Effective from March 2022, the updated parking schedule now designates Sunday as the free parking day, beginning at 6:00 PM and continuing until 8:00 AM the following day. However, you have to pay the parking fee from 8 AM to 6 PM and again from 8 PM to 12 Midnight. This schedule is applicable from Monday to Saturday.

In Dubai, public parking is traditionally free on Sundays and official public holidays. This policy, managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), applies to most standard on-street parking zones (Categories A, B, C, and D). However, there are significant exceptions to this rule in 2026. Parking in "premium" areas or specialized zones—such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), certain areas in Dubai Silicon Oasis, or multi-storey parking garages—usually remains a paid service 24/7, including Sundays. Additionally, during major holidays like Eid al-Fitr or New Year's Day, the RTA typically announces specific "free" windows that may extend across multiple days. It is crucial for drivers to check the digital signage or the RTA mobile app before leaving their vehicle, as some high-traffic zones (like those labeled with Code F or Code G) have recently transitioned to variable pricing models that might still charge during peak holiday hours to manage congestion.