Free parking to end for thousands of spots in Dubai

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a 10-year agreement to operate, manage and regulate paid meters in more than 9,000 parking bays in Dubai.

The 10-year agreement between the RTA and Tecom, the first of its kind in a free zone, covers around 9,084 parking spots in the three free zones.

DUBAI // Paid parking will be fully introduced in Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Village next year.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a 10-year agreement with Tecom to operate, manage and regulate their parking bays.

"This agreement will help sort out traffic congestion in areas where Tecom is operating," said Abdullatif Al Mulla, chief executive of Tecom Investments.

It is the first agreement of its kind in a free zone and will affect about 9,084 parking spots.

Parking zones will be divided into two categories – spaces reserved for partners and clients of Tecom, and paid parking zones.

The RTA says it will install parking meters that allow for fees to be paid by phone, and it will provide annual, six-month and three-month permits for undisclosed prices.

Fees will apply for metered bays between 8am and 6pm from Saturday to Thursday. Those who do not pay can be fined up to Dh500.

RTA officials say it will take about three months to update the system.

"This agreement aims to streamline the use of public parking, reduce traffic grids, provide the largest possible number of parking slots for users, and curb the disorderly and dangerous parking practices that undermine the safety of road users," said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the RTA.