Dubai Expands Smart Parking Solutions

New Paid Parking Zones in Dubai Districts: Parkin System Expansion

Dubai's dynamic urban development and growing vehicle fleet are putting increasing pressure on parking spaces, especially in busier business and residential areas. To handle this, Parkin PJSC, the company operating the city's largest paid public parking system, has taken further steps: introducing coded paid parking in two new areas and announcing the construction of additional parking garages. The aim of this step is not only to reduce traffic congestion but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of urban mobility.

New Zones: Dubai Science City and Dubai Production City

The two new zones recently announced by Parkin are Dubai Science City and Dubai Production City, where the paid parking system categorized under Code F now applies. These areas are rapidly developing innovation and industrial centers, whose growing traffic necessitated the introduction of regulated parking. The parking regulation will be in effect every day of the week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visible signs at the locations will assist drivers in finding designated parking spaces.

Hourly and Longer-Term Fees

In the new parking system, the fees are structured as follows:

1 hour: 4 dirhams, 2 hours: 8 dirhams, 3 hours: 12 dirhams, 4 hours: 16 dirhams, 5 hours: 20 dirhams, 6 hours: 24 dirhams, 7 hours: 28 dirhams, 24 hours: 32 dirhams

The system is transparent and makes it easy for most drivers to plan their daily costs. This can be especially useful for those who regularly work, conduct business, or visit these areas.

Parking Passes: Long-Term Savings for Frequent Users

Parkin offers the opportunity to purchase discounted periodic passes, which can be particularly appealing to workers or businesses in the area. The fees are as follows:

1 month: 315 dirhams, 3 months: 840 dirhams, 6 months: 1,680 dirhams, 1 year: 2,940 dirhams

For those who use parking spaces daily, the pass system is not only more convenient, but also financially beneficial. Additionally, it reduces administrative burdens, as there is no need to pay separately each day.

Multi-Storey Car Parks: A Response to Overloaded Downtown Areas

Parkin's plans do not stop at expanding surface parking. In October, they announced that they will begin constructing five new multi-storey car parks over the next two years. Of these, the first is already under construction in the Al Souq Al Kabeer district, while another – in the Al Sabhka, Al Rigga area – is currently in the design phase. The remaining three facilities will relieve the busy junctions in the Downtown Dubai and Deira districts.

This development represents a significant advance, as these locations are key economic zones where the vehicular traffic often exceeds the area's capacity. The multi-storey car parks will offer a quick, safe, and shaded solution to parking problems.

Further Expansion: Dubai Studio City and Outsource City

Moreover, Parkin has included additional areas in its paid parking system: Dubai Studio City and Outsource City are now part of the zones managed by the company. These locations primarily house creative industry players and outsourced service companies, generating significant daily vehicle traffic. The fee structure in these areas follows a similar pattern to the aforementioned new zones.

More than 3,600 Spaces at Strategic Locations

Parkin currently operates over 3,651 parking spaces in multi-storey car parks in such key districts as Oud Metha, Al Jaffiliya, Baniyas, Naif, Al Ghubaiba, Al Satwa, and Al Rigga. These facilities not only serve as parking areas but also play a crucial role in alleviating traffic jams and improving urban mobility.

The accessible locations and the parking system that is easy to manage digitally (including RTA mParking SMS and app-based payment) have made Parkin's services particularly popular among both residents and visitors.

Why Does This Matter for the Future?

The goal of the paid parking system is not just revenue generation, but also supporting sustainable transportation. Excessive free parking often leads to longer occupation of spaces, reducing the natural flow of traffic. The introduction of fees can encourage drivers to park for shorter periods, use public transportation, or even choose alternative solutions – such as carpooling or electric scooters.

Dubai aims to function as a smart city, where technological and transportation developments go hand in hand with environmental and economic sustainability. Parkin's new step points in this direction: it not only provides a solution to current problems, but also prepares the city for a more liveable future.

Final Thoughts

Parkin's expansion – in the form of both new zones and new car parks – clearly indicates that Dubai is not waiting for parking chaos to take over but is proactively addressing the problems. The well-structured fee system, digital payment options, and periodic passes all serve to have drivers use the city's parking facilities conveniently but thoughtfully. As the city continues to grow, more areas are expected to come under the Parkin system – the goal remains the same: a greener, more liveable, and efficient Dubai.

(Source of the article based on the announcement by Parkin PJSC.)