DUBAI: Picture this: you drive into your favourite mall, breeze past the car park entrance without stopping for a ticket, and when you're done shopping, you exit just as effortlessly. This futuristic, barrier-free parking experience is about to become a reality for shoppers in Dubai.
In a move set to revolutionise parking across the UAE, Majid Al Futtaim, in collaboration with Parkin, is bringing state-of-the-art, licence plate recognition technology to three of its busiest malls.
Starting in 2025, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif will introduce seamless parking systems that promise to eliminate delays, reduce congestion, and make your visit more enjoyable than ever.
How it works
The new system will be seamlessly integrated into the car parks at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, and City Centre Mirdif. As shoppers drive in, cameras will automatically capture their vehicle’s licence plate.
For customers who need to pay a fee, an SMS will be sent with a link to an online payment platform, ensuring they can complete the transaction without having to queue or find a pay station. With the option to link their account to Parkin’s wallet, drivers can enjoy the added convenience of automatic payments.
What does this mean for shoppers?
Majid Al Futtaim’s decision to introduce barrierless parking stems from its mission to continually enhance the customer experience. With over 20 million cars passing through these three malls annually, the move is set to revolutionise parking, cutting queues and easing congestion during peak shopping times.
Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, explained: “At Majid Al Futtaim, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the customer experience at every touchpoint. Our partnership with Parkin demonstrates our commitment to offering advanced solutions that simplify the parking process while addressing common visitor challenges."
Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating: "This strategically important new agreement with a leading mall operator complements our existing operations and underscores our ongoing commitment to continued growth. Our smart systems will reduce congestion and enable smooth traffic flow.”
What’s next for Majid Al Futtaim malls?
While the barrierless parking system is a significant leap, Majid Al Futtaim’s vision for the future goes beyond just parking solutions. “This launch represents a major achievement in our efforts to create a digitally integrated and customer-centric shopping experience,” added Bin Braik. “We are committed to ensuring that our parking solutions evolve with the changing needs of our customers.”