parking right.Daily free window: Parking is completely free every night from 10pm to 8am Sundays and public holidays: Parking remains free all day on Sundays and official public holidays.Peak vs. off-peak: Peak hours run from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm. Off-peak daytime hours run from 10am - 4pm and 4pm – 8pm – 10pm (standard rates apply, but traffic is typically lighter).New Salik tolls: Five per cent VATFurthermore, Dubai is utilizing variable pricing based on the time of day to manage traffic congestion.Regular Salik timings and rates (Monday to Saturday)Off-peak (free): 1am to 6amPeak hours (Dh6.30): 6an to 10am and 4pm to 8pmLow-Peak Hours (Dh4.20): 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 1amSunday Salik RatesSundays: A flat rate of Dh4.20 applies throughout the entire day.(Note: Variable dynamic rates may still be adjusted by authorities during major public holidays and special event days).Special Ramadan Salik timingsDuring the holy month of Ramadan, Salik operates on a modified schedule to match altered UAE working hours:Off-peak (free): 2am to 7am Peak hours (Dh6.30): 9am to 5pmLow-peak hours (Dh4.20): 7am to 9am and 5pm to 2amQuick tips for UAE commutersIf you have flexibility in your schedule, travel through toll gates between 1am and 6am to pay absolutely nothing in Salik fees.Plan your major city trips or chores for Sundays to take advantage of free city-wide parking.With the new VAT adjustments, your balance might deplete slightly faster than before. Top up early to avoid any accidental insufficiency fines.Also In This PackageRelated Topics:Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next
