Dubai's new parking subscriptions offer relief; residents ask for more spaces

Dubai motorists are optimistic as new monthly parking subscriptions have been rolled out, citing the added convenience, reduced risk of fines, and easier day-to-day planning.

The new plan, rolled out by Parkin, allows residents and commuters to subscribe to designated public and roadside parking zones across the city, including areas like Silicon Oasis, Dubai Hills, and Wasl Communities.

Recommended For You

EU agrees to start talks with Gulf nations on strategic ties

UAE: Woman ordered to pay Dh30,000 for insulting another woman on social media

Israel and Syria agree on ceasefire after days of bloodshed in Sweida, says US envoy

How Paris Couture Week 2025 embraced inclusivity

Dubai: Japanese eatery Umi Kei is a tribute to tradition

 

Many residents see it as a much-needed upgrade, while others highlight that limited parking availability and neighbourhood-specific challenges still need to be addressed.

In Silicon Oasis, long-time resident Mohammed Khalid, a logistics supervisor, said the subscription brings welcome relief, especially for families with multiple cars. But his main concern isn’t cost or convenience, its space.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

“I live in a building with very limited indoor parking. We’re a family of six, and we have four cars between us, only two of which can park in the building,” he said.

“This monthly plan will help me not worry about the ticket expiring. It’s more convenient for the entire household,” he added.

While Mohammed appreciates the relief the plan offers, he says the hassle of finding public parking in the neighbourhood still remains.

“Every evening, at least one of us drives around in circles, hoping someone moves their car.”

Still, he sees this as a step in the right direction. “It gives us peace of mind, but more public plots or multi-storey options would make life easier.”

Motorists can avail the service through the mobile application or Parkin website.

Fewer fines

Over in Dubai Hills, 29-year-old HR executive Nour Al Rahma is relieved by the change. The area, known for its mix of tech offices and residential buildings, has seen high parking turnover.

“I’ve been fined twice just because I forgot to renew my parking. You think it’s still valid, but it expired a day before,” she said.

“This subscription solves that — now I can pay for three months upfront and not stress every morning. It’s also good that I can manage everything from the app.”

Nour plans to subscribe to the Dh1,400 package for three months.

“It’s worth it if it saves me from one or two fines — those add up quickly.”

Under the new rules, up to three vehicles can be added to a subscription under the same traffic file registered in Dubai, although only one vehicle can be active at a time. Users can switch between cars every 30 minutes via the app or website.

'No more guessing games'

Another resident of Dubai Hills, Egyptian expat Reem Hassan, who commutes daily to a nearby school, says the program has simplified her daily routine.

“I used to keep checking the clock during meetings or class breaks, worried I was overtime. Now it’s just one flat fee, and I don’t need to think about it,” she said.

Residents with light vehicles in Dubai Hills can now subscribe to zone 631G. The subscription allows only one vehicle to be linked per plan, with pricing starting at Dh500 for one month. Longer-term options include Dh1,400 for three months, Dh2,500 for six months, and Dh4,500 for a full year.

Parkin’s variable parking rates

In April, Parkin introduced new variable parking tariffs across Dubai. Under the revised rates, premium public parking spots cost Dh6 per hour during peak hours — from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm — across all zones, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Paid public parking in Dubai is mainly divided into four zones: A, B, C, and D. Premium areas within these zones are now marked as AP, BP, CP, and DP. These premium spaces typically offer easier access to public transport, such as being within 500 meters of a metro station, or are located in high-density and commercial zones with heavy demand.

Waad Barakat

Staff Writer

• 
• 

waad@khaleejtimes.com

Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.