Dubai Mall Parking Fee: Complete Guide to Costs, Free Zones & Smart Tips (2025)

Planning a shopping trip to Dubai Mall? Let me guess – you’re wondering about parking fees, where to park for free, and how to avoid those surprise charges showing up on your Salik account later. Been there, felt that confusion!

Here’s the thing: Dubai Mall changed its entire parking system in July 2024, and if you haven’t visited since then, you’re in for some surprises. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with absolutely everything you need to know about parking at the world’s largest shopping destination.

Quick Answer: How Much Is Dubai Mall Parking?

Free Parking:

• First 4 hours FREE on weekdays (Monday-Thursday)
• First 6 hours FREE on weekends (Friday-Sunday)
• Zabeel Parking: Always FREE
• Fountain Views Parking: Always FREE

Paid Parking (After Free Period):

• Weekdays: AED 20 (after 4 hours)
• Weekends: AED 80 (after 6 hours)
• Up to 24 hours: AED 1,000

Payment Method: Automatic deduction from your Salik account

Now let’s dive deeper into everything you need to know!

What Changed in July 2024?

On July 1, 2024, Dubai Mall partnered with Salik to launch a completely new, barrier-free paid parking system. Here’s what’s different:

Before July 2024:

• All parking was free
• No time limits
• No tracking system
• Often impossible to find parking

After July 2024:

• Smart license plate recognition
• Automatic Salik deductions
• Free grace periods (4-6 hours)
• Much better parking availability
• Some zones remain free forever

Why the Change? Dubai Mall receives over 100 million visitors annually. The old free-for-all system meant people would park for days, making it nearly impossible for actual shoppers to find spots. The new system ensures turnover and availability.

Dubai Mall Parking Zones Explained

Dubai Mall offers over 14,000 parking spaces across five distinct zones. Understanding these zones is KEY to saving money!

Paid Parking Zones (3 zones)

1. Grand Parking

• Location: Main parking area, multiple levels
• Capacity: 1,602 spaces
• Best For: Department store shoppers, main mall access
• Parking Fee: Applies after free period
• Access: Multiple entrances from Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Road

2. Cinema Parking

• Location: Near Reel Cinemas
• Best For: Movie-goers, entertainment district visitors
• Parking Fee: Applies after free period
• Pro Tip: If you’re just watching a movie (2-3 hours), you’re well within the free period!

3. Fashion Parking

• Location: Fashion Avenue side
• Best For: Luxury shoppers, fashion district access
• Parking Fee: Applies after free period
• Bonus: Closest to high-end boutiques and designer stores

FREE Parking Zones (2 zones – Forever Free!)

4. Zabeel Parking

• Location: Opposite side from main mall entrance
• Capacity: 2,093 spaces
• Cost: FREE – Always, no time limit!
• Catch: Bit of a walk to main mall (10-15 minutes)
• Worth It? Absolutely, if you’re planning a long visit or hate paying for parking

5. Fountain Views Parking

• Location: Near Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa Lake
• Cost: FREE – Always, no time limit!
• Perfect For: Fountain viewers, Burj Khalifa visitors, outdoor dining
• Bonus: Scenic parking with amazing views
• Access: Basement levels accommodate numerous vehicles

Smart Strategy: Park in Zabeel or Fountain Views for FREE, enjoy your full day at the mall, and save all parking fees!

Detailed Dubai Mall Parking Fee Structure

Let me break down exactly what you’ll pay and when:

Weekday Parking Fees (Monday – Thursday)

Duration	Cost	Details
0-4 hours	FREE	Complimentary grace period
4+ hours	AED 20	First charge kicks in
Additional hours	Progressive	Incremental increases
Up to 24 hours	AED 1,000	Maximum daily charge

Example: You arrive Monday 2 PM, leave 7 PM (5 hours total)

• First 4 hours: FREE
• Hour 5: AED 20
• Total: AED 20

Weekend Parking Fees (Friday – Sunday)

Duration	Cost	Details
0-6 hours	FREE	Extended weekend grace period
6+ hours	AED 80	First charge (higher than weekdays!)
Additional hours	Progressive	Incremental increases
Up to 24 hours	AED 1,000	Maximum daily charge

Example: You arrive Saturday 1 PM, leave 8 PM (7 hours total)

• First 6 hours: FREE
• Hour 7: AED 80
• Total: AED 80

Important Notes:

Progressive Pricing: Fees increase the longer you stay. The exact increments aren’t publicly disclosed, but they escalate gradually until hitting the AED 1,000 maximum.

