Drivers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai can now enjoy smoother parking experiences as more malls and business hubs switch to a fully digital system—no tickets, no barriers, and no cash.
As reported by Khaleej Times, tech firm Parkonic has confirmed that Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi will begin charging for parking starting Friday, July 18. Both malls are already equipped with smart cameras that scan vehicle number plates, but charges won’t apply until that date.
At Dalma Mall, drivers can park for free for the first three hours on weekdays, while weekends and public holidays offer all-day free parking. After the free hours, the cost is Dh10 per hour. Payment will be automatic through Salik, meaning the fee is directly deducted from the motorist’s Salik account when exiting.
Details for Al Wahda Mall are still being finalized, according to Parkonic, and Salik won’t be used there yet. Instead, drivers can pay via the Parkonic app, website, or kiosks at the mall.
Dubai has also seen an expansion of this smart parking setup. Golden Mile Galleria in Palm Jumeirah, The Town Mall in Jebel Ali and Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Sports City, and The Palm Monorail have all adopted the system, allowing cashless and barrier-free parking through Salik.
This initiative follows a partnership formed in November 2023 between Parkonic and Dubai’s toll operator Salik PJSC. The goal: to simplify how people pay for parking and remove the hassle of physical tickets or payment booths.
