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.
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.

Free parking to end for thousands of spots in Dubai



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.

malkhan@thenational.ae

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

Lewis Hamilton in 2018

Australia 2nd; Bahrain 3rd; China 4th; Azerbaijan 1st; Spain 1st; Monaco 3rd; Canada 5th; France 1st; Austria DNF; Britain 2nd; Germany 1st; Hungary 1st; Belgium 2nd; Italy 1st; Singapore 1st; Russia 1st; Japan 1st; United States 3rd; Mexico 4th

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
While you're here
RESULT

Deportivo La Coruna 2 Barcelona 4
Deportivo:
Perez (39'), Colak (63')
Barcelona: Coutinho (6'), Messi (37', 81', 84')