New Dubai parking fees: Some residents to move offices, adjust schedules to avoid higher costs

With just weeks remaining before the variable tariff takes effect, parking codes in several areas have been updated, prompting individuals to reassess their expenses and consider long-term plans

Some residents are reconsidering their long-term plans after Dubai announced a series of changes to the parking system. While few are looking for new offices and a change in routine, others are bracing for the impact of the changes on their business.

Starting next month, Parkin PJSC—a paid public parking facilities operator—will begin enforcing a new variable pricing tariff across Dubai. During peak hours, from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, premium parking will be charged at Dh6 per hour across all public parking zones except on weekends and public holidays.

For Abu Hail resident Janet R (full name withheld on request), the move means she will have to cough up almost double the amount she pays now on car parking. “Our building only has one car parking, so we park our other car on the street in the D parking zone,” she said. “Right now, on average, we pay Dh12 per day. According to my calculation, this will go up to Dh20 with the new pricing scheme. So, I would pay over Dh500 per month just on parking.”

Janet and her husband would have to make several changes to their schedule to reduce parking costs with the new charges. “My husband often avails of the work-from-home option, but with this move, I think he will prefer to go into the office more as his office has free parking,” she said. “Also, we will carefully plan our schedule to ensure that our cars spend the minimal time in the paid parking space during the peak hours.”

With weeks remaining before the variable tariff takes effect, parking codes in several areas have been updated. On several apps, motorists got messages about the new codes that read: “Please be advised that the zone codes have been updated, but the tariff pricing remains unchanged. For example, zone code ‘A’ is now ‘AP’, and the parking fees remain the same.”

Moving office 

Some are counting their losses with the new move. Entrepreneur Uma Bhattathiripad has had an office on Sheikh Zayed Road for over ten years but is “seriously considering” relocating her office elsewhere.

“My office staff are already paying for between nine and ten hours in the office,” Uma said. “Now, collectively, they will have to pay more than Dh2,000 extra per month for parking. It is going to be extremely expensive for them to handle. I am considering moving the office to another part of the town with more parking options.”

Uma hoped authorities would consider introducing more mass parking facilities around Sheikh Zayed Road. “Earlier, there used to be several parking lots where you could get daily or even monthly rates, but most of those have been shut off now,” she said. “I hope RTA will consider introducing mass parking facilities like in Deira and Bur Dubai for more options.”

Bracing for impact

Last month, the congestion pricing policy for event areas was also introduced. It put a fee of Dh25 per hour for paid public parking spaces near event zones and was rolled out around the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) during Gulfood. The fee kicks in only during major events for now.

One organiser is worried that this will impact her event. “Our education show will be held at DWTC and coincides with the Arabian Travel Market in April,” said Tanya Mokle, Project Director of the Global Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX).

“We usually have over 20,000 visitors in three days but this year, we are not sure what to expect because of the parking fees. It is unreasonable to ask parents and educators to pay Dh25 per hour when they want to visit the exhibition and spend a few hours exploring university options. Many take a break from their busy schedules to go home, pick up their kids and then come for the event.” 

She said that it was impossible for organisers to arrange the exhibition for another time of the year. “Our event is very time sensitive as we help universities achieve their student recruitment targets for their September intake,” she said. “Therefore, we have to draw in the right audience to meet with these representatives.”

Source: Khaleejtimes