24-Hour Maximum: No matter how long you stay, you won’t pay more than AED 1,000 in a 24-hour period.

No Reset: If you leave and return within 2 hours, the system remembers your original entry time. You can’t “restart” your free period by leaving briefly!

How the Payment System Actually Works

This is crucial to understand because it’s completely automated!

The Technology Behind It

Step 1: Entry

• Advanced cameras scan your license plate as you enter
• No tickets, no barriers (in most areas)
• System logs your entry time and parking zone

Step 2: Tracking

• Your parking duration is tracked in real-time
• System knows which zone you’re in
• Calculates fees based on duration

Step 3: Exit

• Cameras scan your plate again as you leave
• System calculates total time parked
• Determines if fees apply

Step 4: Payment

• Fees automatically deducted from your Salik account
• Usually processes within 24-48 hours
• You’ll receive Salik notification

Step 5: Confirmation

• Check Salik app/account for charges
• Itemized as “Dubai Mall Parking”
• Shows date, time, and amount

What You Need

Mandatory:

• Active Salik tag on your windshield
• Funded Salik account with sufficient balance
• Registered vehicle in Salik system

Not Needed:

• No parking apps to download
• No separate registration
• No physical tickets
• No payment machines (for automated zones)

What If Your Salik Balance Is Low?

Scenario: You park, but your Salik account has AED 5, and you owe AED 20.

What Happens:

• Fee goes into “pending” status
• As soon as you recharge Salik, fee is automatically deducted
• No penalties for delayed payment (as long as you eventually pay)
• However, keep Salik topped up to avoid complications

Pro Tip: Keep at least AED 100-200 in your Salik account to cover both tolls and potential parking fees!

Who Gets FREE Parking (Exemptions)

Certain groups don’t pay Dubai Mall parking fees, even in paid zones:

1. People of Determination (Disabled Persons)

Requirements:

• Must have official disability permit
• Apply through Salik/RTA for exemption
• Display permit visibly in vehicle
• Park in designated accessible spots

How to Apply:

• Visit RTA customer service center
• Provide medical documentation
• Receive exemption certificate
• Register in Salik system

2. Emergency Vehicles

Exempt Vehicles:

• Police cars
• Ambulances
• Fire trucks
• Civil defense vehicles
• Other official emergency services

Always FREE – No registration needed

3. Salik-Exempt Vehicles

Good News: If your vehicle is already exempt from Salik tolls (certain government vehicles, official vehicles), you’re also exempt from Dubai Mall parking fees!

Check Status: Verify through your Salik account or RTA

4. Valet Service Users

Important: If you use Dubai Mall’s valet service:

• Valet handles your car
• You’re NOT charged the automated parking fee
• Valet service has its own separate charges
• Worth considering for convenience!

Smart Strategies to Avoid or Minimize Parking Fees

Strategy 1: Time Your Visit Perfectly

Weekday Strategy:

• Arrive early (10 AM when mall opens)
• Shop/dine for 3.5-4 hours max
• Leave before 4-hour mark
• Cost: FREE

Weekend Strategy:

• Arrive anytime
• Stay up to 5.5-6 hours
• Leave before 6-hour mark
• Cost: FREE

Set a Phone Alarm: 30 minutes before your free period ends!

Strategy 2: Use FREE Parking Zones

Zabeel Parking Plan:

• Park in Zabeel (always free)
• Walk 10-15 minutes to mall entrance
• Stay as long as you want
• Zero parking fees
• Best For: Long shopping days, budget-conscious visitors

Fountain Views Plan:

• Park in Fountain Views (always free)
• Enjoy views of Dubai Fountain
• Walk to mall entrance
• Perfect for evening visits
• Bonus: Amazing photo opportunities!

Strategy 3: Combine Activities

Smart Planning:

• Movie (2 hours) + Dinner (1.5 hours) + Quick shopping (30 min) = 4 hours
• Stays within free weekday period
• Enjoy multiple activities without fees

Strategy 4: Metro + Taxi Combo

Alternative Transport:

• Take Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station
• Walk through air-conditioned tunnel to mall
• No parking fees at all!
• No Salik tolls
• No parking stress
• Cost: Metro fare only (AED 3-7 depending on zones)

When It Makes Sense:

• Solo visitors
• Long visits (8+ hours)
• Weekend trips when parking is expensive

Strategy 5: Share Rides

Carpool Benefits:

• Split one parking fee among friends
• One person’s Salik gets charged
• Everyone else rides free
• Social and economical!

