Dubai residents will soon have access to free parking for one hour around mosques during prayer times under a new agreement signed by Parkin Company and the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). Under phase one of the revenue-sharing agreement, Parkin will operate and manage around 2,100 parking spaces across 59 sites in Dubai, on behalf of IACAD.
This landmark collaboration, the first of its kind between Parkin and IACAD, will enhance access to mosques by ensuring fair and efficient use of mosque parking facilities for all visitors, especially during prayer time.
Operational rollout to commence in August 2025
The partnership aims to ease the challenge of finding parking during prayer time, improve access to mosques at all times, and enhance the overall religious experience for worshippers across Dubai. In the future, there is potential to scale up this initiative to cover additional mosques that are part of IACAD’s portfolio.
These parking spaces will be designated as Zone M (standard) or Zone MP (premium) and, outside prayer hours, will be chargeable 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
During prayer time, mosque visitors will be able to park free of charge for up to one hour. Of the 59 sites, 41 will be located in zone M and 18 will be located in zone MP. Operational rollout is targeted to commence in August 2025.
“This pioneering initiative between Parkin and IACAD prioritises community needs by enabling wider accessible parking while reducing misuse by non-visitors. We are targeting to introduce this measure during August and look forward to how this collaboration will enhance the worshipper experience, streamlining parking efficiency around mosques,” said Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin.
Dubai mosque services to improve
H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, director general of the IACAD in Dubai, affirmed that the partnership marks a significant step in enhancing cooperation between the government and semi-government sectors. It ushers in a new phase of mosque service improvements, enhancing the worshipper experience and elevating the quality of religious life across the emirate.
“The signing of this agreement reflects our strong commitment to providing a comprehensive parking service around mosques, one that enhances the experience of worshippers during and beyond prayer times, while also supporting the Dubai government’s vision of delivering smart, proactive mobility services that cater to the needs of all segments of society,” said Al Muhairi.
For his part, Mr. Mohammed Musbeh Dhahi, executive director of the charitable work sector at the IACAD in Dubai, concluded by stating that this collaboration is a significant addition that supports the department’s efforts to enhance the enforcement and supervision system of mosques by improving access efficiency to their facilities, monitoring maintenance activities and ensuring the readiness of their surrounding environment.
