Dubai, UAE – A rising number of residents of the UAE are selling their second cars due to the growing financial burden of parking costs. With parking fees reaching as high as Dh550 per month, many families are reconsidering the need for multiple vehicles.
The parking fee in Dubai, particularly in densely populated residential and commercial areas, has become a significant monthly expense. Premium parking zones charge up to Dh10 per hour, and many residents report struggling to find affordable or free alternatives near their homes or workplaces.
“Paying over Dh500 just for parking made my second car more of a liability than a convenience,” said Sana M., a Sharjah-based commuter who works in Downtown Dubai. “Selling it was the smarter financial decision.”
The UAE parking fee system varies by emirate, but in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, public parking is often limited and competitive. Private parking rentals in residential towers or commercial buildings can cost between Dh300 and Dh600 per month, depending on the location.
Aside from parking, residents of UAE cities also cite additional costs such as fuel, insurance, Salik tolls, and maintenance as reasons for cutting down to one vehicle per household.
Public transportation alternatives, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and ride-hailing apps, have become more attractive for daily commuting.
Urban planning experts note that as UAE cities continue to grow, parking availability will remain a concern.
In response, authorities are investing in smarter mobility solutions and encouraging the use of public transit to reduce congestion and parking demand in UAE cities.
For now, with the UAE parking fee putting pressure on household budgets, many residents of the UAE are taking a hard look at the true cost of vehicle ownership—and deciding that less is more.