Finding Your Car: Dubai Mall Navigation

Dubai Mall’s parking is MASSIVE. Here’s how not to lose your car:

Before You Leave Your Car:

1. Take a Photo:

• Snap your parking zone sign (Grand P1, Fashion Level 3, etc.)
• Photograph nearby landmarks or column numbers
• Takes 5 seconds, saves 30 minutes of searching later!

2. Note Your Location:

• Each parking area has color-coded zones
• Columns are numbered
• Write it down or save in phone notes

3. Use Dubai Mall App:

• Download official Dubai Mall app
• Features “Find My Car” function
• Enter your parking details
• App guides you back

If You Forget Where You Parked:

Option 1: Dubai Mall App

• Use car locator feature
• May require license plate number

Option 2: Security Assistance

• Ask mall security for help
• Provide license plate number
• They can check camera systems

Option 3: Customer Care

• Call: 800-382246255 (800-DUBAI-MALL)
• Available 24/7
• Staff can assist with vehicle location

Pro Tip: Most smartphone cameras have location tagging. Your photo’s metadata shows exactly where you took it!

Comparing Dubai Mall to Other Malls

How does Dubai Mall parking compare?

Mall of the Emirates

• System: Parkin (different from Salik)
• Free Period: 5 hours
• Fees: AED 20+ after free period
• Max: AED 350 for overnight
• Payment: Parkin app, not Salik

City Centre Deira

• Free Parking: With AED 150 purchase receipt
• Additional Free: 3 hours with VOX Cinema tickets
• Otherwise: Hourly charges apply

Dubai Festival City Mall

• Regular Parking: Free for visitors
• Valet: Available at premium entrances
• VIP Areas: Near IKEA, Marks & Spencer

Dubai Marina Mall

• Free Parking: Limited duration
• Weekend: FREE parking on weekends!
• Overnight: Not allowed

Verdict: Dubai Mall’s system is more expensive after the free period, but the grace periods (4-6 hours) are generous enough for most visits.

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: “I Don’t Have a Salik Tag”

Solution:

• Get Salik tag immediately! Required for most Dubai driving
• Purchase at: Petrol stations, RTA centers, some car washes
• Cost: AED 100 (AED 50 tag + AED 50 initial balance)
• Register online: salik.ae
• Alternative: Park in Zabeel or Fountain Views (FREE zones)

Problem 2: “Salik Deducted But I Was Within Free Period”

Possible Reasons:

• You may have exceeded the time without realizing
• System malfunction (rare)
• Previous visit’s fees delayed

Solution:

• Check exact entry/exit times in Salik history
• Contact Dubai Mall customer service: 800-382246255
• File dispute through Salik if error confirmed
• Keep parking zone photos as proof

Problem 3: “I Can’t Find Parking”

Peak Times (Hardest to Park):

• Weekends 4 PM – 10 PM
• Thursday evenings
• Public holidays
• Dubai Shopping Festival
• Eid holidays

Solutions:

• Arrive early morning (before noon)
• Use Zabeel or Fountain Views (less crowded)
• Try weekday mornings
• Consider metro instead

Problem 4: “My Rental Car Got Charged”

What Happens:

• Salik charges go to rental car’s account
• Rental company pays, then bills you
• Usually includes admin fee (AED 20-50 extra!)

Prevention:

• Park in FREE zones only
• Stay within free time periods
• Ask rental company about their Salik/parking fee policy

Problem 5: “Lost Ticket” (Older P-System Areas)

Some Dubai Mall parking areas still use older ticket systems:

Solution:

• Find payment machine
• Select “Lost Ticket” option
• Pay maximum daily fee
• Usually AED 50-100
• Keep receipt for gate exit

Best Times to Visit Dubai Mall (Parking Perspective)

Easiest Parking:

Weekday Mornings (10 AM – 1 PM)

• Mall just opened
• Plenty of spaces
• Within free 4-hour window
• Least stressful experience

Sunday-Tuesday Afternoons

• Moderate crowds
• Good availability
• Still manageable

Most Difficult Parking:

Weekend Evenings (5 PM – 11 PM)

• Peak shopping hours
• Limited spaces
• Higher fees after 6 hours
• Long waits for spots

Public Holidays & DSF

• Dubai Shopping Festival = parking nightmare
• Eid holidays = extremely crowded
• National Day = packed
• Consider metro seriously!

