If you’ve ever fumbled for a parking ticket while leaving City Walk or queued at a payment machine, those days are over.

Dubai’s popular lifestyle destination has rolled out a barrierless, ticketless parking system, allowing motorists to drive in and out without collecting a ticket or stopping to pay before exiting.

The new system, introduced by Parkin, uses automatic number plate recognition technology to record when vehicles enter and leave the parking facility, making the entire process faster and more convenient.

How the new parking system works

Instead of paper tickets and exit barriers, cameras identify your vehicle when you enter and exit City Walk.

Parking fees are calculated automatically based on the length of your stay.

If you have a Parkin account, the fee is deducted automatically. Visitors without an account, or those with insufficient balance, will receive a payment link to complete the transaction digitally.

The move is part of Dubai’s wider shift towards smart mobility and cashless services.

Parking charges at City Walk

Visitors can still enjoy one hour of free parking at City Walk.

After the complimentary period, parking is charged at:

• Dh5 per hour, or part of an hour.

For visitors heading to The Boulevard, a different tariff applies.

The first 30 minutes are free, after which parking costs Dh20 per hour. According to City Walk, these charges are automatically deducted through the visitor’s Salik account.

How to get free parking

Visitors spending Dh50 or more at participating outlets can receive up to three hours of complimentary parking.

To claim the benefit, shoppers and diners must validate their parking at the participating retailer before leaving.

Parking validation is also available for eligible visitors at attractions including Roxy Cinemas, The Green Planet and selected participating outlets.

Part of a growing smart parking network

City Walk is the latest destination to embrace ticketless parking as Dubai continues expanding digital payment solutions across the city.

Earlier, Parkin announced a five-year agreement with Al Ghurair Centre to introduce a similar smart parking system.

Under that arrangement, visitors receive three hours of complimentary parking before charges apply from Monday to Saturday, while parking remains free on Sundays and public holidays.

With barrierless parking now becoming more common across Dubai, motorists can expect quicker entry and exit, fewer queues and a smoother parking experience, without the hassle of paper tickets.

Emergency warning lights and sirens are reserved for authorised vehicles such as ambulances, police patrols and civil defence units in the UAE.

While some motorists may see flashing lights as a way to move through traffic faster, using or installing them on a private vehicle without permission is a criminal offence that can lead to prison, hefty fines and the confiscation of the vehicle.

An Abu Dhabi court sentenced two men to six months in prison after one illegally used emergency warning lights on a private vehicle and the other supplied and installed the equipment without authorisation.

Here’s why the UAE takes the issue so seriously.

Emergency lights are only for authorised vehicles

Emergency warning systems are designed to help first responders reach incidents as quickly and safely as possible.

These include vehicles operated by:

• Police
• Ambulance services
• Civil Defence
• Other government emergency agencies

When road users see flashing lights or hear a siren, they are expected to give way immediately. If private vehicles were allowed to use the same equipment, it would undermine the credibility of genuine emergency responders.

Public safety can be endangered

Unauthorised use of emergency lights can create confusion on the roads.

Drivers may:

• Move aside unnecessarily.
• Brake suddenly.
• Change lanes unexpectedly.
• Mistake a private vehicle for an official emergency service.

This increases the risk of collisions and can disrupt the normal flow of traffic.

They can delay genuine emergency services

If motorists become unsure whether flashing lights belong to an authorised emergency vehicle, they may hesitate before giving way.

Even a few seconds of delay can make a difference when ambulances, police officers or firefighters are responding to life-threatening situations.

Selling or installing the equipment is also illegal

The law does not only apply to drivers.

Businesses and individuals who sell, supply or install emergency warning lights or sirens without the required approvals can also face criminal penalties.

Authorities have warned companies that they may be prosecuted if they provide such equipment for unauthorised use.

What are the penalties?

The penalties can be severe.

In a recent Abu Dhabi court case:

• A driver was sentenced to six months in prison after using a private vehicle fitted with emergency warning lights.
• The vehicle and emergency equipment were confiscated.
• A company manager who supplied and installed the equipment was also sentenced to six months in prison, fined Dh100,000, and had related equipment confiscated.

The case followed an investigation by authorities after smart surveillance systems detected a vehicle using emergency lights without authorisation.

How violations are detected

The UAE uses advanced surveillance technology and traffic monitoring systems to identify vehicles using unauthorised emergency equipment.

If a violation is detected, authorities can trace the vehicle, investigate how the equipment was obtained and take legal action against both the driver and those involved in supplying or installing the systems.

