Starting this August, Dubai will introduce round-the-clock paid parking around 59 mosques, while continuing to offer free parking for worshippers during prayer time. The initiative follows a new partnership between Parkin Company and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), aimed at improving accessibility, reducing unauthorized use of spaces, and streamlining parking operations in key religious locations.
This decision comes as part of broader efforts to make city infrastructure more efficient and responsive to public needs, especially during peak worship hours.
Where and How This Will Be Applied
The new plan covers approximately 2,100 parking spaces located across the emirate. These will be clearly marked as either:
- Zone M (Standard Parking)
- Zone MP (Premium Parking)
Of the 59 sites selected in the first phase, 41 are designated as standard, and 18 as premium.
Parking charges will apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, outside of designated prayer times. However, during prayer hours, all registered mosque visitors can park free of charge for up to one hour.
What Are the Parking Fees?
The fee structure will follow Dubai’s existing zone-based rates:
Standard Zone M:
- AED 2 for 30 minutes
- AED 4 for 1 hour
Premium Zone MP:
- Off-Peak: AED 2 for 30 minutes / AED 4 for 1 hour
- Peak Hours: AED 3 for 30 minutes / AED 6 for 1 hour
The timings for peak and off-peak hours will follow the city’s defined guidelines for each location. Signage at each mosque site will provide clear information.
Supporting Worshippers and Manage Demand
Parkin’s CEO, Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, explained that the aim is to maintain fair access for mosque-goers and reduce long-standing issues around non-worshipper misuse of parking bays.
He noted that this development will allow for greater parking availability during prayers and efficient regulation during the rest of the day, aligning with Dubai’s goals of offering community-centric mobility solutions.
The CEO also confirmed that Parkin plans to roll out the measure in early August, with systems already in place for smooth implementation.
Financial Impact and Future Expansion
Under the agreement with IACAD, Parkin will operate the mosque parking spaces under a revenue-sharing model. While the financial return is described as modest and not materially significant to Parkin’s overall performance, the partnership adds strategic value by expanding its private parking portfolio to 20,800 spaces.
According to Parkin, this rollout could be a stepping stone for further expansion, potentially including more mosque sites in the future, depending on performance and public response.
This expansion reflects Parkin’s growing role in shaping Dubai’s urban parking ecosystem. The company already operates approximately 209,000 paid parking spaces across the emirate, in addition to managing around 19,000 developer-owned spaces under separate agreements.
Improving Access and Accountability
IACAD’s Director-General, Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, welcomed the development as part of a wider initiative to improve mosque services and urban convenience. The regulation of these parking spaces is expected to elevate the overall worship experience while ensuring that community infrastructure is better used.
By controlling misuse and providing more systematic access to mosque parking, the initiative balances both spiritual convenience and urban regulation.
Benefits for Residents and Worshippers
Here’s what Dubai residents and mosque-goers can expect:
- Free parking up to one hour during each prayer time
- Clearly marked parking zones (M and MP) across 59 sites
- 24-hour enforcement outside prayer timings
- Transparent fee structure with digital systems for easy payments
- Improved access for genuine mosque visitors during peak hours
Parkin will ensure signage and digital infrastructure are in place before August, so that both residents and visitors can adjust to the changes smoothly.
This move addresses a recurring issue in Dubai: misuse of mosque parking spaces by individuals not attending prayers, especially in high-demand residential areas. By introducing controlled access and combining free slots during prayers with a paid structure otherwise, the city aims to strike a fair balance between respect for religious practice and public resource management.
With this rollout, Dubai continues to take measured steps towards more organised, accessible, and resident-friendly urban solutions — all while respecting the cultural fabric of its communities.
Read More:
- Dubai Parking Fees Just Got More Expensive – Here’s What You Need to Know – Social Kandura
- Dubai student & teacher parking now just Dh100/month with Parkin – Social Kandura
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