Dubai’s major malls have new paid parking systems - Here’s how to avoid fines and maximise free hours

Dubai: Planning a visit to one of Dubai’s major malls but confused by the new parking system? Several of the city’s busiest shopping centres have introduced barrier-free, automated parking to improve traffic flow and cut down wait times at entry and exit points. This guide explains how the system works at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and BurJuman Mall, including parking charges, free hours, and potential fines.

In July 2024, Dubai Mall introduced a paid parking system in partnership with Salik, the city’s toll gate operator. Certain parking zones remain free, while fees for paid zones are automatically deducted from the vehicle owner's Salik account - no barriers, no tickets.

According to Salik, upon entry, your vehicle’s plate is scanned and linked to your Salik account. When you exit, the system calculates the time spent and deducts the parking fee from your account automatically.

Due to expansion work the 694-space Grand Parking zone is closed for the upcoming Grand Drive (opening August). Ramps at Financial Centre and Grand Drive valet are temporarily closed and traffic is being rerouted via Grand Drive and Cinema Parking P3. Recommended parking zones include the Fashion, Cinema, or Zabeel.

Weekdays

Weekends

Both malls have introduced barrier-free systems operated by Parkin, Dubai’s public parking operator, using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

Cameras scan your vehicle number plate at entry and log the time and upon exit, the system calculates your parking duration. If you exceed the free period, a notification is sent to your registered mobile number.

Payments can be made through:

For Parkin operated spaces in Malls, 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.

BurJuman Mall launched its Smart Parking System in May, also using ANPR technology to monitor parking duration. The system is entirely paperless and requires visitors to validate their vehicle through designated payment kiosks, as no automated payment reminders are sent.

Parking is free for the first three hours daily, with an additional three-hour grace period for VOX Cinema guests who validate their tickets. Parking is also free on Sundays and UAE public holidays.