Paid Parking Woes at Discovery Gardens

Paid Parking Woes at Discovery Gardens: Technical Glitches, Community Concerns, Future Outlook

The popular neighborhood of Discovery Gardens in Dubai witnessed a new chapter in its transportation system as paid street parking operated by Parkonic was implemented earlier this year in January. The aim of this initiative was to optimize parking space usage and alleviate congestion within the community, however, its implementation was marked by significant technical issues, communication shortcomings, and public outrage.

Launch Date and Extended Deadline

Following a free parking permit application opportunity opened by Dubai Holding Community Management on December 24, the paid system was set to start on January 9, 2026. However, numerous residents reported malfunctions in the Parkonic app: they were unable to register their vehicles, previously recorded lease agreements disappeared, and they received no substantive response via email or phone from the service provider.

Due to these technical failures, the provider decided to postpone the initial activation from January 15 to January 19, and extend the registration deadline to 8:00 PM that day. This brought some relief, but issues with the app continued.

Community Feedback: Anger, Fear, and Misunderstandings

A significant portion of the residents felt frustrated and vulnerable. One resident publicly complained that the system was "blocking" registration while the fee payment was already active. Many criticized receiving automatic, template responses from Parkonic, with no assurance that penalties wouldn't be imposed until the registration process was successfully completed.

Responding to the complaints, Parkonic issued a statement: "We understand users' frustration and assure them that issues related to registration during the activation phase will be handled individually and fairly. No need for multiple attempts; we are reviewing and addressing all registration requests in sequence."

Why is a Paid System Necessary?

Discovery Gardens has long struggled with parking issues, particularly due to unauthorized vehicles from outside causing congestion. The goal of implementing a paid system was to ensure fair distribution of spaces and restore order.

Each residential unit without its own parking space is entitled to a free permit. However, fees apply for a second vehicle: 945 dirhams per month, or 2,625 dirhams with a quarterly subscription. Guest parking rates also vary: 4 dirhams per hour between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and 6 dirhams per hour from 5:00 PM to midnight. Previously, midnight to 8:00 AM and Sundays were free, but fees now apply on these days as well.

Social Tension and the "Extra Vehicle" Dilemma

Many find the high fees unjust, particularly for middle-class tenants. Numerous families maintain a second vehicle out of necessity, not luxury, to commute to school, work, or run daily errands. The nearly thousand dirhams per month fee represents a serious financial burden for these families. Additionally, many feel that charging fees on Sundays violates the previous Dubai practice where parking was generally free on this day.

Parkonic responded saying that the fees, regulations, and handling of second vehicles are not of their own decision but follow an approved parking policy jointly accepted by the authorities. Comparisons with parking systems in other Dubai locations – such as shopping malls or hotels – are deemed incorrect as these operate under different purposes and regulations.

Some Welcome the Change

While many protest, others welcomed the system, reporting significant improvements after the first day: 30–40% more free parking spaces became available. Several emphasized that the main issue was outsiders illegally taking residents' parking, and now they are finally able to reclaim their rightful spots.

How to Register?

Residents can submit their applications through the official registration portal operated by Parkonic. For a free permit, it's necessary to submit the deed, the Ejari (lease contract registration), and the lease contract itself. Paid permits can be purchased on the Parkonic website or mobile application.

Documents submitted during registration are verified, and there is no automatic approval. After vehicle activation, tenants can authenticate themselves with a PIN received via email on the Parkonic+ app.

It's important to note that parking permits are issued not to individuals but to residential units. Thus, for example, in a two-bedroom apartment, not two different individuals receive separate permits, but the residential property itself is entitled to the single free permit.

Summary

The introduction of the paid parking system in Discovery Gardens has raised many questions, particularly due to technical glitches and sudden fee implementations. While the goal – restoring parking order – is justified and supported by many, communication errors and excessive costs are causing significant social tensions. The future of the system depends on whether technical issues can be resolved, whether feedback is incorporated into its operation, and whether regulators recognize the community's real needs. For now, Discovery Gardens is in a transitional phase where finding the balance between efficient traffic control and protecting tenants' interests is crucial.

(Source of the article based on Dubai Holding Community Management's statement.)