Free parking: Dubai introduces one-hour parking for mosque worshippers for free during prayer times

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 parkin g 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).