The Dubai Mall has recently implemented a paid parking system, much to the delight of shoppers who were able to easily find parking close to the entrance. Regular visitor Tasha Jackson expressed her happiness at the new system, stating that she was able to park right next to the entrance with minimal effort. The new system offers four hours of free parking on weekdays and six hours on weekends, in partnership with Dubai’s road toll operator Salik.
The paid parking system is only applicable to Fashion, Grand, and Cinema parking, while Zabeel and Fountain View parking remain free to the public. Despite the implementation of the paid parking, the Zabeel and Fountain View facilities were still busy early in the morning, with limited availability by midday. Information boards displaying parking prices have been placed around the mall, with costs ranging from Dh20 for up to 5 hours, Dh500 for 12 to 24 hours, and Dh1000 for over 24 hours.
Only cars with Salik tags can access the paid parking facilities, as per the operators. However, the method of detecting or stopping cars without Salik tags is unclear. Some individuals, such as S.M. who works at Emaar Square next to Dubai Mall, have been negatively impacted by the new parking rules. S.M. mentioned that parking at Emaar Square is difficult and expensive, leading her to consider alternative commuting options like taking the metro to work.
The paid parking system has streamlined the parking process for many shoppers, allowing them to quickly find parking near the entrance. The ease of parking has resulted in a more pleasant shopping experience, with shoppers able to spend less time searching for parking and more time enjoying their time at the mall. Information boards displaying parking prices help shoppers plan their visit accordingly and understand the costs associated with parking at the Dubai Mall.
The implementation of a paid parking system at the Dubai Mall has had mixed reactions from visitors, with some experiencing challenges with parking at nearby offices like Emaar Square. However, the majority of shoppers seem to appreciate the convenience and efficiency of the new system. Overall, the paid parking system has created a more organized and efficient parking experience at the Dubai Mall, benefiting both shoppers and the mall management. Shoppers can now enjoy a seamless parking experience and spend more time exploring the various offerings at one of the world’s largest shopping destinations.