TL; Dr:
Dubai Introducing 1 hour free parking near mosques at the time of prayer to reduce the crowd and support worshipers.
- The initiative applies to specified areas and is clearly marked with signboard; Violers will still be fined outside the prayer time.
- Applicated by RTA, the rule balances religious needs with traffic control, especially in high density prayer areas.
Effective since August 2025, residents of Dubai worshiped 59 nominated mosques, will benefit from one hour free parking during the time of state-wide prayer, while payment parking operates outside these hours under a new revenue-gradation agreement. The initiative is managed by the Parkin Company on behalf of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activity Department (IACAD).
Approved Parking Scheme: Main Details
- Cover locations: 2,100 parking space in 59 mosques in Dubai (41 standard zone M, 18 premium zone MP).
- Free parking window: one hour during each prayer period, usually 15 minutes before Aden and 45 minutes later.
- Paid Parking: 24/7 outside the prayer time, DH2–4/hour standard sector, premium area on DH3–6/h on the basis of peak/off-pick tariff schedule.
Implementation and management
- Operator: Parkin Company, Dubai has a major payment-parking operator ~ 209,000 spaces. Under the deal, mosque parking adds ~ 2,100 spots to its portfolio.
- Sponsor Authority: The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) through a commercial agreement entrusts the Parkin to the management of mosque parking.
- Rollout: Set to start in August 2025, phases the implementation at the specified mosque sites.
- Enforcement: Free periods were monitored through specified mosque-adjacent parking areas; Violations out of those windows subject to tariff enforcement.
why it matters
- Pooja improves access: Especially Jumma Prayer and Ramadan are more convenient and welcome to the mosque during the evening.
- Reduces misuse: Prayer helps eliminate fishing for free parking sites near mosques outside time.
- Standardized practice: The first place of the incompatible burial of “Grace period” (eg, 45-minute allowances reported in Ramadan and Iftar time).
- City initiative alignment: Dubai’s commitment to improve religious services and civil-centric governance represents the commitment of Dubai.
Dubai’s move to start one hour free parking during prayer in the city mosques is both practical and symbolic, identifying the needs of worshipers while maintaining orders in public parking management. The program is ready to balance access with revenue objectives, with a clear designation of a strong partnership between the mosque-adjacent regions, digital enforcement and a strong partnership between IACAD and Parkin. Starting from this August 2025, mosque-Greas in the Emirates may expect smooth access to consider the widespread objectives and public policy of smart urban planning and low parking tension.
Fasting
- 1. Which mosques provide free parking?
A total of 59 mosques are included in the first phase in Dubai, including both the standard (M) and the premium (MP) parking zone.
- 2. How does one hour free period work?
This includes 15 minutes before Adhan and 45 minutes before the prayer, the designated mosque-adjacent slots include.
- 3. When will the new system start?
A phased rollout under an agreement between Parkin and IACAD will begin this month.
- 4. What happens if you park outside the free window?
Standard and premium per hour rates are applied, which range from DH2 to DH6 per hour depending on space and time.
- 5. Who manages parking operations?
The Parkin company manages the Masjid Parking Space from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activity Department (IACAD) under the oversight.
