The parking lot in International City, Dubai on February 2, 2026. EXPAT MEDIA

Residents in Dubai’s International City say they are already seeing a dramatic improvement in parking availability just days after paid parking officially rolled out. Regulated parking began on February 1 under operator Parkin, placing the area under zone 621Q. Although Sunday remains free parking across Dubai, residents say the impact was immediately visible by Monday (February 2). “There are plenty of empty parking slots now compared to previous times when parking was almost always full, even at noon,” Jenebel, a resident in International City's Morocco cluster, told Expat Media. “The last time the parking lots were this empty was around 2007 when I first moved here.” For years, International City residents have complained about severe congestion, particularly in the evenings. Many blamed car rental companies, delivery motorbikes, commercial vehicles and illegal partition tenants for occupying limited residential parking spaces. “They should have implemented this idea ten years ago. I’ve never seen International City parking this empty,” said Fahim, a resident in the England cluster. “I’m so glad the car rental companies have moved out. They were taking up all the free parking space.” Joshua, a resident in the Russia cluster, said the changes have improved parking availability but believes enforcement should go further. “I wish there was also paid parking on Sundays,” he told Expat Media. “Imagine on Saturday, some people — especially limousine drivers and those living in partitions — can park after 10pm and just pay for two hours, then leave their cars there for free on Sunday. As a resident, I worry I won’t get parking on Sundays if I go out with my family. Parking should be 24/7, including weekends.” He added that commercial vehicles previously occupied large portions of residential parking. “Delivery motorbikes used to take up most of the parking spaces,” he said.

Free permits for residents

Ahead of the rollout, residents were encouraged to apply for a free one-year parking permit if they live in buildings without internal parking. Each residential unit is eligible for one complimentary permit linked to one vehicle. Many residents reported receiving approval within one day of applying online through the Parkin website or mobile app. The permit does not guarantee a parking space but allows residents to park legally within their designated zone. ALSO READ: How to apply for free parking permit

Zone 621Q rates

Paid parking in International City runs from 8am to 12am, except on Sunday and official public holidays when parking is free. The new parking fees are: • 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

Subscription rates

Monthly subscriptions start at Dh580, with annual packages priced at Dh3,460. • 1 month: Dh580 • 3 months: Dh1,385 • 6 months: Dh2,080 • 12 months: Dh3,460 Free parking remains in effect on Sundays, official public holidays and designated prayer-time periods near mosques. Parkin previously said the introduction of regulated parking aims to “improve the efficiency of public parking use while responding to the varying needs of residents, workers and visitors.” For many residents in International City, the early results suggest the long-awaited changes are finally easing one of the community’s biggest daily frustrations. PIA/Expat Media
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