The largest operator of paid public parking in Dubai has begun changing the signage in different commercial and residential locations across the city to facilitate the rollout of new variable parking rates that are due to come into effect this April. This is part of an ongoing campaign to enhance the parking systems in the city and help ease the parking challenges experienced in the city.
As part of these changes, Parkin, the city’s official parking operator, has notified users through the app concerning changes to the zone codes. The notifications explain that although the zone codes have been modified, the charge pricing remains the same. For example, zone code ‘A’ has now been changed to ‘AP’, but the parking rates remain the same. The new zone codes are intended to assist in the better organization and control of parking facilities in Dubai.
Revised Parking Zones And Charges
Dubai’s metered public parking system is separated into zones A, B, C, D which will now be renamed AP, BP, CP, DP respectively. All regions’ parking slots are further divided into standard and premium slots, each having different rates. These changes are aimed at improving parking management, accessibility, and space utilization in heavily utilized areas.
New Parking Zones
There are other peripheral zones meant for some particular commercial centers in Dubai. Some of these are:
E: Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) vicinity
F: Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City
G: Burj Khalifa, Marasi Bay, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Hills
H: Dubai Silicon Oasis
X: Dubai World Trade Centre vicinity, during events there is a fee of Dh25 per hour
This revised structure of parking zones is intended to enhance the understanding of Dubai motorists while making the experience of parking simpler. Some residents however, especially seasonal parking card holders, have been a bit confused with the drastic change of added new signs.
Motorists’ Concerns Over Seasonal Passes
Some drivers have voiced their worries regarding how these alterations will affect their current parking permits. A Dubai resident and communications consultant, Saad Aqueel, shared with Khaleej Times, “I have a seasonal parking pass for zones A, B, C, and D. Personally, my concern is whether my pass is valid with the new parking codes. I saw so many people on Ittihad Road look baffled by the changes. In any case, I decided to pay for parking to avoid being charged a fine, so even though I have a pass, I paid.”
Aqueel also expressed concern over the seasonal pricing for his recently purchased annual pass of Dh4,500. “My fingers crossed there will not be adjustments to the seasonal pass, along with the hope that it won’t change in price,” he further added.
What This Means for Drivers in Dubai
Although the updates to the parking zones and the implementation of new codes constitute an attempt to improve management of parking spaces, it is only fair to sympathize with the drivers with some confusion which is understandable, particularly for congested zones and where there are numerous parking zones. Residents and non-residents alike should pay attention to these changes and check the updated parking signs as well as the Parkin app to facilitate parking and fine evasion, as well as ensure a hassle-free process.
These changes are yet another example of how the government of Dubai has enhanced public service and the general quality of life for the people living in the emirate. With further evolution and growth of the city, these changes will, as intended, simplify parking in highly commercial as well as residentially dense regions, all while keeping the original tariffs.
