A newly installed paid parking sign in International City, Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Residents of International City can now apply for a free parking permit ahead of the neighbourhood’s shift to paid parking, as Dubai parking operator Parkin prepares to officially roll out regulated parking in the area from February 1 (Sunday). Parkin has started accepting permit applications online, with several apartment owners and tenants confirming to Expat Media that they received approval within a day of applying. The permit is free of charge, valid for one year, and renewable, offering some relief to residents ahead of the long-anticipated changes. Under the new system, each residential unit in a building with no existing internal parking is eligible for one complimentary permit, linked to one vehicle only. The permit is designed to support residents while Parkin introduces paid parking across one of Dubai’s most densely populated communities. As Expat Media first reported in December, parking zone signage has already been installed across International City, with clearly marked zones now visible in several clusters. According to a notice sent to property owners and seen by Expat Media, Parkin will “implement regulated parking services across International City,” with enforcement beginning in February. The move comes after years of complaints from residents about worsening parking congestion, particularly during evenings. Many have blamed commercial vehicles, including delivery motorcycles, pickup trucks, minibuses, school buses, and private taxis, for occupying limited residential spaces. “I am happy to see the parking issue in International City being resolved. I was able to get a free parking permit after logging in the Parkin website via my UAE Pass,” said Pia, a long-time International City home owner. Parkin said the introduction of regulated parking aims to restore order, improve turnover, and ensure fair access for residents.

Guide: How to apply for a free parking permit in International City

Residents can apply online through Parkin’s official platforms. 1. Visit parkin.ae/permit or the Parkin mobile app. 2. Log in using your credentials. Using UAE Pass is recommended for faster verification. 3. Select the appropriate residential light vehicle permit. Upload the required documents, which include vehicle details, a DEWA premises number for owners, or an Ejari number for tenants. 4. Submit the application and wait for approval. Applicants can expect an SMS or email update within three working days. Once approved, the permit is issued digitally.

Key rules residents should know

The free parking permit applies only to residential units in buildings without internal parking. Each unit can have only one permit, and the permit can be linked to one vehicle at a time. Residents are allowed to change the vehicle linked to the permit, but changes must be spaced at least one hour apart. If a tenant applies for a permit previously held by the owner, the owner’s permit will be automatically cancelled. Commercial units are not eligible for residential permits. Misuse of permits may result in fines or cancellation, and permits cannot be used in reserved parking spaces. Buildings that already provide parking and are single-owned, such as CBD, Limitless, and TPD buildings, are not covered by the free permit scheme. Permits can be renewed within 20 days before expiry.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for a free parking permit? Each residential unit in a building without existing parking is eligible for one free permit linked to one vehicle. Are commercial units eligible? No. Parking permits are strictly for residential units only. What if a household has more than one vehicle? Any additional vehicles must be registered under a paid parking subscription. Where can residents apply? Applications can be submitted through the Parkin website or the Parkin mobile app. Does a parking permit guarantee a parking space? No. The permit allows you to park legally in the zone, but it does not guarantee space availability. What happens if a vehicle is parked without paying or without a permit? Vehicles will be fined in line with existing parking regulations.

International City paid parking: zones and fees explained

Parkin confirmed to Expat Media that International City will fall under parking zone 621Q once paid parking begins. The parking rates are as follows:
  • Dh2 for 30 minutes
  • Dh3 for 1 hour
  • Dh6 for 2 hours
  • Dh9 for 3 hours
  • Dh12 for 4 hours
  • Dh15 for 5 hours
  • Dh18 for 6 hours
  • Dh22 for 7 hours
  • Dh25 for 16 hours
Residents with more than one vehicle will need to rely on these paid options or apply for parking subscriptions once they open. The changes in International City are part of a broader parking reform across Dubai, as Parkin continues to roll out new and revised tariffs in 17 key areas. Across the city, parking fees now range from Dh2 for short stays in some locations to Dh36 for 24 hours in high-demand zones. Monthly parking subscriptions start at Dh300, while annual packages can reach up to Dh4,040, depending on location. Parkin has retained free parking in selected cases, including Sundays, official public holidays, and designated prayer-time periods near mosques. According to Parkin, the goal of the citywide adjustments is to “improve the efficiency of public parking use while responding to the varying needs of residents, workers and visitors.” ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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