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RTA Seasonal Parking: How It Works and Why It’s a Game-Changer

Dubai’s authorities are always coming up with ideas to make life easier for its citizens. Over the years, it has rolled out excellent policies to improve the quality of life and make Dubai an enjoyable experience for all.

RTA Seasonal Parking: How It Works and Why It’s a Game-Changer

Dubai’s authorities are always coming up with ideas to make life easier for its citizens. Over the years, it has rolled out excellent policies to improve the quality of life and make Dubai an enjoyable experience for all. One such initiative is the RTA Seasonal Parking. It’s a system designed to bring overall convenience and affordability. But what exactly is it, how it works, and why is it a game-changer? Find out in this blog. 

What is Seasonal Parking?

The RTA Seasonal Parking cards allow for hassle-free parking in all paid public parking places in Dubai. It is like a prepaid parking card that is eligible only for light vehicles. Instead of going through the stress of dealing with daily payments or hunting for parking spots, you can use this card for unrestricted parking in pre-decided zones during the standard parking times, that is, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The fact that this card is linked to your car’s number plate makes it easier to use. 

The Seasonal Parking Card comes in two types:

  • Permit A: Designed for use in paid parking zones A, B, C, and D in Dubai

  • Permit B: Can only be used in two paid parking zones—B and D

It is important to note that not all places are included in this permit. The following locations are exceptions to this card: 

  • Gold Souq

  • Dubai Internet City

  • Dubai Media City

  • Knowledge Village

  • Deira Fish Market

  • Dubai Silicon Oasis

  • Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

Who Can Apply For This Seasonal Parking Card?

The seasonal parking card is only for drivers and car owners. The Road and Transport Authority of Dubai has clearly laid out that no trucks, including pickup trucks, or buses can use this permit. Each card comes with a specific validity. The minimum validity of a card is 30 days while the maximum is 1 year.

How to Apply for This Card?

Applying for this card is a matter of a few minutes. Moreover, it is completely online and no physical card is issued. Here are 3 ways to apply for this card: 

On the RTA Website

  • Visit the RTA official website. Under the ‘Driver and Car Owner’ dropdown, click on ‘Parking.’ A drop-down list will appear. Then click on ‘Seasonal Parking Cards.’ Here’s a direct shortcut for you: Seasonal Parking Application

  • Enter your card activation date and vehicle details. There are two ways to add the vehicle details. You can either input your vehicle plate number or use your traffic file number. 

  • Next, you will be asked to select your card category and duration. 

  • Then, you will have to give them your personal details like phone number and email.

  • Finally, check all the information you have given them and process the payment.

  • You will instantly receive a virtual parking card by email. You can also log in to the DubaiNow App or RTA Dubai App to view your card.

On the RTA App

RTA also allows you to apply for this card via an app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices for free of cost. Here’s a quick overview: 

  • Open the RTA Dubai App or DubaiNow app.

  • Log in with your credentials.

  • Follow the same steps as mentioned above for the website application. 

Via the Mahboub Chatbot

Alternatively, you can apply for this card with the help of a virtual assistant, Mahboub Chatbot. Follow the given rules:

  • On the RTA website, scroll down to the ‘Engage with us’ section and click on ‘Chat with Mahboub.’ 

  • The chatbot will ask you for your name, email, and email.

  • Once you submit these details, the bot will ask you for your query. Type in ‘Seasonal Parking Card’ 

  • It will show you the service details along with the button ‘Apply Now.’ Read the details and click on the button.

  • Follow the instructions shown on the screen. Keep your license plate number or your traffic file number handy. Next, pay your fees with a credit card and submit the application.

How Many Vehicles Can You Add Under One Card?

The RTA Dubai lets you add 3 vehicles to one seasonal parking card. However, it has some specific conditions. They are as follows:

  • All three vehicles must be registered under the same traffic file number.

  • Only one vehicle can be parked using the seasonal parking card at one time.

  • If your vehicle is registered outside Dubai, only 1 vehicle can be linked to the card.

  • If issued to a company, only one vehicle can be linked

Costs for Seasonal Parking Card

The fees for parking vary depending on the type of permit and the duration of the card. Below is an overview of the same. 


Type of Permit 

30 days 

3 Months 

6 Months 

Yearly 

My Parking “General”

AED 500

AED 1400

AED 2500

AED 4500

My Parking “Area”

AED 250

AED 700

AED 1300

AED 2400

My Parking “Multi Storey”

N.A.

AED 2000

AED 4000

AED 8000

My Parking “Student”

N.A.

AED 300

N.A.

N.A.

Al Khail Gate Zone

N.A.

AED 1000

AED 1500

AED 2500

Silicon Oasis Zone

N.A.

AED 1400

AED 2500

AED 4500

TECOM Zone

N.A.

AED 700

AED 1300

AED 2500


How Does it Work?

This is the best part! Once you have a virtual seasonal parking card, all you need to do is show it to the parking inspector by logging into your app. Here’s how. 

  • Open the app

  • Select the vehicle and parking zone.

  • The parking inspector will scan your car’s number plate to know if you have a seasonal parking card linked or not. 

What Makes it a Game-Changer?

1. Cost-Effective for Daily Use

If you commute or park daily in urban zones, the parking fees can quickly add up at the end of the month. Seasonal parking offers a more affordable alternative for regular users. 

2. Time-Saving 

All you need to do is have your vehicle plate number scanned to park. There’s no need to fumble for coins, topping up on apps, or stressing about fines. Dubai’s authority takes regulations very seriously and breaking any of them can result in hefty fines. 

3. Eco-Friendly and Paperless

Since it is completely digital, this system eliminates the need for parking slips and reduces paper wastage. Plus, there is no stress of losing your paper slips. 

4. No Stress About Finding a Spot

The seasonal parking card gives you access to some of the reserved or less crowded parking places. Plus, it makes sure you have a designated parking space. Thus reducing the headache of having to look for a spot.

Conclusion

RTA Seasonal Parking is a transformational step by the authorities to improve your travel experience and convenience. By simplifying parking management, it alleviates stress, reduces costs, and promotes efficient use of resources. 

If you’re tired of parking woes, it’s time to explore seasonal parking and embrace the future of urban mobility.