Discovery Gardens: A New Era of Paid Parking

Paid Parking Launches in Discovery Gardens: What to Know About the New System?

A new era has begun in one of Dubai's popular residential areas, Discovery Gardens: As of January 15, 2026, paid parking has officially been introduced. The aim is to reduce parking chaos, make public parking more transparent, and provide more convenient and safer long-term parking options for residents.

This change particularly affects buildings without their own enclosed parking spaces. With the introduction of the new system, each such housing unit will be entitled to one free parking permit. However, those who own multiple vehicles will need to pay for the additional spaces—and not a small amount.

Free permit for only one vehicle

According to the new regulations, each housing unit without a dedicated parking space is entitled to a single free parking permit. This permit applies solely to the housing unit, not to individual drivers. This means that for a given apartment, only one permit is granted, even if multiple people live there and each uses their own car.

This free permit can be claimed through registration in the Parkonic system. Applications opened on December 24, 2025, with subscriptions for paid permits starting on January 9, 2026.

The fees are not low—but they are manageable

Those who plan to park multiple vehicles in the community zone will have to pay for additional spaces. The monthly subscription fee is 945 dirhams, while a quarterly subscription costs 2,625 dirhams, representing a saving of 210 dirhams compared to monthly payments.

This structure encourages residents to purchase permits for longer periods, making parking costs more predictable. Paid permits are available through the Parkonic website and mobile app, making the process digital and quick.

Hourly parking will also be available—with varying rates depending on the time of day

Those who use the parking lots without a subscription will pay an hourly fee. This fee varies by time of day:

From 8 AM to 5 PM, 4 dirhams per hour

From 5 PM to midnight, 6 dirhams per hour

From midnight to 8 AM, free

This pricing aims to balance traffic flow and avoid overcrowded evening periods.

Why was this needed?

Discovery Gardens has long struggled with parking issues. During the evening hours, many residents could not find an available space and were forced to park on sidewalks or the edges of traffic lanes, which not only posed a risk of fines but was also dangerous for pedestrians and other road users. In some cases, fines could reach up to 500 dirhams.

The community developer, Nakheel, had warned residents via email well in advance of the new system's introduction and urged them to register and obtain their permits in time to avoid inconveniences.

A step towards a more sustainable community life

The aim behind the system goes beyond rationalizing parking. According to Dubai Holding Community Management, the new parking system is part of a comprehensive strategic effort aimed at more efficient community infrastructure utilization and improving living standards.

The new system promotes safer and more accessible community areas while also encouraging residents to reconsider their vehicle usage habits. It is not impossible that some families may even give up a second car if the maintenance costs become too high.

The implementation is not seamless everywhere

Although the system has officially launched, some residents have reported that parking signs have yet to be installed around their buildings, and there is no available information about their Parkonic account status. This could cause temporary disruptions, and it is important for the service provider to clarify the rules in all zones soon and ensure smooth operation of the technical background.

What can residents do now?

The first step for all affected residents is to register on the Parkonic portal and claim their free permit if eligible. Those with multiple cars should consider whether they need additional subscriptions or if parking can be solved in another way—such as using a rented garage or transitioning to public transport.

It is important to note that the system is linked to housing units, not drivers, so the issuance of permits is based solely on the official registration of the apartment. Tenants should coordinate with the landlord to ensure the permit issuance is technically correct.

Summary

The paid parking system launched in Discovery Gardens opens a new chapter in Dubai's community life. The modernization aims not only to eliminate parking chaos but also to establish a more organized urban environment in the long term. Although the transition may initially come with inconveniences, in the long run, residents and visitors will benefit from the new system's transparency and predictability.

Those who act promptly, register, and adapt to the new conditions will not only avoid fines but also make daily life more comfortable in this dynamically developing Dubai community.

(Source: Based on a statement from Dubai Holding Community Management.)