Dubai and Abu Dhabi are implementing advanced barrierless parking systems to create a more fluid and convenient experience for motorists. Using technologies like automatic licence plate recognition and AI-powered traffic management, the initiative aims to reduce congestion in busy urban areas. By removing physical barriers and tickets, these systems save time for drivers and help optimise traffic flow in commercial hubs, which continue to attract residents and investment through programmes like the Golden Visas and Dubai’s future market.
Major Malls Lead the Transition
Several of Dubai’s most prominent shopping centres have been early adopters of the new technology. The Mall of the Emirates began its rollout of a barrierless system on 3 February, following a similar launch at Deira City Centre in January. The developer, Majid Al Futtaim, partnered with Parkin PJSC on a five-year contract to manage the new operations.
In May, BurJuman Mall also activated its ticketless paid parking system. The upgrade was accompanied by updated parking regulations, including revised free hours and fine structures, to support the user-friendly technology.
Expanding Beyond Retail Centres
The move towards automated parking extends to other key commercial locations. A similar system is planned for the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, where DP World and Parkin will manage around 2,500 spaces for light vehicles and 500 for trucks. The use of licence plate recognition and real-time data is expected to improve movement for traders and supply chain operators.
The network of automated parking is also growing rapidly through service providers like Parkonic. In April, the company added 18 new locations in Dubai, bringing its total to 24. New sites include Union Coop branches, The Beach JBR, Marina Walk, and the Museum of the Future. At many of these locations, parking is cashless and ticketless, with payments automatically deducted from a motorist’s Salik account.
Abu Dhabi Embraces Smart Parking
Abu Dhabi is also adopting the technology to improve its urban infrastructure. At the Gitex Global 2025 conference, Q Mobility unveiled its ‘Zero Barrier AI Parking’ system, which integrates smart cameras, automated payment, and real-time traffic monitoring.
Furthermore, a partnership between Salik and Parkonic is set to bring ticketless paid parking to more malls across the capital. Charges will be automatically taken from drivers’ Salik accounts, with alternative payment options available through the Parkonic app, website, or mall kiosks. On 20 June, Nation Towers in Abu Dhabi adopted the system, becoming the fourth location in the capital to implement barrierless parking.