Additional Tips & Insider Knowledge

Tip 1: Download These Apps

• Dubai Mall app (car finder, offers)
• Salik app (balance checking)
• RTA Dubai (metro planning)
• Google Maps (traffic avoiding)

Tip 2: Weather Matters

• Summer (May-Sept): Park closest to entrance (brutal heat)
• Winter (Nov-Mar): Zabeel walk is pleasant
• Consider covered parking in summer

Tip 3: Know Your Exits

• Each parking zone has multiple exits
• Some lead directly to specific mall sections
• Fashion Parking → Fashion Avenue
• Grand Parking → Main mall areas
• Cinema Parking → Entertainment section

Tip 4: Disabled Parking

• Designated spots in all zones
• Closest to elevators and entrances
• Wider spaces for wheelchairs
• Always enforced – don’t park illegally!

Tip 5: EV Charging

• Electric vehicle charging stations available
• Usually in Grand and Fashion parking
• Check Dubai Mall website for exact locations
• Charging while shopping = time efficient!

Tip 6: Valet Services

• Multiple valet points around mall
• Premium service but convenient
• No automated Salik parking charges
• Valet service has separate fees
• Tip expected (AED 10-20)

Tip 7: Check Before You Go

• Visit thedubaimall.com for updates
• Parking policies can change
• Special event parking arrangements
• Construction/renovation closures

Tip 8: Group Visits

• One car for multiple people = one parking fee
• Split the Salik charge
• Economical for families/friends

FAQs About Dubai Mall Parking

Is Dubai Mall parking free?

Partially! Weekdays offer 4 hours free, weekends offer 6 hours free in Grand, Cinema, and Fashion zones. Zabeel and Fountain Views are always completely free with no time limits.

How much does it cost to park at Dubai Mall for 24 hours?

Maximum AED 1,000 for 24 hours in paid zones. Zabeel and Fountain Views remain free even for 24 hours.

Do I need a Salik account to park at Dubai Mall?

Yes, for paid zones (Grand, Cinema, Fashion). Fees automatically deduct from Salik. Alternative: Park in free zones (Zabeel, Fountain Views) where Salik isn’t needed.

Can tourists park at Dubai Mall?

Absolutely! The system works for any vehicle with Salik tag, including rental cars. Fees charged to the registered Salik account (usually rental company, then billed to you).

What happens if I exceed the free parking time?

After 4 hours (weekdays) or 6 hours (weekends), charges begin: AED 20 weekdays, AED 80 weekends. Fees automatically deducted from Salik within 24-48 hours.

Where is the cheapest parking near Dubai Mall?

Zabeel Parking and Fountain Views Parking at Dubai Mall itself are completely FREE with no time limits! Closest free parking available.

How do I pay for Dubai Mall parking?

Completely automatic via Salik – no payment machines, apps, or tickets needed. Just ensure your Salik account has sufficient balance.

Can I get parking validation at Dubai Mall?

Not in the traditional sense. The free 4/6-hour grace period applies to everyone automatically. No need for restaurant/store validation stamps.

Final Thoughts

Dubai Mall parking has evolved from the chaotic free-for-all to a smart, automated system that actually works pretty well once you understand it. Yes, there are fees after the grace period, but here’s the reality: most visitors spend 2-4 hours at the mall anyway, which means you’re parking for FREE!

My Personal Strategy:

• Weekday visits: Arrive around 11 AM, leave by 3 PM = Always FREE
• Weekend visits: Park in Zabeel if staying 6+ hours = Always FREE
• Quick trips: Any paid zone works, stay under time limit
• Long days: Zabeel parking + comfortable walking shoes = Zero fees

Bottom Line: Dubai Mall parking doesn’t have to be expensive or confusing. Time your visit right, know your zones, keep your Salik funded, and you’ll navigate it like a pro.

Now go enjoy that shopping trip without the parking stress! 🛍️🚗

Quick Reference Card:

FREE ZONES: Zabeel, Fountain Views (no limits!)
PAID ZONES: Grand, Cinema, Fashion
FREE PERIODS: 4 hours (weekdays), 6 hours (weekends)
FEES START: AED 20 (weekdays), AED 80 (weekends)
PAYMENT: Automatic via Salik
MAX FEE: AED 1,000/24 hours
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-382246255
WEBSITE: thedubaimall.com

Pro Tip: Set phone alarm 30 min before free period ends! ⏰

Happy shopping! 🎉