In a strategic move to enhance parking services, Salik, the renowned tollgate operator, has joined forces with Emaar Malls to introduce a paid parking system at the iconic Dubai Mall. This revolutionary barrier-free approach, slated for implementation by the third quarter of 2024, aims to provide visitors with a seamless and efficient parking experience.
A Landmark Collaboration
Salik announced its collaboration with Emaar Malls, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art parking management system. The agreement outlines Salik’s role in designing, financing, developing, installing, and managing the system, while Dubai Mall will contribute the necessary local infrastructure, office space, and car park maintenance.
The Dubai Mall, boasting over 13,000 parking spaces, will mark Salik’s entry into revenue diversification beyond toll gates, showcasing the company’s adaptability and innovation.
Futuristic Fee Collection
The parking fees will be automatically collected through a ticketless system employing advanced vehicle plate recognition technology. The system, an amalgamation of automatic number plate recognition and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, ensures a hassle-free experience for users.
A camera captures the plate number and entry time as vehicles enter the parking facility. Upon exit, the system calculates the parking duration, with fees yet to be defined by Emaar Malls. Charges will be deducted from the Salik user account, adding a layer of convenience to the process.
Unveiling Salik
Salik, which translates to ‘seamless mobility’ in Arabic, was introduced in 2007 as Dubai’s automatic road toll collection system by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The system, designed for free-flowing movement, eliminates the need for motorists to stop manually at toll booths or gates on Dubai highways.
As a public joint stock company since June 2022, Salik has strategically managed eight toll gates across Dubai, notably on the vital Sheikh Zayed Road. Under a 49-year concession agreement with the RTA, Salik holds the exclusive right to operate existing and future toll gates until 2071.
Paving the Way for Growth
With over two million registered active accounts and four million active vehicles, Salik is now venturing into the private parking market in Dubai. The company aims to tap into the estimated 50,000 parking spaces, providing a seamless and convenient customer journey.
Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO and board member of Salik Company PJSC, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Salik is ideally placed to provide this seamless and convenient customer journey, with the solution eliminating the need for gates or barriers at Dubai Mall, helping to minimize congestion and traffic for the customers.”
Vision for the Future
Salik’s expansion plans extend beyond the Dubai Mall initiative. The company envisions replicating its success in other locations across the city, contributing to improved traffic flow and customer satisfaction. Salik’s barrier-free system sets a new standard for user-friendly parking services as other malls and hypermarkets employ parking charges.
Ahmed Almatrooshi, Emaar Properties executive board member and general director of Emaar Foundation, expressed optimism, stating, “We believe that this initiative will not only meet but also exceed our guests’ expectations, adding value to each visit and reinforcing Dubai Mall’s position as the premier shopping and lifestyle destination.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the collaboration between Salik and Emaar Malls marks a significant leap in parking management technology, offering a futuristic, barrier-free system at the esteemed Dubai Mall. As the project unfolds in the coming months, it promises to redefine the parking experience, setting a benchmark for convenience, efficiency, and innovation in the city. Stay tuned for the third quarter of 2024, when this groundbreaking system is set to revolutionize parking at Dubai Mall.
