Dubai Implements Variable Parking Rates Amid Gulfood Exhibition Surge
Public Parking Fees Increase to Dh25 Per Hour as Event Attendance Grows
Dubai, UAE – In a bid to manage rising traffic during significant events, Dubai authorities have introduced a new variable parking rate of Dh25 per hour for public parking around the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), coinciding with the commencement of the Gulfood exhibition on February 17. This new fee represents a substantial increase from the typical rate of Dh4 per hour.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai announced that parking zones 335X, 336X, and 337X will implement the increased rates specifically during the Gulfood exhibition, which is held from February 17 to February 21. Notices detailing the rate adjustment were disseminated through the RTA app, and the designated parking zones are marked with white boards, in contrast to the usual orange signage found across other parking facilities in Dubai.
Despite the steep hike in parking fees, demand surged as spaces around the DWTC reached full capacity by 10 AM on the first day of the event.
Exhibitors and attendees alike opted for the public parking solution due to the significantly higher rates at nearby private parking facilities, which charge between Dh40 to Dh80 per hour.
Mohammed Hameed, an exhibitor who travelled from Sharjah, expressed his willingness to pay the Dh25 fee, emphasizing the cost-benefit of using public parking for his anticipated eight-hour stay.
He noted the logistics of bringing multiple items required for his exhibition but mentioned he might consider public transport options such as the metro for future visits.
Another attendee, Shenin Shereef, parked at the Al Mustaqbal parking centre, expecting to incur a total charge of Dh200 for the day due to the hourly pricing structure in place.
Shereef indicated that his residential location, which lacks nearby public transport access, necessitated driving.
The rate adjustment is part of Dubai's Congestion Pricing Policy, announced by the RTA in November 2022, intended to mitigate traffic congestion during peak periods around major venues.
As part of this policy, the increased parking fees during major events are aimed at discouraging private vehicle usage and encouraging the use of public transport.
Gulfood, which is currently celebrating its 30th edition, is recognized as one of the largest food and beverage trade exhibitions globally, drawing significant participation from over 5,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees from 129 countries.
The event is anticipated to generate trade deals exceeding Dh70 billion and is integral to the economy of Dubai while impacting local traffic and parking demands.
The RTA has indicated ongoing efforts to potentially extend the Congestion Pricing Policy to additional event zones in the future to manage traffic flow more effectively throughout the city.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai announced that parking zones 335X, 336X, and 337X will implement the increased rates specifically during the Gulfood exhibition, which is held from February 17 to February 21. Notices detailing the rate adjustment were disseminated through the RTA app, and the designated parking zones are marked with white boards, in contrast to the usual orange signage found across other parking facilities in Dubai.
Despite the steep hike in parking fees, demand surged as spaces around the DWTC reached full capacity by 10 AM on the first day of the event.
Exhibitors and attendees alike opted for the public parking solution due to the significantly higher rates at nearby private parking facilities, which charge between Dh40 to Dh80 per hour.
Mohammed Hameed, an exhibitor who travelled from Sharjah, expressed his willingness to pay the Dh25 fee, emphasizing the cost-benefit of using public parking for his anticipated eight-hour stay.
He noted the logistics of bringing multiple items required for his exhibition but mentioned he might consider public transport options such as the metro for future visits.
Another attendee, Shenin Shereef, parked at the Al Mustaqbal parking centre, expecting to incur a total charge of Dh200 for the day due to the hourly pricing structure in place.
Shereef indicated that his residential location, which lacks nearby public transport access, necessitated driving.
The rate adjustment is part of Dubai's Congestion Pricing Policy, announced by the RTA in November 2022, intended to mitigate traffic congestion during peak periods around major venues.
As part of this policy, the increased parking fees during major events are aimed at discouraging private vehicle usage and encouraging the use of public transport.
Gulfood, which is currently celebrating its 30th edition, is recognized as one of the largest food and beverage trade exhibitions globally, drawing significant participation from over 5,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees from 129 countries.
The event is anticipated to generate trade deals exceeding Dh70 billion and is integral to the economy of Dubai while impacting local traffic and parking demands.
The RTA has indicated ongoing efforts to potentially extend the Congestion Pricing Policy to additional event zones in the future to manage traffic flow more effectively throughout the city.
