Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announced a significant milestone in their efforts to improve the parking experience for motorists. Over 17,500 new directional signs have been installed in areas where payment for parking is required throughout the Emirate.
The purpose of these new signs is to simplify and streamline the payment process, making it more convenient and efficient for drivers. To take advantage of this new system, here’s what you need to know:
How does one spot the new signs?
New directional signs are now available for your convenience. These signs can be found underneath the larger orange parking sign that reads ‘Paid Parking Zone’ and displays the parking area code used for payment within the zone. The new signs are smaller and vertical, featuring a blue-and-white color scheme. They provide valuable information on the digital payment options that are now available to motorists. This will make parking easier and more efficient for everyone.
What is the information provided on the signs?
The signs provide the following details:
When parking in Dubai, it’s important to know the information displayed on the signboard. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to see:
- Zone Number/Code – This is a three-digit number followed by a letter, such as 214C.
- QR Codes – You’ll find three Quick Response (QR) codes that allow you to pay for parking using your smartphone.
- mParking Number – The mParking number in Dubai is 7275, which enables you to pay for parking via SMS.
- Tariff – The signboard will provide a breakdown of the parking charges based on how long you plan to park. It will also indicate the maximum number of hours you can pay for.
- Charging Hours – The signboard will display the paid parking hours, including timings during Ramadan.
- SMS Parking Assistance – If you need help with the SMS parking option, the signboard provides a QR code that explains the correct format and terms of use.
By understanding the information on the signboard, you can easily pay for parking and avoid any fines.
Also Read: What do the letters on parking zone codes mean in Dubai? Find out
Three smart ways to Pay for parking
The signboard boasts three convenient QR codes that can be easily accessed with your smartphone. Simply open your camera app and point it toward the board. Most modern smartphones come equipped with a built-in QR code reader, so the app will automatically detect the code and provide a prompt for the linked website. If your camera app doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry! You can easily download a QR code reader from your application store.
Once you’ve scanned the code and tapped on the prompted link, you’ll be directed to the relevant platform. Here are the three options available to you and how to use them:
1. RTA app
The initial QR code serves as a gateway to the RTA app. Upon scanning the code, users can either access the app or download it if it hasn’t been installed on their device yet.
Once inside the app, you can utilize the ‘pay public parking fees’ feature, which utilizes your smartphone’s location to identify the paid parking zone you’re currently in. From there, you can select the desired number of hours for which you’d like to pay. This streamlined process makes paying for parking a breeze, saving you time and hassle.
2. Apple Pay
For iPhone users, paying for parking has never been easier. With the second option, you can conveniently use Apple Pay to complete your transaction. Simply scan the QR code and the RTA app will guide you to the parking ticket option. The app will automatically detect your parking location and zone code, saving you time and hassle.
To complete your transaction, you will need to provide your mobile number, car number plate details, and parking duration. Once you have entered this information, tap on ‘continue’ to review your parking ticket summary. Then, with just a tap of the ‘Apple Pay’ button, you can easily make your payment.
Say goodbye to the frustration of searching for loose change or waiting in long lines to pay for parking. With this convenient and user-friendly option, you can enjoy a stress-free parking experience.
3. Whatsapp
By scanning the third QR code, your phone will seamlessly switch to Whatsapp and open a conversation window with the official RTA Whatsapp number – 058 800 9090. The message window will have the text automatically entered, which you simply need to send to pay for parking via Whatsapp. For instance, you can type ‘Parking 214 C’ as an example.
Once you send the message, the cost of your parking ticket will be deducted from your mParking account balance. This hassle-free process saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on your daily activities without worrying about parking payments.
Don’t have a mParking account balance? Here is how you can set it up
To begin, access the ‘RTA Dubai’ application and log in using your UAE Pass account. Once you have successfully logged in, navigate to the ‘Road users’ section and select ‘Parking’. From there, choose the option to ‘Top up parking account’. You will then be prompted to select the amount you wish to add to your balance, with options ranging from Dh10 to Dh500.
Once you have selected your desired amount, simply tap on ‘Pay’ to complete the transaction. You have the option to pay for parking using Apple Pay, the DubaiNow account, or by using your credit or debit card.
By following these simple steps, you can easily and conveniently top up your parking account balance and ensure that you always have sufficient funds to cover your parking needs. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for loose change or worrying about expired parking meters – with the ‘RTA Dubai’ app, parking has never been easier.