Planning to visit the Burj Khalifa soon? Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, one thing hasn’t changed—parking can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the layout.
What has changed is how parking works in 2025.
Dubai Mall, which features the main entrance to Burj Khalifa, introduced a new paid parking system in mid-2024. That means parking and walking in are no longer simple.
This guide walks you through everything—from which zones are still free, to how much you’ll pay, and how to avoid surprise charges. If you’re heading to the top of the world, ensure your parking situation is sorted first.
- Overview of Burj Khalifa parking
- How parking now works
- Paid and free zones
- Parking Fees and Payment Structure
- Best parking for Burj Khalifa visitors
- EV drivers and accessibility
- Valet parking
- Navigation inside the mall
- Tips to make parking easier
- Staying too long? Here’s what happens
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of Bruj Khalifa parking
Dubai Mall is one of the busiest places in the UAE. That’s no exaggeration. It’s packed with tourists, shoppers, and residents almost every day.
The Burj Khalifa entrance is inside the mall, making parking even more competitive, especially on weekends or public holidays. If you arrive during peak hours, you might not get the spot you want, or worse, end up paying more than expected.
A bit of planning goes a long way.
How parking now works
Dubai Mall uses a plate-recognition system. There are no tickets or barriers. When you drive in, your licence plate is scanned automatically, and the system tracks how long you stay.
When you exit, the system calculates your fee and deducts it directly from your Salik account. There are no kiosks or tickets to deal with. It’s quick, but only if you know how it works.
No Salik account? You may need to register your vehicle or settle the payment online before leaving.
Paid and free zones
Not all parking areas inside the Dubai Mall complex charge fees. Some are free, while others are part of the new paid system.
Paid zones
These are closer to the mall’s main attractions:
- Fashion Parking
- Cinema Parking
- Grand Parking (temporarily closed)
Free zones
- Zabeel Parking
- Fountain Views Parking
These are a bit further out but offer a good alternative if you’re staying longer or watching your budget. Please note that Grand Parking is currently undergoing renovation. So you’ll need to choose an alternative zone until it reopens.
Parking Fees and Payment Structure
Free hours before fees kick in
Even in paid areas, you’re not charged immediately. Dubai Mall gives you a free grace period:
- Monday to Thursday – First 4 hours are free
- Friday to Sunday & public holidays – First 6 hours are free
However, here’s the critical point: once you exceed the free time, charges apply from the moment you enter, not just from when your grace period ends. So, even being 10 minutes late can mean an extra hour being charged.
Parking fees
If you stay past the free hours, here’s what you’ll be charged (AED):
Monday–Thursday (Weekdays)
- 4 to 5 hours – AED 20
- 5 to 6 hours – AED 60
- 6 to 7 hours – AED 80
- 7 to 8 hours – AED 100
- 8 to 12 hours – AED 200
- 12 to 24 hours – AED 500
- Over 24 hours – AED 1,000
Friday–Sunday (Weekends)
- First 6 hours – Free
- 6 to 7 hours – AED 80
- 7 to 8 hours – AED 100
- 8 to 12 hours – AED 200
- 12 to 24 hours – AED 500
- Over 24 hours – AED 1,000
This fee schedule only applies to Fashion, Cinema, and Grand parking (once it reopens). The free zones remain unaffected for now.
Best parking for Burj Khalifa visitors
For the shortest indoor walk to the Burj Khalifa entrance, aim for the Fashion Parking, specifically the P1 or P2 levels. It brings you close to At the Top and the Burj Khalifa Lounge.
If that area is complete, try Cinema Parking. It’s slightly further but still provides an air-conditioned route to the tower.
Avoid Grand Parking until it officially reopens.
EV drivers and accessibility
Electric vehicle charging stations are available, especially near Fashion Parking. Spaces are limited, so come early if you need to charge your car while you’re inside.
If you have a People of Determination permit, you can park for free, even in paid areas. Just make sure your permit is clearly visible.
Valet parking
If you’re heading to a restaurant or hotel within the Dubai Mall area, you can use valet parking. This is separate from the mall’s parking system.
Costs vary depending on the venue. Some offer complimentary valet for guests, while others charge a flat rate. Always confirm in advance.
Discover: Luxury Hotels Near Burj Khalifa
Navigation inside the mall
Once you’ve parked, look for signs pointing to:
- Burj Khalifa Entrance
- At the Top
- Fashion Avenue
Most routes to the Burj Khalifa are located near the Lower Ground floor. The walk is usually indoors and comfortable, especially if you’re coming from Fashion or Cinema Parking.
Take a photo of your parking zone, especially if you’re in a rush, to help you find your car later.
Explore: All About Restaurants Near Burj Khalifa
Tips to make parking easier
Here’s how to make your visit smoother:
- Arrive early to secure your preferred parking spot.
- If you plan to stay 4–6 hours, consider using the free zones, such as Zabeel.
- Take note of your entry time so you don’t get caught out by the grace period.
- Ensure your Salik account has enough balance before arriving.
- Don’t park in restricted areas. Fines are steep, and towing is possible.
Staying too long? Here’s what happens
If you leave your car for over 24 hours, expect a hefty bill of up to AED 1,000.
The system tracks time from the moment you enter, and overstaying can lead to penalties or towing. It’s not worth the risk.
Overnight parking isn’t advised unless it has been approved by the mall or is associated with a hotel booking.
Key takeaways
Parking at the Burj Khalifa in 2025 requires planning due to the Dubai Mall’s updated paid parking system. Fashion and Cinema Parking zones offer the best indoor access but charge after a free grace period. Free zones, such as Zabeel and Fountain Views, are available if you don’t mind a longer walk. Valet is an option for hotel or dining guests. Always track your entry time, keep your Salik account ready, and avoid overstaying to prevent fines.
FAQs
Yes, but only for a limited time—4 hours on weekdays, 6 hours on weekends, in paid zones like Fashion and Cinema Parking.
Fashion Parking (P1/P2) offers the shortest indoor walk to the Burj Khalifa entrance.
No, general parking cannot be pre-booked. Only valet services associated with restaurants or hotels may accept reservations.
Yes, EV charging stations are available in select zones, especially near Fashion Parking. Availability is limited.
