Avoid Dh150 fines at Dubai malls: What you need to know about the new parking system
How parking works at Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira, and when it's free
Dubai: Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira, two of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations introduced a ‘barrierless’ parking system earlier this year. According to Parkin, the service provider, this upgrade aims to streamline entry and exit, offering shoppers a smoother parking experience. But to avoid unwanted fines, here’s everything you need to know about how the system works and how to pay.
How does the new parking system work?
The parking system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to track how long your vehicle is parked. When you enter either mall, cameras scan your number plate and log the time of entry. Upon exit, the system checks how long you’ve stayed. If you’ve exceeded the free parking period, a notification is sent to the mobile number linked to your vehicle with payment details.
How to pay for parking
You can pay for parking through the Parkin app or website (parkin.ae). Payment methods include - Apple Pay, credit/debit cards and Parkin Wallet (a digital wallet in the app).
To make things easier, frequent visitors can activate the AutoPay feature via the Parkin app, which requires setting up a Parkin account. Once enabled, parking charges are automatically deducted from your Parkin Wallet every time your registered vehicle exits a multistorey car park—helping you avoid late payment fines. Visitors without an account can use the PayLater option.
Parking charges
Mall of the Emirates
Free: Up to 4 hours
Dh20: 4 to 5 hours
Dh40: 6 to 7 hours
Dh80: 7 to 8 hours
Dh100: More than 8 hours
Dh200: Overnight parking (2am to 6am)
Note: Driving through the Mall of the Emirates car park is subject to a Dh3 fee.
City Centre Deira
Free: Up to 3 hours
Dh20: 3 to 4 hours
Dh40: 4 to 5 hours
Dh60: 5 to 6 hours
Dh100: 6 to 7 hours
Dh150: More than 7 hours
Dh350: Overnight parking (4am to 6am)
When is parking free?
Mall of the Emirates: Free parking applies Monday to Friday, for up to 4 hours.
City Centre Deira: Free parking is available Monday to Saturday, for up to 3 hours.
Additional free parking benefits:
At Mall of the Emirates, VOX Cinemas and Ski Dubai visitors get an extra two free hours.
Can you get your parking validated?
If you spend Dh150 or more at either mall, you can get a full day of free parking. Here’s how to validate:
Mall Customer Service Desk – Present your shopping receipt.
VOX Cinemas Customer Service – Show your cinema ticket to waive parking charges.
Parking Management Office – Mall staff can assist with validation if you’ve made qualifying purchases.
Valet Parking – If you’ve used the valet service, your parking is automatically validated.
Parking fines and penalties
You have five days to pay any outstanding parking charges. If payment isn’t made within two days, you’ll receive an SMS reminder, followed by a phone call on the third day. If payment is still pending after three days, a Dh150 fine is applied under UAE parking regulations.
Misuse of People of Determination parking spaces carries a Dh1,000 fine if you don’t display a valid permit, use an expired one, or fail to show it correctly.
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