Residents in certain Dubai neighborhoods are gearing up for increased expenses as public parking fees are set to be introduced by the end of July. For Khaled Hossein (name changed), an Egyptian expat living in Arjan, this change means an additional Dh300 monthly expense for his family, potentially totaling Dh4,000 annually. To manage these costs, Hossein is contemplating selling the family’s second car.
Impact on Residents
Arjan, along with Jaddaf Waterfront, Al Sufouh Gardens, Dubai Land Residence Complex, Majan, and Liwan 1 & 2, will see the implementation of new paid parking spaces. Motorists will encounter higher fees for premium spots. Hossein’s family, which resides in a Zone B parking area, faces tariffs starting at Dh3 per hour between 8 am and 10 pm. Hossein’s wife, who returns from work around 6 pm, will incur parking fees amounting to Dh12 for four hours daily, Dh80 weekly, and Dh320 monthly.
Although a seasonal parking card is available for Dh4,500 per year, the family is evaluating whether to sell their second car to avoid these extra costs, which add to their Dh46,000 annual rent for a one-bedroom apartment. “We used to enjoy free parking in our community,” said Hossein, expressing their dissatisfaction with the new charges.
Challenges for Mall Visitors
Visitors to malls must also be cautious about their parking time. From July 1, Dubai Mall will implement parking fees for stays exceeding four hours on weekdays or six hours on weekends. Fees can reach up to Dh1,000 for 24-hour parking. However, some areas will remain free, and certain individuals will be exempt.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, a traffic safety researcher and former head of Traffic Studies at Dubai Police, stated, “Parking costs add to the overall living expenses, but having a guaranteed parking spot is invaluable.” Al Dah emphasized that paid parking can reduce haphazard parking and improve traffic flow. He cited Burjuman Mall as an example where paid parking improved the shopping experience by preventing misuse of parking spaces.
Dr. Monica Menendez, associate dean of Engineering for Graduate Affairs at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), added that parking pricing is a regulatory tool. “Parking fees can discourage traffic in certain areas and generate revenue for enhancing other transportation services,” she explained. Menendez highlighted the need for viable transportation alternatives to ensure that parking fees do not disproportionately affect those unable to afford them.
