Did you know that you may park for free in Dubai if you are a Person of Determination? To take advantage of this service, simply submit an application to the Roads and Transport Authority together with the necessary papers (RTA). The same service is available to determined tourists and visitors in Dubai.
Whether you apply online or in person, the application procedure is simple and quick. Continue reading to find out how to get your free parking permit.
What is the ‘People of Determination parking permit’?
This parking permit is a customized card with the beneficiary’s photo on it that allows a Person of Determination to park in certain areas throughout the emirate.
The permit also specifies the validity time and type of permit, as well as the fact that it must be renewed on a regular basis.
Types of parking permits for People of Determination
- Permanent
This is for Dubai nationals or residents who require it on a regular basis.
Three-year validity
After three years, the permission might be renewed with approval.
- Temporary
This is for Dubai residents or citizens who only require it for a short time.
Validity: This is determined by the applicant’s health status as mentioned in the medical report.
- Tourists or visitors
Tourists and visitors to Dubai can apply for this parking permit, whether they require it for a short time or for a long time.
Three-month validity
Where can one apply for the permit?
The permit can be obtained either online or in person.
- On the internet – www.rta.ae
- The Customer Happiness Centre in Umm Ramool
- The Customer Happiness Centre in Al Manarah
Documents required
These are the documents you must submit if you are a Dubai citizen or resident:
– Original and copy of a valid Emirates ID
– Any of the following documents supporting the necessity for a special permit by the applicant:
- The Ministry of Community Development’s ‘People of Determination’ card
- The Community Development Authority’s ‘Sanad Card,’
- A medical report from the past six months detailing the applicant’s health.
– A copy of your passport with your residence visa stamped on it.
– A passport-size white-background photograph taken within the last six months
– If you apply in person at one of the customer happiness centres, you may be requested to provide proof of residency in Dubai, such as a passport, a residency visa, a work permit, or a registered vehicle licence.
These are the documentation you must submit if you are a tourist or visitor:
– Original and copy of visit visa or Dubai entrance stamp
– Any of the documentation listed below that support your request for a People of Determination permit:
- A special parking permit granted by a recognised authority in your home country
- A medical report confirming your determination status in the previous six months.
If neither the English nor the Arabic document is in English, an official translation is required.
– A copy of your passport
– A passport-size white-background photograph taken within the last six months
– If you apply at a customer happiness centre, you may be requested to produce any document proving that you will be staying in Dubai for the duration of your stay.
How can one apply online?
Follow these procedures to apply for the permit online:
- Create an account on the RTA website (www.rta.ae).
If you haven’t previously done so, you’ll need to register an account on the RTA website.
- From the top menu, choose ‘Driver and Car Owner.’
- Select the ‘Parking’ tab from the ‘Our services’ menu.
- Select ‘Parking permit for People of Determination’ from the drop-down menu. After that, you’ll be directed to a form that must be completed.
- Choose the sort of permission you want to apply for from the dropdown menu: permanent, temporary, or tourist. The first two options are exclusively available to Dubai residents and citizens.
- Fill in your full name, birth date, Emirates ID number, or passport number.
Note: You must submit your name in both English and Arabic in order to use the online system. Visitors do not have the option of having the Arabic name filled in automatically, unlike Emirates ID holders. If you do not speak Arabic, it may be preferable to apply for the process at a customer happiness center.
- Submit all required documents. Only.jpg,.jpeg, and.pdf files are accepted.
- Choose your permit delivery method: courier service (by entering your residential address) or pick it up at the Umm Ramool or Al Manara Customer Happiness Centre.
- Before submitting the application, double-check the information you’ve entered.
- The medical committee will then analyze the application before granting approval. You will receive an SMS or email once your application has been approved, informing you of the next actions you must do.
How to apply in person?
Applicants can also apply for a parking permit at one of two customer happiness centres in Dubai:
- Umm Ramool Customer Happiness Centre
- Al Manara Customer Happiness Centre
Along with the parking permit application request, submit the necessary documents.
The permit will be provided immediately if you have submitted a People of Determination or Sanad card, or a valid parking permit from your country of residency.
If you have a medical report to back up your request, the card will be granted in two to five working days, subject to the medical committee’s approval.
One has a parking permit. How to use it?
You can park for free in both public and People of Determination parking spots in Dubai once you have a special parking ticket. The permission is not transferable to other cities.
The RTA urges permit holders to display their cards as prominently as possible on the vehicle’s dashboard.
When the Person of Determination is driving the vehicle, the card should only be utilized.
If the special needs parking space is full, the permit holder can park in any ordinary slot with the card shown to avoid being fined.
Fines for misusing the permit
Despite the fact that the permit is free, People of Determination may be subject to fines if the card is not used properly. The following are some of the penalties to be aware of:
When the Person of Determination is not in the car, the permit is used.
Fine: Dh1,000
Not displaying the card clearly on the dashboard of the car.
Fine: Dh1,000
Using an expired or invalid permit card.
Fine: Dh1,000
Parking in a regular public slot without using the card.
Fine: Dh150
How can one pay a parking permit fine?
Any parking permit fines will be assessed against the vehicle, not the card. These fines can be paid online through the RTA website or in person at a customer happiness centre in Dubai.
Paying fines on the website:
- Visit the website – www.rta.ae
- In the top menu, select the ‘Driver and Car Owner’ option.
- Select ‘Parking’ from the ‘Our Services’ page, then ‘Pay parking fines.’
- Type your plate number or fine number into the box provided. The system will then show you how much money you need to pay in fines.
- Use a debit or credit card to make the payment.
Payment of fines at a customer happiness centre:
To pay your fines in person, go to the Al Barsha or Al Kifaf Happiness Centres. Cash or a valid UAE credit or debit card are accepted as payment methods.
Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.