Worshippers in Dubai will soon see a new parking system rolled out around 59 mosques across the city, and while the move introduces 24-hour paid parking, there’s good news too: It remains free during prayer times.

Starting in August, Parkin Company, Dubai’s largest public parking provider, will manage around 2,100 parking spaces in partnership with the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). The spaces, located around mosques, will be free to use for one hour during each prayer, helping ensure convenient access for worshippers.

Outside of those times, however, the same parking spots will operate as regular paid zones – either Zone M (standard) or Zone MP (premium), and will be chargeable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Zone M (Standard): Dh2 for 30 minutes, Dh4 for an hour.
• Zone MP (Premium):
  • Off-peak: Dh2 (30 min), Dh4 (1 hour)
  • Peak: Dh3 (30 min), Dh6 (1 hour)

Of the 59 mosques involved, 41 will be in Zone M, while 18 fall under the premium MP category.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how this collaboration improves the worshipper experience,” said Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin.

For now, this initiative is focused on the current 59 mosques, but both Parkin and IACAD say there’s potential to expand the programme in future.

Parkin already manages around 209,000 paid parking spaces across Dubai, including developer-owned areas and barrierless systems at malls like City Centre Deira and Mirdif. This partnership adds to their growing footprint and introduces a structured approach to mosque parking that balances convenience with efficiency.

j

In a major boost for aspiring medical students, especially those facing financial challenges, Aster DM Healthcare has launched a new scholarship programme offering 100% tuition fee waivers for MBBS, BSc Nursing, and BPharm courses. Designed to support 25 deserving students every year, the initiative opens doors to high-quality medical education at no cost, removing a key financial barrier for many talented individuals across India and the UAE

The Dr. Moopen’s Legacy Scholarship & Fellowships Programme, announced by Padma Shri Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, is the first of its kind from a private medical college in Kerala, and promises to transform access to healthcare education in underserved regions.

“No capable student should have to give up on a dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist because they cannot afford it,” said Dr. Moopen. “This initiative is our commitment to changing that.”

Scholarship Details:

• 5 MBBS students will be selected based entirely on academic merit, including NEET rankings.
• 10 BSc Nursing and 10 BPharm students will be chosen based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.
• The scholarship will cover 100% of tuition fees.
• Over five years, 125 students are expected to benefit, with a financial commitment exceeding INR 3 crore annually.

Applications open on July 28, 2025, and detailed eligibility guidelines are available at www.dmscholarship.in.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has issued a federal decree promoting Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, to the military rank of Lieutenant General.

The promotion comes just over a year after Sheikh Hamdan was appointed to two senior Cabinet roles, Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister, on July 14, 2024. He was officially sworn in before the President on Union Pledge Day.

Since then, Sheikh Hamdan has played a crucial role in shaping the UAE’s defence strategy, strengthening international military cooperation, and advancing the nation’s long-term security and development agenda.

A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the London School of Economics, Sheikh Hamdan has brought a globally informed approach to local leadership. His public service career began with his appointment as Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council in 2006, and he was named Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

In his various leadership roles, Sheikh Hamdan has overseen transformative developments in Dubai across sectors including infrastructure, technology, tourism, and social policy. His tenure is marked by strong economic growth, innovation-driven governance, and a focus on inclusive progress.

Beyond his official capacity, Sheikh Hamdan is known for his deep cultural engagement. Under his pen name ‘Fazza’, he is a celebrated poet, equestrian, and falconer, widely admired for his contributions to the UAE’s heritage and conservation efforts.

Born on November 14, 1982, Sheikh Hamdan received his early education at Rashid Private School in Dubai before pursuing advanced studies in the UK and UAE. His blend of modern leadership and traditional values continues to resonate across the nation.