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Dubai Silicon Oasis on-street paid parking to launch soon: What drivers need to know

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Motorists in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) will soon need to budget for on-street parking, as a new ticketless, fully digital system prepares to go live across the community.

Managed by Parkonic, the initiative introduces a time-based pricing structure and integrates directly with drivers’ Salik accounts for automatic billing, marking a significant shift from traditional parking models in Dubai.

The official activation date has yet to be confirmed.

Tiered parking fees

Under the new regulations, parking charges will apply from Monday to Saturday, with free parking on Sundays and public holidays.

The hourly rates are structured as follows:

  • Dh4 per hour: 8am to 4pm
  • Dh6 per hour (peak): 4pm to 8pm
  • Dh4 per hour: 8pm to midnight

The higher evening tariff is designed to manage demand during peak hours, particularly in mixed-use residential and commercial zones.

How the cashless system works

Unlike conventional paid parking zones in Dubai, DSO will not have:

  • Physical ticket machines
  • Cash payment options
  • QR code payment points

Instead, the system operates entirely through digital number plate recognition.

Drivers will have two payment options:

1. SMS Parking

Motorists can send an SMS to the number displayed on signage to initiate a parking session.

2. Automatic Salik Deduction (Default Method)

If no SMS session is activated, the system will automatically deduct the parking fee from the vehicle’s Salik account upon exit.

The vehicle’s Salik account is the default payment method unless SMS payment is successfully initiated.

Advice for drivers without Salik card

The parking policy applies to all vehicles, including those belonging to People of Determination (POD).

Drivers without a Salik account, or those with insufficient balance, are advised to use the SMS payment option. Failure to pay may result in:

  • Fines
  • Possible enforcement measures, including blacklisting

Salik deductions remain subject to the toll operator’s standard terms and conditions.

What residents and visitors should do

With activation pending, residents and regular visitors to Dubai Silicon Oasis are encouraged to:

  • Ensure their Salik account is active and sufficiently funded
  • Familiarise themselves with the tiered rate structure
  • Monitor official announcements from Parkonic for the confirmed start date

The move reflects Dubai’s continued push toward smart city infrastructure and automated mobility systems, while also reshaping parking habits in one of the emirate’s fastest-growing communities.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Will UAE petrol prices rise in August? Here’s what we know

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UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.

The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.

Will fuel prices go up?

After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.

Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.

Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.

Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.

Current UAE fuel prices

Motorists are currently paying:

  • Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
  • Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
  • Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre

These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.

How UAE fuel prices are set

The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.

The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.

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UAE traffic fine: Why leaving your engine idling can cost you Dh500

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Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.

The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.

Safety risks

Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.

Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.

Traffic laws

Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.

Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.

Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.

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Dubai Airports unveils smart gate pre-check for passengers

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Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.

Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.

How it works

Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.

The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.

Faster airport experience

Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.

By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.

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