Alright, Dubai drivers, buckle up—well, metaphorically, since you won’t have to stop at parking barriers anymore. Barrierless parking is rolling out at three major malls, and while that means no more fumbling for tickets or queuing at exits, it also means you better keep an eye on your SMS inbox—or risk a Dh150 fine.
No Barriers, No Excuses
The system is already live at City Centre Deira and is making its grand entrance at Mall of the Emirates (MOE) next month. City Centre Mirdif is also joining the club soon. The idea? Seamless entry and exit without the hassle of gates. The reality? A camera will be watching (your car, not you, thankfully) and tracking your license plate as you enter and exit. Instead of scrambling for change or scanning a QR code at a machine, you’ll get an SMS with a payment link.
Sounds smooth, right? Well, there’s a catch. If you don’t pay within three days, boom—a Dh150 fine lands on you like a surprise guest at dinner. Ignore it further? Let’s not go there.
Reminders and Reality Checks
Missed the SMS? No problem—on day two, you’ll get another reminder. Still not paid by day three? Expect a friendly (but firm) phone call. The system is efficient, but there’s no mercy for forgetfulness.
Oh, and if you get creative with parking—like squeezing into a ‘no parking’ spot or occupying a space meant for someone with a permit you don’t have—you’re looking at a hefty Dh1,000 fine. That’s enough dirhams to fund several guilt-free shopping sprees at the mall.
The Million-Dirham Question: Will Parking Fees Go Up?
Short answer: No. Long answer: Still no. Majid Al Futtaim insists that despite this futuristic upgrade, parking rates remain unchanged. Free parking rules also hold steady—three hours at City Centre Deira, four hours at MOE. Plus, if you drop some dirhams in the mall (hello, retail therapy), you can get extra free hours by validating your ticket at customer service desks or at Vox and Ski Dubai.
So, How Does It Work?
Simple:
- Drive in—your car’s license plate gets scanned automatically.
- Enjoy shopping, dining, or just aimlessly wandering.
- Drive out—no barriers, no stops, just keep rolling.
- Get an SMS with a payment link (or pay via Parkin’s wallet for extra ease).
- Pay within three days or face the fine.
The Bottom Line
Barrierless parking is sleek, convenient, and efficient—until you forget to pay. Then it’s just sleek, convenient, and expensive. If you’re someone who regularly ignores SMS notifications, maybe set a reminder. But let’s be honest—if you can remember to check your WhatsApp messages a hundred times a day, you can remember to pay for parking.
So, Dubai, welcome to the future of mall parking—just make sure the only thing you take home is shopping bags, not fines.
