Dubai RTA Parking SMS Format: A Simple 2026 Guide

To pay for parking in Dubai via SMS, send a message to 7275 (PARK). The RTA parking SMS format is: [Plate Number]<space>[Zone Number]<space>[Hours]. For example: A12345 123A 2. You will receive a confirmation message. A standard 30 fils transaction fee applies to each SMS.

Quick Guide: Paying for Dubai Parking

• Find Your Zone: Locate the RTA parking sign for the 4-digit zone number (e.g., 382F).
• Send the SMS: Text [YourPlate] [Zone] [Hours] to 7275. (Example: K40192 382F 1)
• Check Confirmation: Wait for the confirmation SMS before leaving your vehicle.

How to Pay for RTA Parking Using the SMS Format?

The RTA’s mParking service is the fastest way to pay for public parking in Dubai without using a meter or an app. The cost is deducted directly from your Etisalat or DU mobile balance or added to your post-paid bill.

Step 1: Locate the Parking Zone Number

Every paid parking area in Dubai is marked with a bright orange RTA sign. This sign clearly displays the 4-digit parking zone number (e.g., 123A, 382F) and the applicable paid parking hours.

You must enter this exact zone number into your SMS.

Step 2: Compose Your SMS

Open the text messaging application on your mobile phone. You will create a new message with three pieces of information separated by a single space.

The format is: PlateNumber<space>ZoneNumber<space>Hours

Step 3: Send the SMS to 7275

The official Dubai parking SMS number for the mParking service is 7275 (PARK).

For a Dubai-registered car with plate number K40192 parking in zone 382F for 1 hour, the SMS would be:

K40192 382F 1

Send this message to 7275.

Step 4: Receive Your Virtual Permit

After a few seconds, you will receive a confirmation SMS from “RTA” or “PARKING”. This message is your virtual parking permit. It confirms your plate number, zone, and the exact expiry time.

Do not leave your vehicle until you have received this confirmation. If you do not receive it, check your mobile credit or the format of your sent message.

RTA Parking SMS Format for Other Emirates (Non-Dubai Plates)

If your car is registered in another emirate, you must add an emirate code to the beginning of the SMS. This is the most common mistake motorists make.

How to pay for parking in Dubai for an Abu Dhabi plate?

To pay for parking for an Abu Dhabi-registered car, start the message with AUH followed immediately by your plate code (the small number beside the main plate number), then a space and your plate number.

For an Abu Dhabi plate with code 16 and number 12345, parking in zone 123A for 2 hours, the SMS is:

AUH16 12345 123A 2

SMS Format Table for All Emirates

Here is the complete list of codes required for non-Dubai vehicles.

Emirate	Emirate Code	Example SMS Format (to 7275)
Abu Dhabi	AUH	AUH16 12345 123A 2
Sharjah	SHJ	SHJ3 54321 382F 1
Ajman	AJM	AJMB 11223 123A 1
Ras Al Khaimah	RAK	RAKC 7890 382F 2
Fujairah	FUJ	FUJA 4455 123A 1
Umm Al Quwain	UAQ	UAQB 6789 382F 1

Note: Write the emirate code and your plate code together (for example AUH16 or SHJ3), then a space and the plate number. Dubai-registered plates need no emirate prefix: write your plate code and number together (for example A12345).

Parking for motorcycles

Motorcycles can also use the mParking service. Start the message with the letter B and a space, then the usual plate details. For example, for a Sharjah-registered motorcycle: B SHJ15 12345 335C 1.

How to Pay for Half-Hour Parking in Dubai?

Half-hour tickets are valid in Zone A only (zone codes ending in the letter A). In other zones, the shortest ticket is one hour.

The half-hour SMS format

To pay for 30 minutes, replace the number of hours with 30. The system also accepts 0.5, .5, 1/2, 30min and 30mins.

• Format: [Plate Number]<space>[Zone Number]<space>30
• Example: D54321 318A 30

This will charge you for a 30-minute session. You will receive a confirmation SMS as usual.

Understanding Costs, Renewals, and Timings

Using the SMS service involves more than just the parking tariff.

The 30 fils transaction fee

For every parking SMS you send (including new sessions and renewals), your telecom provider (DU or Etisalat) will add a transaction fee of 30 fils.

This is in addition to the parking tariff for that zone. Since 1 June 2026, Dubai parking fees include 5% VAT: premium spaces cost AED 6.30 per hour at peak times (8:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday) and AED 4.20 off-peak, while standard spaces cost AED 4.20 per hour at peak times and between AED 2.10 and AED 4.20 off-peak, depending on the zone.

How to renew your parking

You do not need to send a new SMS to extend your time. The RTA will send you a reminder message approximately 10 minutes before your virtual permit expires.

To extend your parking for one additional hour, simply reply to this reminder message with the letter Y. The system will automatically renew your session and send a new confirmation.

Standard parking hours in Dubai (2026)

As of 2026, RTA public parking is generally a paid service from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Parking is typically free on Sundays and official public holidays. Always double-check the parking sign in your specific zone, as multi-storey car parks and special zones may have different rules.

Pro Tip: Save Time with a Template

If you frequently park in the same zones (like near your home or office), create SMS templates or contacts in your phone. For example, a contact named “Work Parking” with the number 7275 and the message A12345 316F 1 pre-filled. This saves you from typing the plate and zone every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Zone Number: Sending an SMS for zone 382F while parked in 382E can result in a fine. Always double-check the sign closest to your vehicle.
• Wrong Plate Format: Forgetting the emirate code (e.g., AUH for Abu Dhabi) is the most common error for non-Dubai visitors and will cause the payment to fail.
• Not Checking Confirmation: Sending the SMS does not mean you have paid. You must wait for the confirmation message. If it doesn’t arrive, you are not covered.
• Letting Time Expire: Forgetting to renew your parking is a common way to get a fine. Set a personal alarm on your phone in addition to the RTA reminder.

Final Thoughts

The RTA parking SMS format is a highly convenient tool for all motorists in Dubai. By using the correct Plate-Zone-Hours structure and remembering to add an emirate code for non-Dubai plates, you can pay for parking in seconds and avoid fines.

Always confirm the zone number and wait for the confirmation SMS to ensure your parking is valid.

This guide is for informational purposes. All fees, timings, and regulations are set by the RTA and are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last updated: October 2026

Reviewed by: Aasim Akhtar, Dubaihowto GCC Transport Specialist