Dubai’s Al Khail Gate to get Free Parking: RTA

The management of the residential area, Dubai’s Al Khail Gate community, recently sent out a notification about the new scheme as per which the residents will now be getting one free parking space per flat.

This came as a much-awaited and needed news for the residents as previously to use the space, all drivers have to pay Dh4 per hour and a maximum daily fee of Dh32 per 24 hours as Paid parking had been introduced into the neighbourhood in 2018 by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

With the new scheme, “those who signed their contracts in January will receive the free parking space”, a customer service agent from the management confirmed.

When the RTA introduced the paid parking into the neighbourhood, a spokesperson had said: “The move is intended to streamline the use of that parking area, which is witnessing high occupancy rates and provide the highest number of parking slots possible to users. The step is in line with the RTA’s goal to ensure optimal utilisation of resources and stepping up the level of service on offer across all districts of the emirate.

“The parking lot at Al Khail Gate Community has been classified into different zones designated by clearly displayed signs as per the needs of the community. Some parking spaces will be allocated to residents only, and others will be available for visitors.” Akif Hassan, a resident since 2011, said that free parking will help as parking has been “chaotic” in recent years. “In the beginning when we first moved here, it was very quiet – you could easily park any time of the day,” he said. “But as the community grew, it became a nightmare to find parking. People parked on the side of the road and then paid parking was introduced in 2018.

“With the free parking space, it will certainly help because I pay Dh2.500 for the RTA parking ticket and it will save me that amount.”

Another resident, Aisha Fayaz, appreciated the new development by the management of the community. “Many residents had left the community after the paid parking was put in place as it added to the cost of living here,” she said, “It is surely going to be more convenient. Al Khail has very good facilities and the only drawback was the paid parking.”