AI-powered parking checks coming to three Dubai malls
New system targets misuse of People of Determination parking bays
DUBAI – Parkin Company PJSC, Dubai’s largest provider of paid public parking facilities, has signed a multi-year agreement with EMAAR Mall Management, a subsidiary of EMAAR Properties PJSC, to introduce advanced parking enforcement services across key retail destinations.
The initiative will cover Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Marina Mall, marking a strategic expansion of Parkin’s services into high-traffic commercial hubs. The move is designed to enhance accessibility, streamline traffic flow and ensure compliance with parking regulations.
Under the agreement, Parkin will deploy a combination of AI-driven technology and on-ground inspections to oversee parking usage. The primary focus will be on safeguarding spaces designated for People of Determination (PoD), ensuring they remain accessible only to authorised users.
Smart monitoring
Central to the rollout is Parkin’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which will be integrated into EMAAR’s existing infrastructure. The system automatically scans vehicle registration plates when cars occupy PoD-designated bays. It then verifies whether a valid permit is associated with the vehicle.
If no valid permit is detected, the system flags the case for review by a Parkin inspector at the command centre. Following verification, a penalty notice may be issued where necessary. A short grace period will be provided to allow drivers to relocate vehicles in cases of unintended misuse.
On-ground checks
In addition to automated monitoring, Parkin will conduct dedicated field inspections across all three malls. These inspections are intended to reinforce compliance and ensure that enforcement measures are consistently applied across locations.
The approach combines real-time digital oversight with physical verification, creating a comprehensive enforcement framework. This model is expected to improve the overall efficiency of parking facilities while addressing misuse of designated spaces.
Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, stated that the partnership will help ensure unobstructed access to parking for People of Determination, highlighting both regulatory compliance and community benefit. He noted that the integration of AI-driven ANPR technology alongside field inspections supports a robust enforcement model and aligns with the company’s strategy to expand beyond traditional public parking operations.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Executive Director at Emaar Properties, said the collaboration reflects a continued focus on enhancing customer experience while promoting accessibility. He added that the adoption of smart technologies will help maintain high operational standards and contribute to a more organised and inclusive environment across EMAAR’s retail destinations.