Dubai parking SMS lets you pay for parking with just a text message from your phone. No more digging through your pockets for coins or hunting down parking meters in Dubai's busy streets.
The process takes seconds to complete. Text your plate number, zone code, and parking time to the RTA parking number. You'll get a confirmation message right back showing your payment went through.
Dubai's Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) runs this service. It saves you time and makes parking way easier. Parking costs vary by zone - anywhere from AED 2 to AED 10 per hour depending on where you park. Each text costs an extra .30 fils transaction fee.
If you're new to this, understanding Dubai's parking zones matters. The city splits into different parking zones, each with its own code. Parking is free on weekends and public holidays - something to remember when you're exploring the city.
We'll show you exactly how to use Dubai's parking SMS service for the first time.
What is Dubai SMS Parking and How It Works
Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) created mParking as an SMS-based parking solution that runs 24/7. You can pay for parking through text messages from your phone, skipping parking meters and loose change entirely.
Overview of mParking by RTA
mParking works with almost every mobile provider in the UAE. Send your vehicle plate number, zone code, and parking time to 7275 (PARK). You'll get confirmation within five minutes.
The system handles both prepaid and postpaid accounts. Prepaid users see the parking fee come straight off their mobile balance, while postpaid users find it on their monthly bill. About 10-15 minutes before your time runs out, you'll get a reminder text letting you extend without going back to your car.
Why SMS parking works great for first-timers
New to Dubai? mParking solves common parking headaches:
- Pay from anywhere: Use your phone instead of hunting for parking meters or carrying coins
- Skip the lines: No waiting at parking machines
- Avoid fines: Get alerts before your time expires
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Easy extensions: Add more time with another text
First-time visitors love the simple format and 24/7 availability. It's especially helpful in busy areas where parking meters are hard to find. SMS parking also cuts down on paper waste from traditional parking tickets.
Dubai's SMS parking system shows how the city makes life easier for drivers through smart solutions.
What You Need Before Your First SMS
You need to get a few things ready before sending your first parking text in Dubai. Having these sorted will save you from any hiccups when you actually need to park.
Getting registered with RTA
You have to register your car for the Dubai parking SMS service first. This links your plate number to your account and makes future parking much smoother. Dubai plate owners can connect up to three cars under the same traffic file. If your plate is from another emirate or it's a company car, you can only link one vehicle.
Your essentials: phone number, plate, and credit
Here's what you need ready:
- A valid Dubai mobile number works with Du and Etisalat
- Your car's plate number handy
- Enough balance on your phone account
The parking fee gets taken straight from your mobile account when you send the text. Both prepaid and postpaid accounts work fine. Remember that the extra 30 fils gets charged per message.
Dubai's parking zone system
Parking zones in Dubai use specific codes - usually three numbers plus a letter like "123A". These codes matter because they control:
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Where your parking ticket actually works
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How much you pay (varies by zone)
- How long you can stay parked
Look for the blue and orange signs in each parking area. They show the zone number and code you need for your text. You can also check the RTA website or app if you can't find the signs.
The zone letters (A, B, C, D) affect your costs and parking time. A and C zones are usually on-street spots in business areas with higher rates. B and D zones are typically parking lots with cheaper fees.
How to Pay Dubai Parking via SMS
"Send a Text to 7275. Include your license plate, parking zone code, and hours. Example: "C12345 123A 2"
Paying for parking via SMS is simple once you get the format right. Here's exactly how to do it.
Step-by-step SMS format for Dubai plates
For Dubai-registered vehicles, the format works like this:
- Open your messaging app
- Type this format: <Plate Number> <Zone Code> <Duration in hours>
- Example: Your Dubai plate is A00000, you're in zone 444A, need 2 hours - type: A00000 444A 2
- That's it - no extra characters or text needed
Just three things with spaces between them.
Where to find the Dubai parking code
Your zone code is on blue and orange signs around parking areas. These signs show the exact code you need (like "444A"). You can also check the RTA website or app if you can't spot the signs.
Dubai parking SMS number and confirmation process
Text your message to 7275 (PARK) [162]. You'll get confirmation within five minutes. The fee comes straight off your mobile account.
The system sends you a heads-up about 10-15 minutes before your time runs out - perfect for extending your parking without rushing back to your car. If no confirmation comes through, call RTA customer service at 800-9090.
For a longer stay, renew your ticket before it runs out. Send a new SMS with updated code if you relocate your car to a different zone
Got a car registered outside Dubai? No problem - the RTA parking service works for you too with a slightly different text format.
SMS format for non-Dubai registered vehicles
Cars from other emirates need this format when texting 7275: Emirate code space plate code space plate number space zone code space duration in hours
Here's what it looks like:
- Abu Dhabi plate: AUH13 12345 335A 1
- Sharjah plate: SHJ2 12345 335A 2
- Ajman plate: AJM 00000 000A 4
How to extend or renew your parking ticket
You'll get a heads up 10 minutes before your time runs out. Want to stay longer?
- Just reply "Y" to 7275 for the same amount of time
- Send a fresh text if you need different hours
Using WhatsApp or RTA app as alternatives
Skip the 30 fils service fee and use WhatsApp instead:
- Save Mahboub (+971 58 8009090) in your contacts
- Text the same format: A00000 000A 2
- Get instant confirmation
The RTA app gives you extra perks - reminders, auto-renewal, and you can manage multiple cars from one place.
Conclusion
Dubai's parking SMS system makes parking simple and fast. You can pay from anywhere with just a text message, and the reminder alerts help you avoid those annoying parking fines.
The system works for everyone - Dubai plates or plates from other emirates. WhatsApp and the RTA app give you even more ways to pay, so you can pick what works best for you.
First-time users will get the hang of this quickly. The blue and orange signs show you exactly what zone code to use, and the whole process takes seconds.
Remember that parking is free on weekends and public holidays - plan your Dubai visits around these times to save money. Dubai's SMS parking system shows how technology can make city life easier for everyone who lives here or visits.
Key Takeaways
Master Dubai's SMS parking system with these essential steps that will save you time and prevent parking fines during your visit.
- Simple SMS format: Text your plate number, zone code, and hours to 7275 (PARK) - example: "A00000 444A 2"
- Find zone codes easily: Look for blue and orange signboards in parking areas displaying the required 3-digit code plus letter
- Register before first use: Link your vehicle plate number with RTA's mParking system to enable SMS payments
- Get automatic reminders: The system alerts you 10-15 minutes before expiry, allowing easy extension without returning to your car
- Use alternatives to save fees: WhatsApp Mahboub (+971 58 8009090) or the RTA app avoid the 30 fils SMS transaction fee
