Rising UAE Parking Costs: Second Car Dilemma

Parking Fees in UAE: Why Are Many Selling Their Second Car?

In the United Arab Emirates, more and more people are realizing that car ownership is not just about fuel and maintenance costs. Due to the rising costs of parking and the decrease of free parking spaces, many families are reconsidering whether they truly need two or more cars. Increasingly, people are deciding to sell their second vehicle and are instead seeking alternative solutions for mobility.

One Apartment, One Parking Spot – If There's Any

In many residential buildings, at most one parking space is provided as part of basic services – and not always for free. The second vehicle often ends up in the surrounding paid street parking areas, which can amount to several hundred dirhams in expenses monthly. Many are forced to pay as much as 550 dirhams per month just for parking, which is a significant annual expense.

Moreover, the pricing of public parking in Dubai became variable as of April 2025: during peak hours (08:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00), one must pay 6 dirhams in premium zones and 4 dirhams in standard areas per hour. Although the rates remained unchanged outside peak hours, residents who need to park daily still feel a significant financial burden.

Selling the Second Car: Not Just a Necessity, But a Relief

Many families decide to simply get rid of their second car, especially if their residence and workplace are close to metro lines. In this case, commuting by metro or other public transportation is not only more cost-effective but also less stressful – no need to search for parking, no penalties, and lower maintenance costs.

Those who view the change positively say they save not only money but also time and nerves by having one less car to manage.

Subscription Parking: A New Solution to the Problem

For those who cannot or do not want to sell their second car – for example, because their residence is not near public transport lines – monthly parking subscriptions offered by municipalities can provide assistance.

The monthly subscription system allows owners to park freely within designated zones – without restrictions and hourly fees. For example, the Zone A pass costs 500 dirhams monthly and covers multiple parking areas. This is especially useful if someone needs to park regularly in multiple locations – work, shopping, visiting.

The Future: One Car, Multiple Options

Based on current trends, it increasingly seems that the future path is such that one car per family may be sufficient – with the support of proper public transportation options, carpooling, and smart parking systems. In the UAE, the dynamic development of cities, the expansion of metro networks, and new AI-based parking systems (like the joint solutions of Salik and Parkonic) all point toward the increasing importance of available, efficient, and sustainable transportation over individual car ownership.

(Source of the article: Based on Dubai Parking's new subscription.)