Uptown Motor City Residents Raise Concerns Over New Paid Visitor Parking System

Homeowners and residents in Uptown Motor City, Dubai, have voiced concerns regarding a new paid parking system set to be implemented in designated visitor areas. The system, a collaboration between Parkonic, Salik, and community management company EDACOM, proposes charges of AED 5 per hour, 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays, starting from September 3, 2026.

Resident Concerns

Residents highlight that many households possess an additional car beyond their allocated parking spaces, forcing them to rely on visitor parking. Andreas Lambri, a homeowner, stated that such charges could amount to AED 2,700 a month for those dependent on visitor parking. Homeowners also question the lack of clear distinction between resident and visitor vehicles, and the potential impact on visitors like family, friends, caregivers, and tradespeople who would incur hourly charges.

Concerns were also raised regarding the consultation process, with some homeowners stating insufficient engagement with the owners' committee and residents prior to the decision. They also question whether the new system should impact existing service or Master Community/Usage Charges, which are already paid for community management and maintenance.

EDACOM's Response and Rationale

EDACOM clarified that the new system applies exclusively to designated visitor parking areas and does not introduce additional charges for residents using their allocated spaces. The initiative aims to address existing parking challenges, including illegal parking, overcrowding of residential spaces, prolonged occupation of visitor spots, and abandoned vehicles. The system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to monitor vehicles.

EDACOM stated that the new measures are intended to ensure visitor spaces remain accessible for genuine visitors and retail customers, supporting better parking availability and traffic flow. They also mentioned that long-term parking options through Parkonic will be available for residents requiring additional spaces, with further information provided upon request. EDACOM asserts that the introduction of the system aligns with Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) guidelines and that residents were informed a month in advance of the planned changes.