The Roads and Transport Authority is considering toll increases as Dubai parking fees face an increase in 2026 / Image: File
Motorists in Dubai may soon face higher fees for public parking after Parkin, the largest operator of paid parking in the emirate, formally requested a review of its tariff structure.
The proposal has been submitted to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and will require further review and final approval from the Dubai Executive Council before any changes come into effect.Parkin confirmed that the submission was made in mid-February 2026. If the changes are approved, it could lead to an increase in the weighted average tariff for public parking in Dubai. The company said that this move aims to address price imbalances that emerged after the introduction of the variable tariff system in April 2025.
Why will parking prices rise in Dubai in 2026?
Dubai introduced a variable parking tolling model in April 2025, changing how motorists are charged based on peak and off-peak demand, location, and time of day.Following this introduction, the weighted average tariff for public parking increased from approximately AED 2.01 per hour in 2024 to AED 3.03 per hour in 2025, representing a 51% increase year-on-year. However, this shift has also dramatically changed driver behaviour.
Instead of paying hourly rates, many motorists opt for seasonal parking cards, which offer better value for frequent users.In the last quarter of 2025 alone, season pass sales jumped by about 140 percent, reaching more than 89,000 active passes. This sharp rise has changed revenue patterns and occupancy data, prompting Barkin to request a recalibration of tariff levels and seasonal pass structure.The company stated that the review seeks to maintain long-term discounts for regular users while ensuring that prices better reflect actual demand and usage patterns.
Growth of the parking network in Dubai
Parkin’s proposal comes during a period of strong financial performance and operational expansion. As of the end of 2025, the company managed approximately 229,000 paid parking spaces in public areas and developer-managed facilities in Dubai.Financial results reflect this expansion. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Barkin reported the following:
- Revenue reached AED 389.4 million, up 47% year-on-year
- Net profit of 183.6 million dirhams, an increase of 53% compared to the same period in 2024.
Revenues for the entire year 2025 amounted to 1.32 billion dirhams, while annual net profit amounted to approximately 625.5 million dirhams.Growth was driven by the introduction of variable tariffs, expansion of paid parking areas, improved compliance enforcement using smart license plate recognition systems, and increased demand for season tickets.Looking ahead, Parkin expects to add between 5,500 and 7,500 new parking spaces in 2026, with public parking revenues expected to range between AED 560 million and AED 610 million for the sector.
What does this mean for residents?
If approved, the proposed amendments could mean higher hourly parking rates in certain areas, especially high-demand commercial and residential areas.However, no final decision has been made. The RTA will carefully evaluate the proposal before referring it for government approval.For motorists, this indicates that Dubai’s parking system is continuing to evolve towards a dynamic, demand-based pricing model. Frequent parking owners may still benefit from seasonal passes, although pricing structures may be adjusted.As Dubai continues to expand and densify, parking management remains a critical tool for traffic control, congestion management, and urban planning efficiency.