The ban on emergency lights is designed to protect public safety and preserve the integrity of emergency services. By restricting their use to authorised vehicles, the UAE ensures that motorists respond immediately to genuine emergencies and that first responders can carry out their duties without unnecessary delays or confusion.

For motorists, the message is clear: installing or using emergency warning lights on a private vehicle without official approval is not only illegal, it can also carry serious legal and financial consequences.

Dubai offers a wide range of residential communities, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood, a vibrant city lifestyle or an affordable apartment with good transport links.

From waterfront towers to suburban communities with parks and schools, here’s a guide to some of the most preferred places to rent an apartment in Dubai for the long term.

Dubai Hills Estate: Family-friendly environment

Dubai Hills Estate has become one of the city’s most sought-after residential communities thanks to its green spaces, modern infrastructure and family-friendly environment.

Why renters choose Dubai Hills Estate

• Spacious apartments and villas.
• Parks, walking trails and playgrounds.
• Reputable international schools nearby.
• Dubai Hills Mall and healthcare facilities.
• Peaceful surroundings with easy access to major roads.

It’s particularly popular with expat families looking for long-term stability and a high quality of life.

Business Bay: Best for professionals

Business Bay remains one of Dubai’s top rental hotspots for professionals working in the city’s commercial districts.

Why live in Business Bay?

• Minutes from Downtown Dubai.
• Excellent access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Metro.
• Modern high-rise apartments.
• Restaurants, cafés and nightlife.
• Popular with young professionals, entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

Its central location makes commuting convenient while offering an energetic urban lifestyle.

Downtown Dubai: If you want city living

If you want to live in the heart of Dubai, Downtown Dubai offers premium apartments surrounded by iconic attractions.

Highlights include:

• Walking distance to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
• Luxury residential towers.
• Excellent dining and entertainment.
• Strong public transport connectivity.
• Vibrant lifestyle throughout the year.

Downtown is ideal for residents who enjoy living close to business, shopping and leisure destinations.

Dubai Marina: Home with a view

Dubai Marina remains one of the emirate’s most popular neighbourhoods for long-term renters.

Why choose Dubai Marina?

• Waterfront lifestyle.
• Dubai Metro and Tram connectivity.
• Wide selection of cafés and restaurants.
• Marina Walk and beach access.
• Modern apartments with premium amenities.

The area appeals to professionals and couples seeking convenience and an active social scene.

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Value for money

JVC has grown into one of Dubai’s fastest-expanding residential communities.

Residents enjoy:

• More affordable rents than many central areas.
• Parks and landscaped streets.
• Family-friendly atmosphere.
• Schools, supermarkets and fitness centres.
• New apartment developments with modern facilities.

It offers a balance between affordability and quality of life.

Dubai Silicon Oasis: Affordable living

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a popular choice for professionals, students and families looking for value.

Key advantages include:

• Competitive rental prices.
• Technology and business hub.
• Schools, clinics and shopping centres.
• Easy access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
• Many buildings offer chiller-free apartments, helping reduce monthly utility costs.

The community combines residential, commercial and leisure facilities in one location.

International City: For budget renters

International City remains one of Dubai’s most affordable apartment markets.

Why it’s popular

• Low rental prices.
• Wide choice of studio and one-bedroom apartments.
• Restaurants and supermarkets nearby.
• Schools and healthcare facilities.
• Convenient access to major roads.

It’s well suited to first-time renters, singles and those looking to keep housing costs low.

Al Barsha: Convenience for all

Al Barsha offers a central location without the premium prices found in Downtown Dubai.

Benefits include:

• Close to Mall of the Emirates.
• Good Metro connectivity.
• Schools and healthcare facilities.
• Wide range of apartment options.
• Established residential community.

It remains a practical choice for families and working professionals alike.

What to consider before renting

Before signing a tenancy contract, consider:

• Your monthly rental budget.
• Distance to work or school.
• Public transport and road access.
• Nearby supermarkets, healthcare and schools.
• Building amenities such as gyms, swimming pools and parking.
• Utility costs, including whether the apartment is chiller-free.
• Payment terms, as many landlords require rent in one to four cheques.

Which area is right for you?

Your ideal location depends on your lifestyle and priorities.

• Best for families: Dubai Hills Estate, JVC
• Best for professionals: Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina
• Best for affordable living: Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Al Barsha

With communities to suit every budget and lifestyle, Dubai continues to offer long-term renters a wide variety of options across the city.