As the city navigates a complex month of regional shifts and unsettled weather, Parkin Company, Dubai’s largest provider of paid public parking, has launched a timely initiative to revitalise local commerce. The new Spot for Shops programme, unveiled on Thursday, allows motorists to offset their parking fees by supporting neighbourhood shops across the city.

Turning parking into local support
Under the new scheme, customers making qualifying purchases at participating small businesses can have their parking fees credited back to their Parkin wallet. The validation process is handled seamlessly via the Parkin app using the customer’s mobile number.

“Small businesses play a vital role in Dubai’s economic landscape,” said Osama AlSafi, Chief Operating Officer at Parkin. “By connecting parking with everyday retail experiences, we are making it easier for customers to access neighbourhood destinations while supporting the city’s growth.”

The first wave of ‘Hidden Gems’
The pilot phase, set to go live in early May 2026, includes 15 initial outlets. High-profile neighbourhood staples such as the legendary Ravi Restaurant, Beirut Blendz, Cycle 2 Cycle, and Naif Bakery are among the first to join the programme. This move is expected to significantly boost footfall for community retailers at a time when residents are staying closer to home due to intermittent rainfall and regional travel caution.

Navigating a shifting landscape
The launch comes as the Dubai entertainment and music industry continues to pivot toward localised experiences. With international event schedules being recalibrated due to the ongoing regional crisis, the “Spot for Shops” initiative aligns with a broader city-wide trend: a return to community-centric living.

How to claim your parking cashback:

1. Park: Use any paid Parkin space near a participating business.
2. Pay: Complete your initial parking fee via the app or SMS as usual.
3. Shop: Visit a participating outlet (look for the Spot for Shops signage).
4. Validate: The merchant validates your parking via your mobile number.
5. Earn: The cashback value is credited instantly to your Parkin wallet.

Your local mosque parking lot is get about to become a green hub. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has signed a major deal to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to mosque parking spaces across the city.

The 8-year agreement was signed (April 8), with the Emarat EV Charging Stations Company (UAEV). This move turns mosque parking areas into convenient spots for residents to power up their cars during prayer times or visits.

This isn’t just about a few plugs; it’s a full-scale smart infrastructure project:

• Advanced Tech: Installation of modern, high-speed charging units.
• Smart App: A dedicated digital application will show you exactly where the nearest available mosque charger is in real-time.
• Easy Payments: Secure, integrated smart payment systems for a seamless experience.
• Continuous Care: UAEV will handle all maintenance and performance monitoring.
  

This initiative follows just days after the announcement of 600 new supercharging spaces being installed at public parks and beaches.

• Community Hubs: Mosques will now serve as multi-functional spaces that support sustainable mobility.
• Environmental Goals: The project supports the UAE’s mission to have 50% of vehicles on the road be battery-electric by 2050.

Finding a charger in Dubai is getting much easier. By integrating clean energy into community spaces like mosques, Dubai is making eco-friendly living a natural part of daily life.

Sci-fi is officially reality in Dubai. The RTA has launched its fleet of 100 autonomous taxis, now roaming the streets of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.

How to book your ride

Dubai has partnered with global tech giants Apollo Go (Baidu) and WeRide to make booking as easy as ordering a pizza. You can find them on:

• The Uber App: WeRide vehicles are integrated directly into the Uber platform.
• The Apollo Go App: Operated in cooperation with the Dubai Taxi Company.

Where can you ride?

Currently, the service is focused on two of Dubai’s most iconic coastal districts:

• Jumeirah
• Umm Suqeim

How safe are autonomous cabs?

Before hitting the road, these vehicles underwent “extensive testing” to navigate real-world traffic.

• The Tech: They use AI, advanced sensors, and HD digital mapping.
• The Smart City: The taxis are designed to process data in real-time, handling intersections, traffic signals, and pedestrians without a human behind the wheel.

This rollout is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to lead the world in self-driving transport. If you’re in Jumeirah, your next Uber might just be a robot.