Technology & Innovation
Dubai's Barrierless Parking System: What Shoppers at Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira Need to Know
A new, barrierless parking system has been introduced at two of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations—Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Deira—to streamline parking and improve customer convenience. Managed by Parkin, the system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to record vehicle entry and exit times, eliminating the need for traditional ticketing or boom barriers.
To avoid fines of up to AED 150, shoppers are advised to familiarize themselves with how the system works and the applicable fees. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
How It Works
When you enter either mall, your car’s number plate is scanned and logged. Upon exit, the system calculates the duration of your stay. If the parking exceeds the free limit, a payment notification is sent via SMS to the number registered with your vehicle. Users have up to five days to settle charges.
Payment Options
Parking charges can be paid through the Parkin app. Accepted payment methods include Apple Pay, debit/credit cards, and the Parkin Wallet. Frequent visitors can enable AutoPay for automatic deductions, while occasional users can opt for the PayLater feature.
Parking Charges Breakdown
Mall of the Emirates
Free Parking Bonus: VOX Cinemas and Ski Dubai customers get an extra 2 hours free.
City Centre Deira
When Is Parking Free?
Validation for Free Parking
Shoppers spending AED 150 or more can receive a full day of free parking by validating:
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At Mall Customer Service Desks
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At VOX Cinemas
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Through the Parking Management Office
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Via Valet Parking (automatically validated)
Fines and Penalties
Users must pay outstanding parking fees within five days. Failing to pay within:
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2 days: You’ll receive an SMS reminder
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3 days: You’ll get a follow-up phone call
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After 3 days, A Dh150 fine is applied
Unauthorized use of People of Determination parking spaces results in an AED 1,000 fine if a valid permit is not displayed.
This system reflects Dubai’s push toward smart mobility solutions, offering more convenience and fewer delays while ensuring regulatory compliance through tech-driven infrastructure.