TL;DR:
Dubai introduces 1-hour free parking near mosques during prayer times to ease congestion and support worshippers.
- The initiative applies to designated zones and is clearly marked with signboards; violators outside prayer times will still be fined.
- Implemented by RTA, the rule balances religious needs with traffic control, especially in high-density prayer areas.
Effective August 2025, Dubai residents worshipping at 59 designated mosques will benefit from one hour of free parking during prayer times statewide, while paid parking operates outside these hours under a new revenue-sharing agreement. The initiative is managed by Parkin Company on behalf of the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
Approved Parking Scheme: Key Details
- Locations covered: 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosques in Dubai (41 standard Zone M, 18 premium Zone MP).
- Free parking window: One hour during each prayer period, generally 15 minutes before Adhan and 45 minutes after.
- Paid parking: Applied 24/7 outside prayer times, standard areas at Dh2–4/hour, premium areas at Dh3–6/hour depending on peak/off-peak tariff schedule.
Implementation & Management
- Operator: Parkin Company, Dubai’s leading paid-parking operator handling ~209,000 spaces. Under the deal, mosque parking adds ~2,100 spots to its portfolio.
- Sponsor Authority: Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) delegates management of mosque parking to Parkin via a commercial agreement.
- Rollout: Set to begin in August 2025, phased implementation across the specified mosque sites.
- Enforcement: Free period monitored via designated mosque-adjacent parking zones; violations outside those windows subject to tariff enforcement.
Why It Matters
- Improves Worship Access: Makes mosque visits more convenient and welcoming, especially during Jummah prayers and Ramadan evenings.
- Reduces Misuse: Helps eliminate fishing for free parking spots near mosques outside prayer times.
- Standardised Practice: Replaces inconsistent burial of earlier “grace periods” (e.g., 45-min allowances reported in Ramadan and iftar times).
- City Initiative Alignment: Represents Dubai’s commitment to improving religious services and citizen-centric governance.
Dubai’s move to introduce one-hour free parking during prayer times at city mosques is both practical and symbolic, recognising worshippers’ needs while maintaining order in public parking management. With clear designation of mosque-adjacent zones, digital enforcement, and a strong partnership between IACAD and Parkin, the program is poised to balance accessibility with revenue objectives. Starting this August 2025, mosque-goers across the emirate can expect smoother access and less parking stress, aligning with Dubai’s broader objectives of smart urban planning and considerate public policy.
FAQ
- 1. Which mosques offer free parking?
A total of 59 mosques across Dubai are included in the first phase, covering both standard (M) and premium (MP) parking zones.
- 2. How does the one-hour free period work?
It includes 15 minutes before Adhan and 45 minutes after the prayer, at designated mosque-adjacent slots
- 3. When will the new system begin?
The phased rollout will begin this month, under an agreement between Parkin and IACAD.
- 4. What happens if you park outside the free window?
Standard and premium hourly rates apply, ranging from Dh2 to Dh6 per hour, depending on the location and time.
- 5. Who manages the parking operations?
Parkin Company manages the mosque parking spaces, under oversight from the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
