RTA Seasonal Parking Card UAE Guide

Are you tired of paying for parking in Dubai? If you regularly use paid parking in Dubai, an RTA seasonal parking card could cost less than paying for each visit. The permit is linked to your vehicle’s number plate and covers eligible public parking zones for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.

There are two main options: Category A covers zones A, B, C and D, while Category B covers zones B and D. Neither guarantees an available parking space, and both are valid only in Dubai.

This guide covers the latest published prices, parking zones, exclusions and application steps, plus how to decide whether a seasonal permit is worth buying.

Before going through the next parts, check and compare these options at a glance:

Tip: Don’t choose a permit based only on price. A cheaper Category B permit won’t cover a parking space marked A or C.

What Does the RTA Seasonal Parking Card Cover?

The choice of the RTA seasonal parking cards lets you park in validated public parking zones all along Dubai with no payment on visit. The subscription is linked to your vehicle’s number plate and remains valid for your chosen period.

However, a seasonal card doesn’t give you priority over other drivers or reserve a space. It also doesn’t cover private car parks, restricted spaces or every paid parking area in Dubai.

Which Parking Zones Are Included?

Coverage comes from the permit category:

• Category A: Covers parking zones A, B, C, and D.
• Category B: Covers parking zones B and D only.

The card applies to eligible public parking spaces, not private car parks or restricted areas.

Where Can’t You Use an RTA Seasonal Parking Card?

According to RTA’s current application service, the standard permits exclude:

• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
• TECOM
• Dubai Healthcare City

Other location-specific restrictions may apply, so check the parking sign before leaving your vehicle.

For details on parking payments, zone codes and other parking options, see our parking guide to Dubai.

What Types Does RTA Seasonal Parking Card Include?!

RTA has different seasonal parking cards which come from exactly where you park in Dubai. Here’s what each option includes.

Category A: My Parking General

With Category A, you can park in zones A, B, C and D. This option suits drivers who park in different parts of Dubai throughout the week.

Category B: My Parking Areas

Category B is for zones B and D only. If most of your parking is in these zones, you may not need to pay for Category A.

Multi-Storey Parking Permits

RTA also offers a separate subscription for its multi-storey car parks. This isn’t part of Category A or B, so you’ll need a different permit if you want to use these facilities.

Where Can’t You Use These Cards?

Standard seasonal parking cards aren’t valid in Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), TECOM or Dubai Healthcare City. Some other locations may also have restrictions.

Trucks, pick-ups and buses aren’t eligible for these permits.

Check the parking zone and any restrictions on the RTA website before you buy a card.

RTA Seasonal Parking Card Prices and Validity

You can buy an RTA seasonal parking card for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. The price depends on the permit category and how long you need it.

RTA Seasonal Parking Card Prices in 2026

Here are the prices for Category A and Category B:

According to RTA, these prices include 5% VAT. Your card becomes valid on the activation date you choose when buying it.

Is an RTA Seasonal Parking Card Worth the Price?

That depends on how much you normally spend on parking.

Say you pay AED 25 a day for parking. Here’s how the monthly cards compare:

• Category A (AED 500): You’d need to park for 20 days a month to match the card’s price.
• Category B (AED 250): You’d reach the same amount after 10 days.

If you park in paid zones almost every working day, a seasonal card could save you money. But if you only drive occasionally or usually park in areas where the card isn’t valid, paying for parking as you go may cost less.

How to Apply for an RTA Seasonal Parking Card

You can buy your seasonal parking card through the official RTA website. Here’s how to apply:

Step 1: Enter Your Vehicle Details

Enter your vehicle’s plate number or traffic file number. Make sure the registration information matches the vehicle you want to use.

Step 2: Choose Your Permit

Select Category A or B, choose the subscription duration and set your activation date. Check the eligible zones before continuing.

Step 3: Provide Your Contact Information

Enter your name, mobile number and email address. RTA uses these details during the application process.

Step 4: Review and Pay

Check the vehicle details, permit category, activation date and total fee. Accept the terms and complete payment.

The permit is digital and linked to the registered vehicle. RTA does not issue a physical parking card for this service.

Can You Use an RTA Seasonal Parking Card with a Rental Car?

Yes, it may be possible, but you’ll need to check with your rental company first. Since the parking card is linked to the car’s number plate, you can’t just use your existing card with any rental car.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Ask your rental company if they allow their cars to be added to an RTA seasonal parking subscription. You’ll also need the vehicle’s registration details, so it’s worth checking everything with them before you pay.

What Happens If You Change Cars?

If you return your rental car and get another one, your parking card won’t automatically work with the new vehicle.

You may be able to update the vehicle details through RTA, but you’ll need to provide the required documents, and there could be a fee. Check with RTA before making the switch, especially if you rent cars regularly.

If you’re visiting Dubai and need a vehicle for your stay, explore our car rental options in Dubai before choosing a parking arrangement.

How to Check or Renew Your RTA Parking Subscription

You can check or renew your seasonal parking card through the RTA website or Dubai app. It’s worth checking the expiry date before it runs out, especially if you use paid parking every day.

How to Check If Your Card Is Still Valid

Before parking, make sure:

• Your subscription hasn’t expired.
• Your car’s number plate is registered correctly.
• The parking zone is included in your subscription.

If you have more than one vehicle linked to your card, check that you’re using the right one.

How to Renew Your Parking Card

Visit the RTA website, find your subscription, check your vehicle details and choose how long you want to renew it for. Then complete the payment.

If you’ve changed cars, you’ll need to update the vehicle details with RTA. You may be asked for ownership documents, and a fee could apply.

One thing to remember: If your card expires before you renew it, you’ll have to pay the usual parking fees until your new subscription is active.

Final Thoughts

The RTA seasonal parking card can make parking in Dubai easier and cheaper if you use paid public parking regularly. Just choose the right category, check which zones it covers and compare the price with what you normally spend on parking.

If you only visit Dubai occasionally or drive a rental car, paying for parking when you need it might be a better choice. Remember, the card only works in selected Dubai parking zones, not across the UAE, and it doesn’t guarantee you a parking space. Check the RTA rules before buying to avoid surprises later.

Frequently Asked Questions