From August, worshippers visiting 59 mosques across Dubai will benefit from one hour of free parking during prayer times, under a new initiative rolled out by Parkin, Dubai's public parking operator, in partnership with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
The initiative covers approximately 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosques, which will be designated either standard Zone M or premium Zone MP. The designated areas will soon be updated on the Parkin website and app.
Outside prayer times, these spaces will follow 24-hour paid parking rules, operating seven days a week. Parking in Zone M will cost Dhs 2 for 30 mins and Dhs 4 for an hour, during both peak and off-peak hours. Parking in Zone MP for 30 minutes will cost Dhs 2 during off-peak hours and Dhs 3 during peak hours, and for 1 hour, it will cost Dhs 4 during off-peak hours and Dhs 6 during peak hours.
Of the 59 locations where free parking during prayer times are applicable, 41 will be in Zone M and 18 in Zone MP.
The initiative is part of a revenue-sharing agreement between Parkin and IACAD and marks the first collaboration of its kind between the two entities. It aims to ease parking congestion, ensure better access to mosques, and enhance the overall experience for worshippers, especially during peak prayer times.
Officials note the programme could expand to include more mosques in the future, making it easier for residents across Dubai to attend prayers without added parking stress.