Dubai Introduces Barrier-Free Parking Innovation
Dubai's new barrier-free parking system has been introduced at two popular shopping malls, City Centre Deira and the Mall of the Emirates (MOE), significantly changing the parking experience for visitors. The new system facilitates entrance and exit, but failure to pay the parking fee may result in hefty fines.
How does the new parking system work?
Instead of traditional barrier entry, the system uses automatic license plate recognition cameras to record the arrival and departure of cars. Parking fees must be settled online, and drivers receive a payment link via SMS.
If someone fails to pay the parking fee within three days, a Dh150 fine will be imposed. According to the operator, affected individuals will receive the following warnings:
a. On the second day, an SMS reminder will notify them of their payment obligation.
b. On the third day, a phone call will warn them of the impending fine.
c. After three days, a Dh150 fine will automatically be issued under UAE standard parking regulations.
Stricter penalties and additional rules
Those parking irregularly face even stricter penalties. Drivers who leave their vehicles in unauthorized areas may receive a Dh1,000 fine. This primarily applies to vehicles occupying disabled parking spaces or other designated areas.
Overnight parking is also prohibited in the mall car parks. Vehicles left between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM will incur a Dh200 fine.
The introduction of the system and future plans
Majid Al Futtaim, the company operating the malls, announced last October the implementation of barrier-free parking in three major malls:
a. City Centre Deira (now available)
b. Mall of the Emirates (from February 2024)
c. City Centre Mirdif (planned in the next phase)
The change aims to facilitate smoother parking and reduce congestion, as more than 20 million cars use the car parks of the three malls annually.
Will parking fees change?
Parking fees will not increase with the introduction of the new system. Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, confirmed that they do not plan to raise the fees.
The current fees are as follows:
City Centre Deira and Mall of the Emirates parking fees
1. First 3-4 hours: free
2. 4-5 hours: Dh20
3. 5-6 hours: Dh40
4. 6-7 hours: Dh60
5. 7-8 hours Dh100
6. Over 8 hours Dh150
Parking is free on weekends and public holidays.
How to validate parking with purchases?
Shoppers can receive free parking time by spending a certain amount in the mall.
After a purchase exceeding Dh150, a full day's parking discount can be requested.
An additional 2 hours of free parking is available if visitors buy tickets for Vox cinemas or the Ski Dubai adventure park.
Parking validation is available at the following locations:
a. Mall customer service
b. Vox cinema customer service
c. Parking management office
More convenient payment methods
Due to system automation, there is no need for a paper-based parking ticket. Drivers can easily pay online via the link received by SMS. Alternatively, they can register with the Parkin Wallet, enabling automatic and faster payment.
Conclusion
Dubai's new parking system provides a smoother and faster parking experience, but it is important to adhere to the rules and deadlines. Missing the three-day payment deadline may result in a Dh150 fine, while irregular parking can lead to a Dh1,000 penalty. The new system aims to maximize the efficient use of the mall parking lots without increasing parking fees.
